Chapter 3

And Kent was stumped.

Brandon said, “Aren’t you busy at work?”-

Kent shook his head like a madman. “Busy, super busy.”

He sneaked a peek at the darkness outside the window and couldn’t help but give a little nudge. “Mr. Crawley, it’s way past quitting time, and, uh, I’ve got an appointment to check out a place with a realtor, can I take off now?”

Brandon glanced at the time on his computer-it was already past seven.

He gave a nod “Mhm.”

Thanks. Mr. Crawley. After a hurried thank you, Kent did a quick tidy up and bolted out the door.

When the office door shut, Brandon finally lifted his gaze from the computer, his eyes lingering on the closed door for a moment before drifting to the vast night outside the window.

It was the time when thousands of homes were lit up, and the lights in the distant neighborhood were twinkling like

stars.

Brandon’s mind wandered to the lights at home and Sophia, always curled up on the couch sketching.

Sophia’s face flashed through his mind, and Brandon’s expression softened. He pulled his eyes away from the window and back to the computer screen. His long fingers hit the keyboard, ready to dive back into work, but after typing just one character, he stopped. The designs and spreadsheets that once captivated him now seemed bland.

With a swift move, Brandon pushed the keyboard away, stood up, yanked his suit jacket off the coat rack, grabbed the car keys from his desk, and left.

Once in the car, his emotions gradually settled down.

Brandon let out a sigh, started the engine, and slowly drove off.

Outside the window, the busy streets were a blur of light and color, a hive of activity. Brandon drove aimlessly, not wanting to go home.

As he passed by Sophia’s neighborhood, Kent’s words burst into his mind unannounced. “Looks like Sophia’s gonna sell the house.”

Brandon couldn’t help but glance at the entrance to her complex.

Just then, Sophia emerged, and their eyes met in a fleeting moment as she paused.

Brandon saw her too, his gaze coolly sweeping over her face.

Sophia managed a strained smile.

Brandon coldly looked away.

Sophia felt awkward, gave a self-macking chuckle, and turned to leave.

Suddenly, Brandon called out to her, “Are you going out?”

His voice was as calm and steady as ever

Sophia looked at him surprised and nodded. “Yeah, just need to pick up a few things.”

Brandon nodded and said nothing more.

was the norm for the past

just gave a

make another sound, didn’t follow her, but he

through the glass of a shop window,

Chapter

buy a new bulb for the

out with the new bulb, Sophia saw Brandon still

locked eyes

hadn’t split as bitter enemies She couldn’t pretend he wasn’t there, but they had been like strangers in their mamage, so she couldn’t be overly friendly either. When their eyes met again, she gave a slight tug of her

his

opened the door and

Sophia didn’t say anything.

speak, just silently trailed behind her

Sophia couldn’t bear it and turned hesitantly. “Do

Brandon said, “No”

Sophia was silent

food at

remind him, “You

old friend swing by for

was speechless, hesitatingly

noticed the bulb in her hand, his brows knitting slightly. “Light’s

“Yeah, the bathroom

out. “Give

I can do

short as Brandon had already taken the

worried about electrical hazards, said, “I’ll go turn off the power,” and shut off the circuit

turned on her phone’s flashlight to help him see. “Can you see

came from above as he skillfully removed the old

a bulb before, but it seemed like smart folks have a knack for figuring things out. His movements were smooth and decisive, a sort of effortless cool. Sophia’s eyes drifted from his hands to his face, his sharp profile

She watched, transfixed.

off guard by his gaze. She awkwardly tugged

her retreating legs to her face, lingering on her eyes, yet he said

Sophia feel

check if the light’s working

was suddenly caught, her phone dropped, and a light filled the

knew it, Brandon

and his hand smoothly slid from her wrist to wrap tightly around her waist, while his other hand fell to the back of her head, lifting her face towards his. His crisp breath closed in, and Brandon sealed her lips with

Chapter

kiss.

instinctively tried to push

of her skull suddenly lightened, and

Sophia couldn’t resist

to

Sophia against the

understand Confused, but without a chance to delve deeper, the kiss became more intense, teetering

his face, and pressed

clearly sense his

to pick up the ringing phone for the second time, and handed

him, just silently taking the phone and answering it, her hand covering the device as she turned

to

but glance at his retreating figure as a female voice came through the phone. “Is this

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