The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 361

Theresa also spotted Sophia in the crowd and was pleasantly surprised, calling out crisply, “Mommy.”

The onlookers exploded into chatter once again, instinctively following Theresa’s gaze to look back at Sophia, unsure if it was really her since there were other female colleagues by her side.

Don couldn’t help but turn to look at Sophia as well. Although he had somewhat guessed it, when he actually saw the little girl crisply calling out “Mommy”, he felt like the shock hit him pretty hard.

One was his buddy of over twenty years, the other a subordinate who'd been by his side for over a year. First, he had to wrap his head around these seemingly unrelated individuals becoming a divorced couple - that was tough enough to swallow. And now, two people who looked no different from single pringles suddenly pulled a nearly 2-year-old daughter out of thin air - he felt like he needed an oxygen tank.

The shock wasn’t small by any means.

It was like watching everyone around you flying solo, all on the same starting line, with no rush to tie the knot or have kids. Then one day, your best bro or friend popped up with a 2-year-old tot outta nowhere. They were not only not single, but their kid was already a pro at fetching soy sauce! That sinking feeling of being left behind just surged up instantly.

Sophia caught the look of astonishment in Don’s eyes and also remembered the last time he had arranged for her to meet Brandon. She felt a bit uncomfortable, tugged at her lips, and seeing Theresa still gazing at her expectantly, she had no choice but to walk towards Theresa and Brandon amidst the shocked and puzzled stares of the crowd.

Theresa was still in Brandon’s arms, leaning happily towards Sophia as she approached, sweetly calling her “Mommy” once again.

“I’m here,” Sophia responded softly, stretching out her hand, and Theresa immediately climbed into her embrace.

The crowd buzzed again.

Don found some comfort in the fact that others shared his shock, not feeling so alone.

Brandon, unfazed by the astonished looks, turned to Sophia and softly asked, “Why didn’t you rest a bit more?”

The tenderness and intimacy in his voice surprised the crowd once more. Everyone had seen Sophia and Brandon interact before, always polite and courteous, no different from anyone else. Nobody had predicted their relationship.

Sophia, with her back to the crowd, didn’t need to look to feel all the eyes on her.

She wasn't used to being the center of attention and coughed lightly, speaking softly, “I got enough sleep. There was nothing to do at home, so I came over.”

Brandon nodded and asked her, “Have you eaten?”

Sophia shook her head, “Not yet, I was about to head to the cafeteria.”

“Let’s eat together,” Brandon suggested, reaching out to hold Theresa.

Sophia nodded, “Okay.”

Don quickly chimed in, “I’ll join you guys.”

Saying that, he eagerly followed them. Entering the elevator, Don’s eyes kept darting back and forth between Brandon and Sophia, silently sizing them up.

Even Theresa started to look at him with confusion and wariness.

Brandon coughed lightly, “If you’ve got something to say, just spit it out.”

While speaking, he gently pressed Theresa’s head closer into the crook of his neck.

Sophia not only didn’t leave work early but also managed to work overtime. She never took calls from home to soothe the baby during work hours, nor did she ever talk about her child with colleagues.

Weren’t all new moms somewhat unable to resist the urge to show off their kids?

When people talked about giving birth and parenting experiences, didn’t they usually join in?

Their office had its fair share of new moms, and they didn’t shy away from discussing pregnancy and child-rearing topics, but he never saw Sophia participate.

Not even once!

Brandon also gave Sophia a glance. Sophia suddenly felt like she was being roasted over a fire.

“Well, there’s a nanny who looks after her; she doesn’t need to contact me,” Sophia said awkwardly.

Plus, she probably hadn't had much breast milk due to severe physical trauma and blood deficiency. Grace tried to stimulate her breast milk production a few times, but it was unsuccessful. Considering her schedule, it just wasn't practical, so she decided not to pursue it and stuck with formula for Theresa, freeing up her own time.

She was naturally slim, and even after being fed like a pig throughout her confinement period by Grace, she couldn’t put on weight. She slimmed down to her pre-pregnancy figure right after the month was over, genuinely not looking like someone who had given birth.

“And what about showing off your kid? Sharing parenting tips? Why did you never join in on those?” Don persisted, trying to vindicate his judgment.

Brandon gave Sophia a peep and said, "How's she supposed to keep it under wraps if she's in on it?"