The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Worried about bothering Theresa and Grace, Sophia snuck over to the stunext door to whip up pasta for Brandon.

She was usually all about Theresa's balanced diet; the fridge was like Noah's Ark, got a bit of everything.

Brandon's a fan of light flavors, so Sophia grabbed sfresh shrimp, clams, eggs, and green onions, planning to toss up a

seafood pasta dish for him.

The kitchen next door was stocked with everything she'd need.

"Take a breather for a sec," Sophia said as she walked in and turned to Brandon.

He nodded, peeling off his tie with one hand as he headed for the bathroom. Passing by, Sophia caught a faint whiff of disinfectant

on him - subtle and not quite real. She cast an unwitting glance at him.

Brandon had already ditched the tie and suit jacket.

"I'm gonna hit the shower," he said, flinging his clothes into the hamper.

"Okay," Sophia nodded.

She got to work in the kitchen, grabbing a pot single-handedly, rinsing it, filling it with water, and setting it on the stove to heat up.

With her other hand, she poured the shrimp into a clean basin and skillfully yanked off the heads and lines, then peeled and

deveined them.

Being the only girl at home, and not exactly the apple of her parents’ eye, Sophia got roped into all kinds of chores by Laura

Yearwood from a young age. So, she was no stranger to fending for herself, and her cooking skills were on point.

Whipping up a meal was a piece of cake for her. In no time, Sophia had prepped the shrimp and clams.

Fresh out of the shower, Brandon caught sight of Sophia, busily moving about the kitchen, the rich scent of seafood mingling with

the zesty ginger and spring onions wafting through the room.

He couldn't help but watch her.

Freshly showered, her hair clipped up casually with a claw clip, with lazy curls framing her face - a look of relaxed elegance.

Her face, composed and pale, showed no sign of panic as she worked. One hand lifted the lid, and the other, holding the tableware,

neatly fished out shrimp heads and clamshells. Then, effortlessly, she grabbed the kettle with her now-free hand, pouring the

boiling water over the simmered seafood, moving smoothly as if untouched by the mundane world around her.

Watching Sophia like this, Brandon was reminded of Patricia and Daniel's unfounded accusations against her.

She hadn't provoked a soul, yet she was being bullied and scapegoated.

It wasn't even a case of being befouled just due to her talent - all the bland bullying were merely because of their ingrained

prejudices.

Sophia felt someone's gaze and instinctively turned to see Brandon leaning against the doorframe, quietly watching her. She

flashed him a smile, "All done?"

"Yeah," Brandon nodded softly, stepping towards her.

"Pasta's almost ready," Sophia said.

"Okay."

His voice was soft and slow, and as he walked over, he suddenly wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Sophia stiffened slightly but didn't pull away.

She could sense something was off with Brandon tonight - a deep weariness emanating from him, though he tried hard to keep it

at bay.

Feeling her tension, Brandon didn't let go but instead pulled her closer, enveloping her in a tender embrace that carried an

indistinct sense of compassion.

Sophia tilted her head slightly to look at him, "Something happened?"

Brandon's eyes met hers, and without a word, he leaned in to kiss her lips, following her breath.

Sophia tried to push him away, but his kiss, a mix of restraint and release, stopped her. Her hands, initially set to push him away,

ended up wrapping around his shoulders, offering silent comfort.

That small gesture unleashed the pent-up emotions inside Brandon. His kisses grew fierce and passionate.

His hand moved from her abdomen to her waist, pulling her close, and then spun her gently, pressing her against the countertop.

The other hand removed the hair clip, releasing her thick hair to cascade down her back as she was gently tilted back.

His palm pressed down on her hair at the nape of her neck, his lips ravaging yet tender.

The pot of simmering seafood started to bubble, keeping twith the rising heat in the kitchen.

Sophia tried to maintain ssense of control, reaching to turn off the stove, but Brandon stopped her hand midway.

His own hand reached behind, and with a click, the gas was turned off, quieting the boiling pot.

Their kisses slowly went from wild to gentle, eventually coming to a halt.

The room was filled with heavy breathing and the hiss of steam from the pot, slowly subsiding.

Brandon held Sophia, his face resting against the top of her head as they both caught their breath. Sophia leaned against his

chest, recovering as well.

The steam in the pot quieted down with the cooling temperature.

Their breathing finally smoothed out. In the silence, Brandon softly said, "My dad had a cerebral hemorrhage and was taken to the

hospital today. | spent the day there."

Sophia looked at him in shock.

"How is he now?" She asked, her eyes filled with concern, forgetting everything else.

"He's had surgery to clear the clot. He's in the ICU now." Brandon explained, "Family can't stay with him, so | had to cback."

"What did the doctor say?" Sophia asked softly.

"The surgery went well. Now it's up to his body's ability to absorb the hematoma and to prevent a second bleed," said Brandon.

"It'll be alright," Sophia said reassuringly.

Brandon pressed his lips and nodded gently, "Okay."

"How did he suddenly have a cerebral hemorrhage?" Sophia asked, "I remember he's always been in good shape, and he looked as

lively as a tiger just a few days ago.”

Brandon was silent for a moment, and then looked at her, "Maybe he hasn't been resting well."

Sophia nodded, not pressing further, and turned to look at the soup, "Letdish up spasta for you. You haven't eaten all

afternoon; need take care of your stomach."

As she spoke, she turned to serve him, but Brandon stopped her, "I'll do it."

In the midst of talking, he had already taken a large bowl, poured the soup out, fished out the cooked pasta, and served it into the

soup bowl, before carrying it to the dining room.

Brandon grabbed two sets of utensils, dishing up a portion for Sophia as well.

"Have smore, too," he said, placing the bowl in front of her.

Sophia nodded. Brandon sat down opposite her and then asked, "Is Theresa asleep?"

"Mm-hmm," Sophia nodded, "she was asking when you'd be back before bed. | told her I'd wake her up when you got home, and

only then she was willing to sleep."

Brandon chuckled, "I've been neglectful."

"Not at all. Kids just say things. Your dad's health is what's important." Sophia said, looking up at him, "Don't sweat it. She'll forget

in a couple of days."

Brandon shook his head and then said to her, "I'll go check on her in a bit."

Sophia nodded, "Alright."

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