The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 37

Brandon fell silent for a moment before looking at her, "I'm really sorry. I took you for granted before."

"It's not on you, we just want different things out of life," Sophia said, absentmindedly stirring her milk. When her lips pursed slightly, she looked up at him, "Can you just let me go? I won't strip you of your rights as a father. You can see her, even take her to stay with you from time to time. Just let me have custody."

Brandon's milk hung in the air as he paused, then slowly set it down, looking at Sophia, "Sophia, I can't do that."

"It's not fair to her either," Brandon said. "She might need a more stable environment to grow up in."

"And what about me? Is that fair?" Sophia asked softly, "Does having a child mean all my feelings and decisions have to revolve around her? Before I'm a mom, I need to be me first. I have my own thoughts, emotions, and life to live."

Brandon pinched the metal spoon in his milk glass with his long fingers, his eyelids slightly drooped, as if deep in thought.

Sophia didn't make another sound to disturb him, just sipped her milk quietly.

As the rich creamy flavor slid down her throat, it used to be a taste of heaven, but hormonal changes during pregnancy quickly turned this delight into an emetic.

Before the milk even reached her stomach, the familiar nausea surged within Sophia. She instinctively pressed her hand to her chest and turned her head to retch.

Brandon quickly stood up, walked over to her, pulling out a tissue with one hand while gently wrapping his other arm around her shoulder, patting her back.

"Feeling rough?" he asked, his deep voice tinged with an almost imperceptible anxiety.

Sophia shook her head slightly, "I'm fine."

Reaching for water, Brandon was already a step ahead, bringing the glass to her lips.

"Have some water first." As his calm, deep voice fell, the cool rim of the cup was already at her lips.

After helping her sip some lukewarm water, Brandon frowned at her, "Feeling better?"

Sophia nodded, "Much better. Thanks."

Sophia neither declined nor nodded, just softly told him, "You should head back. Drive safe."

Brandon gave a slight nod, watching her enter the school building before driving away.

Sophia hadn't even entered the classroom when she noticed a crowd gathered excitedly around the bulletin board, discussing something.

Passing by the board, Sophia couldn't help but glance at it—a job posting for a part-time architectural designer.

The hiring firm was Dempsey Architects.

Sophia had some recollection of this firm. It had been mentioned in the alumni group. The firm was a rising star in the industry over the past two years, attracting a lot of talented architects and producing several renowned design projects.

The job offer was generous, asking for resumes with portfolios, and if hired by the firm, there would be opportunities for long-term collaboration, a base salary, and commissions above industry standards. Most importantly, no need to clock in—just submit the projects on time.

Sophia felt tempted and couldn't resist taking a photo of the job ad with her phone.