The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 267

She couldn't even bear to look at him.

One moment they were all over each other, hot and heavy, and the next they were sitting across a negotiation table. It felt weirdly complicated.

Hooking up wasn't something she'd seen coming.

Sure, she was into Brandon's bod, but she hadn't planned on going there with him again.

But when he leaned in for that kiss, she definitely didn't put up much of a fight against temptation.

All it took was a little sweet talk or a touch of tenderness from Brandon, and she was putty in his hands.

Even though she knew this was the case, when it was confirmed once more, Sophia felt a whirlwind of emotions—frustrated, defeated, and a tad bit of self-loathing.

Brandon caught the hint of resignation in her expression.

"Do you regret it?" he asked, his voice totally even.

Sophia shook her head slightly. "Nope."

"Just feels a bit awkward, that's all," she murmured.

What's done is done. Regret wasn't the word. She had enjoyed herself and didn't feel shortchanged. It was more about kicking herself for not keeping it together.

"It was mutual, nothing to be embarrassed about," Brandon pointed out. "And it's not like it's our first rodeo."

Sophia, hand to her forehead, silently turned her head away. "Can we not talk about this anymore?"

She really didn't want to hash this out in a setting that felt like a business meeting, even though the subject matter was anything but business-like.

"Okay."

Brandon nodded, his hands slowly intertwined on the table as he watched her.

He saw her looking down, too ashamed to face him, and the words he'd been about to say got stuck in his throat.

Knowing your own mess is one thing, but seeing it through someone else's eyes is a whole different ball game.

She didn't want to keep listening, didn't want to face the raw truth of their two-year marriage's downfall.

"I get it," she interrupted calmly, a faint smile on her lips. There was no anger or sadness, just serene acceptance.

She glanced at the balcony outside. "It's getting late. I should head back."

After a brief nod of apology, she pushed back her chair to stand.

But then her hand resting on the table was suddenly pinned down.

Brandon's palm stretched across the table, pressing firmly on the back of her hand.

He didn't stand, just looked at her with calm and steady eyes. "No, you don't know."