The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

"Brandon's parents askedto help make this thing happen," Don said. "Honestly, as an outsider, | shouldn't be sticking my nose

in. But as Brandon's friend, | want him to be happy."

Sophia just looked at him without a word. Don hadn't quite hit the nail on the head yet.

"You know Brandon," Don continued. "The guy's actually got a lot going for him—he's easy on the eyes, tall, in good shape, smart

as a whip, Ivy League grad, CEO of a big company, rolling in dough, and handsto boot. He doesn't mess around like some

other guys, he's clean as a whistle, kind, and considerate. The only downside is he's a bit cold when it comes to feelings and

emotions."

Don looked at Sophia as he spoke. "A guy like him, stepping into a new marriage would be a walk in the park. Because to him, who

he marries might not make much of a difference."

Sophia remained silent.

She had talked about this issue with Brandon before, and he had admitted that for him, who he married didn't really matter.

A person like that, you could say he's heartless, but also that he's capable of long-term commitment.

He wouldn't cheat on his marriage, nor would he have an affair. In fact, if you're not looking for romance, he's the perfect partner

to just settle down with and get through life.

Don could read the thoughts in Sophia's eyes.

"So, you see, if someone really pushed for it, single Brandon and Yolanda could end up together," Don said seriously, looking at

her. "Sophia, have you really thought this through? One day, he'll get married, have his own family; can you truly be okay with

that?"

"From the moment | decided to divorce him, his future life wasn't something | should be concerned about or care for," Sophia said

softly, understanding Don's point. "Mr. Dempsey, if you want to play matchmaker for Brandon and Marian, don't worry about me."

Don looked at Sophia, speechless.

Her calmness left him feeling somewhat deflated.

He was actually torn inside.

Due to his childhood crush on Yolanda, and watching Brandon's dedication to her over the years, this affection and dedication had

turned into an obsession to see the star-crossed lovers finally together, an obsession that was abruptly cut short when Brandon

had his whirlwind wedding.

Emotionally, he had strouble accepting it, as Brandon's actions felt like a betrayal to Yolanda.

So, during the two years of Brandon's marriage, he, like Martin, refused to find out or get to know who Brandon's wife was.

But he didn't expect Brandon's wife to be Sophia.

He admired Sophia's talent and personality, but that admiration wasn't enough to compete with his affection for Yolanda.

Childhood memories with Yolanda were just too sweet.

If Sophia and Brandon were happily and calmly in love, he would have just sighed and wished them well with admiration.

But their relationship was half-dead, and Brandon had lost his usual composure and calm. Instead of dragging it out, as he had

discussed with Kent before, what's called not being able to let go wasn't necessarily about deep feelings; it's often just habit, or

being stuck in memories unwilling to move on. But ultimately, it's because he haven't met someone new.

Brandon just needed to start a new relationship to dilute that habit.

Don was a man of action.

His matchmaking wasn't the old-fashioned kind where one set up a dinner and awkwardly shove two young people together.

Brandon wouldn't agree to that kind of set-up.

So he decided to seize the lively atmosphere today and pull both Brandon and Marian into this celebration.

In a crowded place, the matchmaking wasn't so obvious, and whether it worked out or not, it won't be awkward.

And in the thick of the action, it's easier to see each other's true feelings.

Getting Marian to cwasn't hard.

She loved a good buzz.

Although Don hadn't had much contact with Marian in the past two years, they'd kept in touch.

He sent Marian a Whatmessage. [Heard you're in the West district for a company team-building. Got tto swing by?]

He added a video clip of the scene.

Marian, bored out of her mind playing games at home, was over the moon about someone inviting her out to eat. She immediately

got up to freshen up and change, replying, [Sure, wait for me, I'll be there in half an hour.]

Don replied with a laugh and an "OK" gesture, then sent a message to Brandon. [Company team-building tonight, fancy coming

by?]

Brandon's reply cquickly. [Nah.]

Predictable.

Don shot another message. [I'm throwing a party for Sophia's success, you're not gonna show up?]

The words "Sophia" seemed to pause Brandon for a second, then he replied. [I'm not going.]

After responding, he turned off his phone, tossed it aside, and tried to get back to work, but his mind wasn't really on it.

Brandon vaguely remembered that he'd never celebrated any holiday with Sophia.

Whether it was a birthday or an anniversary, he never bothered to remember, let alone celebrate.

Back in high school, though, they'd celebrated once.

Sophia had run into strouble one night and didn't go home.

In the dead of winter, she sat alone under a streetlight at a bus stop near the school, wearing a bulky uniform, her hair in a high

ponytail, watching the buses go by without getting on one.

That bus stop was right across from the Crawley family home. He saw her sitting there alone from his room while he was reading,

her young face full of confusion.

He was worried about her and went down to find her.

He asked why she wasn't going hso late.

She was startled, then a bit embarrassed, claiming she got lost in thought.

Her shifty eyes were clearly lying.

He didn't call her out. With it being so late, he didn't feel comfortable letting her go halone and offered to take her.

She turned down his offer and hurried to stand up, accidentally dropping a greeting card from a classmate in her haste.

That was when Brandon found out it was her birthday.

He glanced around and spotted a cake shop that hadn't closed yet, told her to hang tight for a sec.

He went over and got her a cake, and they did a makeshift birthday celebration right there on the school lawn.

That was the one and only the celebrated her birthday.

The cake was no frills, and the ceremony simple, but she was beaming like a little girl, her eyes twinkling like they held stars.

Brandon couldn't figure out how, somewhere along the way, his life had becso numb it was just cold, hard work.

He slammed the keyboard away, leaned over to grab his car keys and phone from the desk, and bolted out the door.

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