The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 138 He glanced at Sophia, “Yeah, I've thought about it.” “So, would you consider remarrying?” Brandon probed, “Is that a big deal to you?” Sophia wanted to say it was crucial, but remembered how sharp he was when he first figured out she was pregnant, and on the day they met in Wye City, when he offered to take her hand she refused, he'd pondered thoughtfully, “You're so resistant, you hiding something from me?” She also recalled how his eyes had sharpened when he casually brought up seeing a little girl in a restaurant who reminded him of her. And then there was that tat Don's get-together when he had grilled her fiercely, “Have you really cut ties completely? Sophia, be honest with me, is that child still alive?” Her words had reached the tip of her tongue but she held them back.

Brandon's overly keen insight made her wary of any carelessness.

She even managed a breezy smile, “Nah, just curious.” Adding on, she said, “I've heard guys usually find it easier to remarry after a divorce, especially someone with your credentials.” Brandon looked at her, unmoved, “Such great credentials, yet you still droppedso easily, didn’t you?” Sophia's smile froze for a moment, then she looked at him calmly, “You're out of my league.” Brandon asked, “What would ‘in your league’ look like to you?” Sophia replied, “Matching social status, right?” “Matching social status,” Brandon repeated softly, his eyes on her, “Is that so important to you?” Sophia answered, “To me, it is.” Brandon questioned, “What if you were Yolanda?” Sophia was taken aback. It had been so long since she heard that name, and hearing Brandon mention it now, she couldn't help but feel startled. His gaze remained fixed on her, “The Frost family and the Crawley family are not only well-matched but also from old money.” “Let’s not talk about a hypothetical that wouldn't exist. Even if it did, back when | was just a nobody orphan, your parents disapproved of me, thinking! wasn’t good enough. But if | suddenly becthe daughter of a wealthy family, unchanged on the inside and out, would they just overlook their past disdain because of my influential background and start seeingdifferently?” Sophia asked, “Even if they could, wouldn't you find that disgusting?” After a moment of silence, Brandon said, “I'm sorry about the past. | neglected you and the harm they caused.” Sophia chuckled, “It’s okay, | was part of the problem too. It was an equal mess between us.” It’s not about you,” Brandon said, his gaze steady on her, “Sophia, if | promise it won't happen again, and | assure you they'll never bother you again, would you cback?” Sophia paused, looking at him.

“Why?” Sophia didn’t understand, “There are so many women in this world, outstanding, beautiful, interesting, all sorts. It’s not like you can’t live without me.” Brandon replied, “What if I just can’t live without you?” Sophia hesitated, giving Brandon a glance.

He was still watching her, his eyes calm and deep.

Sophia forced a smile, “Is it out of habit? Because I'm low maintenance and you can’t be bothered to adapt to another woman?” Brandon admitted, “I won't deny that’s part of it.” Sophia laughed, “It’s normal to feel uncomfortable at first. Like getting used to a new phone, it feels awkward at the beginning, but give it a couple of days and not only does it fit right in your hand, it works better. Then you might even regret not switching phones sooner.” Brandon asked, “So, do you regret not switching phones sooner?” Sophia shook her head, “No, but I've found that I'm happier without a phone.” “Of course, | won't deny that | might find a new phone that suits me,” Sophia said, looking at him, “Brandon, there’s no turning back for us.” “We're too much alike, both so dull and boring, not cut out for being partners.” Sophia's voice was soft, “Maybe we need people who complement our personalities better.” Brandon watched her without a word.

Sophia saw his Adam’s apple bob.

After a while, he spoke calmly, “Maybe.” His voice was faint, and he said no more.

Sophia didn’t speak either.

That afternoon, Brandon took care of her discharge and drove her back to the hotel.

“Do you have plans tonight? Maybe | can treat you to dinner.” Sophia hesitated to ask as they parted, “You've been such a help these past few days.” “It was my choice, don’t feel guilty,” Brandon cut her off, “Consider it a small amend for those two years.” Sophia nodded, falling silent.

“I'll cto pick you up tomorrow.” Sophia gave a slight nod.

Brandon didn’t say much else and left after a brief goodbye.

Sophia's flight was at five in the afternoon the next day.

Brandon cto pick her up two and a half hours early.

He dropped her off at the airport, the drive there was silent.

Once there, he accompanied Sophia to check in, then walked her to the security checkpoint before finally asking, “I won't be much around the branch office, Don will take care of it. The Zenithan-style resort project is also being handled, so | won't get too involved. Don’t worry about me, just make the choices that benefit you” Sophia gave a gentle nod, “Okay.” Brandon glanced at the security checkpoint, then back at her, “Givea call when you get there.” Sophia agreed, “Okay.” She turned and looked back at the moving line, then at him again, “I should go now.” Brandon gave a light nod, “Safe travels.” Sophia thanked him, “Thanks.” She waved goodbye and headed towards the security checkpoint.

Brandon watched her go and then turned to leave the airport terminal.

Sophia didn’t look back, silently moving with the queue.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a Whatvideo call from Susan.

Sophia pressed ‘answer’.

A chubby, rosy-cheeked little face popped up in front of the camera, with big, round eyes wide open, staring at the phone screen with a mix of curiosity, bewilderment, and a dash of excitement.

“Mommy, mommy.” The babbling followed, just as excited and staccato.

Sophia instinctively shielded her phone with her body, flashing a smile at her and then glancing hesitantly towards Brandon.

Brandon had just stepped into the elevator.

Through the clear glass of the elevator, she could see him standing out in the crowd, tall and upright, with his handsface calm and chiseled. It was as if he felt her gaze on him, and he suddenly shot a look her way.