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 the past two

gave a polite smile and walked

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

of a shop window, her brow furrowing

Chapter

was there to buy a new bulb for the

with the new bulb, Sophia saw Brandon still

unavoidably locked eyes

so she couldn’t be overly friendly either. When their eyes met again, she gave a slight tug of her lips,

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

passed his car Brandon opened the door

Sophia didn’t say anything.

speak, just silently trailed behind her

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

Brandon said, “No”

Sophia was silent

any food

couldn’t help but remind him, “You know,

old friend swing by for a

hesitatingly unlocking the

bulb in her hand, his brows knitting slightly.

nodded. “Yeah, the bathroom bulb

out.

okay, I can

was cut short as Brandon

grabbed a chair from the hallway, and stood on it, easily reaching the light. Sophia, worried about electrical hazards, said, “I’ll go turn off the

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

steady voice came from above as he

never seen Brandon change a bulb before, but it seemed like smart folks have a knack for figuring things out. His movements were smooth and

She watched, transfixed.

Sophia was still staring, caught off guard by his gaze. She awkwardly tugged at her lips, stepping back to put some distance

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

silence made Sophia feel

check if

that, she turned to leave, but her wrist was suddenly caught, her phone dropped, and a light filled

and before she knew it, Brandon had pulled her in front

up 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 towards his. His crisp breath closed

Chapter

kiss.

instinctively tried to push him

hands around her waist and the back of her skull suddenly lightened, and Brandon deepened the kiss with an undeniable

Sophia couldn’t resist

breathing began to fill the

the wall,

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, teetering on the edge of losing

seeing his

could clearly sense his breathing

let her go, turned to pick up the ringing phone for the second time, and handed it to

Sophia said softly, not looking up at him, just silently taking the phone and answering it, her hand covering the device as she turned

at her before heading to the electrical switch by the

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