The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 246

"Done."

Having double-checked the knot he just tied won't come undone, Brandon murmured, lifting his head to see Sophia gazing at him with a complex look in her eyes.

Their gazes locked, and he couldn't help but look back at her. When their eyes met, a flicker of awkwardness crossed Sophia's face. She looked away.

"Thanks."

She whispered her gratitude, turning to leave, when suddenly her arm was caught.

Brandon's grip was gentle, just a light hold. Sophia had to stop in her tracks, but she didn't turn around.

She knew what this gesture from Brandon meant.

Since last night's fling, they hadn't talked about it directly, both tacitly avoiding the topic. As adults fully capable of taking responsibility for their actions, they were well aware of what they were doing.

Not bringing it up didn't stem from an inability to face it, but from a clear understanding that this lapse of control shouldn't have happened, yet they chose to let it slide.

"Why didn't you refuse last night?"

Brandon, looking at her profile, asked in a soft yet calm voice.

Sophia pressed her lips slightly, finding the question exceptionally embarrassing and somewhat awkward.

"Hmm?" He slightly lifted the tone at the end of his question, waiting for her reply.

"Got addicted to a man's charm."

After hesitating, Sophia still spit it out.

Apparently, he hadn't anticipated such an answer.

Sophia didn't have the guts to look back at him, "Just got swept up in the moment."

"Just that?" Brandon's voice dropped a few degrees colder as he asked.

Sophia's gaze faltered for a moment, and then she nodded, "Yeah."

"So what was last night?" Brandon pressed on, "An indulgence that began and ended with desire?"

After a moment of hesitation, Sophia turned to face him and lightly nodded, "Yes."

Brandon, towering above her, remained motionless, watching her. Sophia had to bite the bullet and speak up, "Once is enough for an opportunity like this."

Brandon said, "But this opportunity isn't over yet. We can't leave today."

Brandon watched her face crumble with embarrassment and said nothing, just looking at her.

Sophia, unable to find a retort, decided to go for broke, pushing him away forcefully and turning to leave.

Brandon let her push him aside without moving a muscle, his eyes following her as she walked past him.

As they brushed past each other, his hand reached out again and grabbed her arm, but with less gentleness than before. In the moment Sophia turned back in confusion, he pulled her back towards him.

Her back hit the hard wall again, and Brandon's hand rested above her head on the wall.

Sophia looked up in panic as his shadow loomed overhead, and a broad hand cupped the side of her face, moving behind her neck to tilt her head back as Brandon's lips descended precisely and decisively.

Instinctively, Sophia thought to struggle, but Brandon's grip tightened, though his kisses paused, his eyes boring into hers.

"If it's all about desire from start to finish, what's there to fear?" His voice was low and unhurried, "Tomorrow, when the sky clears, we'll get dressed, and who can hold on to whom?"