The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 379

Sophia got cornered against the wall, her back pressed against the chilly tiles, while Brandon rested a hand above her ear against the wall, looking down at her with those eyes.

His peepers were still that calm and profound, just like back at Don's place.

Sophia's heart skipped a beat under that gaze, her breathing slowed down, and her wide, apprehensive eyes hesitated before meeting his.

Brandon didn't say a word, and just kept his eyes on her from his lofty perch. Time dragged on until Sophia had to break the silence, "What's up with you?"

"Not feeling great," he finally said, his voice still detached and serene, betraying no emotion.

"What's wrong?" Sophia asked, "How's your dad?"

"It's not about him." Brandon shot down her guess, his gaze still fixed on her big doe eyes, "Why didn't you call me when I was out late?"

"I didn't want to be a nuisance," Sophia replied.

A hint of a chuckle flickered across Brandon's face before it disappeared, his eyes still glued to her face, "When we were on that video call earlier, did you think I was at some other woman's place?"

A trace of embarrassment flitted across Sophia's face. Indeed, the moment she saw that ragdoll cat, the thought did cross her mind.

Don's place wasn't all man-cave like Brandon's. It had a softer, more neutral vibe.

His ragdoll was dressed up like a little princess, and she jumped to the conclusion that it was a girl's touch.

So when she saw that background, her breath hitched, her mind raced with different scenarios and possibilities.

"Don't you care?" Brandon asked.

He saw the hesitation in her gaze, how quickly she regained her composure, even casually asking if he should call Theresa. If he had just said "no need", she probably would have hung up without another word, without fussing or prying.

It did sting a bit, like a thorn in his side. Not screaming in pain, but constantly there, nagging. If he poked at it, it hurt; if he didn't, it still pricked, and a careless brush brought a sharp twinge.

Sophia slightly pressed her lips, at a loss for words.

Brandon had always been a man of restraint, and so had Sophia.

She remembered during their two-year marriage, their battleground was almost exclusively the bedroom.

No matter how wild things got between the sheets, once they stepped out, they reverted to their composed, disciplined selves.

Outside the bedroom, they barely kissed or hugged. Back then, their relationship was more about mutual respect.

But now, two years post-divorce, maybe they were both holding onto some unresolved feelings from those years, because now, in matters of intimacy, they threw caution to the wind, just living in the moment.

The rushing water slowed to a halt, along with their breathless sounds. Brandon held her, trying to settle the turmoil within. Sophia held him back, saying nothing.

After that, their inherent modesty and upbringing made them somewhat embarrassed about their disregard for the setting.

"Sophia." After a long silence, Brandon's raspy voice filled the bathroom, "Try to care about me a little, will you?"