The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

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.

norm for

say more, just gave a polite smile

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

parked there through the glass of a

Chapter

a new bulb for

new bulb, Sophia saw

unavoidably locked eyes

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 lips, a sort

no emotion, just watched her, his presence heavy, making even Sophia’s breathing feel

opened the door

Sophia didn’t say anything.

her all the

couldn’t bear it and turned hesitantly. “Do you need

Brandon said, “No”

Sophia was silent

food

but remind him,

an old friend swing by for

hesitatingly unlocking

noticed the bulb in her hand, his brows

the bathroom bulb burned

reached out. “Give it

okay, I

short as Brandon had

the light. Sophia, worried about electrical

flashlight to help him see.

above as he skillfully removed the old

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 silhouetted against

She watched, transfixed.

finished the job and stepped down from the chair. Sophia was still staring, caught off guard by his gaze. She awkwardly tugged at her lips,

from her retreating legs to her face, lingering

made Sophia feel

if

to leave, but her wrist was suddenly caught, her phone dropped, and a light

a beat, and before she knew it,

in a panic, 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

Chapter

kiss.

to

waist and the back of her skull suddenly lightened, and Brandon deepened the kiss

Sophia couldn’t resist

began to fill the cramped

the wall,

rough and domineering, his demeanor tinged with a desperate emotion she couldn’t quite understand Confused, but without a chance to delve deeper, the kiss became more intense,

her from seeing his face, and pressed her cheek against his

clearly sense

her go, turned to pick up the ringing phone for

softly, not looking up at him, just silently taking the phone and

at her before heading to

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