The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 382

So back then, he and Laura couldn't help but worry about Sophia's marriage to Brandon not lasting long. They hinted and nudged Sophia countless times, telling her that snagging Brandon was like winning the lottery, the kind of luck she'd accumulate over many previous lifetimes. They told her to become humble a bit, not to be as stubborn as she was back at home, to soften up and play along with Brandon more often.

With Brandon's family background and his catch of the day looks, there were loads of women lined up wanting to tie the knot with him.

Being a guy himself, Aaron could sort of get why Brandon was kind of cold-hearted when it came to romance.

With a silver spoon background, movie star looks, and running a huge corporation, Brandon could have any woman he wanted at the snap of his fingers. Why would he bother with the nitty-gritty of a woman's whims, let alone bend over backward to accommodate them?

But what they didn't see coming was that despite all their warnings and brainwashing, Sophia still gave them the silent treatment and divorced Brandon without a peep. Their marriage barely made it past the two-year mark.

Although he and Laura had their reservations about the longevity of the marriage, its abrupt end caught them totally off guard and they found themselves unexpectedly out of a stellar in-law relationship.

Thinking about it, Aaron couldn't help but feel a bit of regret.

When Brandon noticed Aaron tailing him, he finally stopped in his tracks and turned around, "What's up?"

Aaron flashed an awkward smile, "Nothing much." But he couldn't help himself and asked, "What brings you here, Brandon?"

Brandon replied, "Stuff to do."

Without waiting for a response, Brandon politely nodded and then took off with long strides.

By the time Aaron thought to catch up, Brandon was already out of sight. He looked around the entrance of the scenic area but couldn't spot Brandon. Instead, he found Barbara and Betty still waiting for him.

Barbara was the first to spot him and called out, "Looking for something? We've been standing right in front of you for ages. Blind or what?"

Aaron, not in the mood for her attitude, just frowned and mumbled to himself, "Where did he dash off to in the blink of an eye?"

"Who are you talking about?"

Barbara couldn't help being curious and scanned the crowd, but no familiar face was in sight.

"Brandon." Aaron said, turning to her, "I just bumped into him in the parking lot."

Barbara looked at him with surprise, "You must be mistaken. Why on earth would he be here?"

"No way, we even chatted for a bit." Aaron insisted, glancing back at the crowd, "I'm also stumped as to why he'd be here. Maybe he's remarried and has kids now?"

Barbara thought it was only natural, "That's to be expected, right? Everyone moves on and starts families after a couple of years, especially someone like him. It couldn't be more normal."

Aaron suddenly looked more serious, "So he really got hitched again, huh."

A mix of emotions hit him. He hadn't felt the loss of Brandon as a brother-in-law that strongly since he hadn't heard of any women around Brandon. But the thought of Brandon marrying someone else meant he'd truly be cut off from Aaron's family.

Barbara rolled her eyes in disdain, "What's the big idea now? Your sister's been divorced for years, and you're still hung up on the guy. No offense, but can't you be a bit more ambitious? Try earning your keep without always sucking up to others. Isn't that a bit shameful?"

"In this world, it's all about who you know. There's no shame in making money through connections." Aaron countered, disagreeing with Barbara's view, "Look at your parents, typical of wanting to save face but suffering for it. They have relatives doing well, and if they’d just swallow their pride, give some gifts, and socialize a bit, arranging a decent job for your brother would be a piece of cake. Instead, look where he's ended up, jobless and going nowhere."

"That's still better than you." Barbara retorted, "At least we stand on our own two feet and don't have to kiss up to anyone for a living."

Aaron snorted, "That's all the ambition you have."

Barbara didn't bother with him and went to line up with Betty.

After leaving Aaron behind, Brandon whipped out his phone and called Sophia. Learning that they were already inside the park, he headed straight in to find them.

Sophia was waiting for him in the rest area, holding Theresa in her arms.

As Brandon approached, his hands were already reaching out for Theresa, scooping her up in a smooth motion.

"Why did you jump the gun and come in first?" Brandon asked, recalling how she had said she'd wait for him at the entrance with Theresa just after getting out of the car.

"It's packed like sardines out there," Sophia murmured softly.

Brandon nodded, not pressing the issue, and together they carried Theresa inside.

The amusement park was teeming with attractions and people. Among the crowd were parents herding their kids, as well as plenty of lovebirds, all synced up for a day of fun.

Back in her teenage years, Sophia was all about idol dramas and romances, dreaming up sweet nothings. She'd fantasized about dates at the amusement park with her crush, riding the pirate ship, screaming on roller coasters, and cuddling on the Ferris wheel, doing all those things that giddy couples did.

Sadly, she never got her shot at love in this lifetime.

Watching those hot-and-heavy couples in the park, hand in hand, laughing and playing without a care, Sophia couldn't help but pause and gaze at them, a tinge of envy for their youth in her eyes.

Brandon caught the longing look in her eyes and lifted his hand, which had been hanging by his side, to gently hold hers.

Sophia snapped back to reality, giving him an embarrassed smile. Brandon smiled back but didn't let go of her hand, casting a thoughtful glance at the playful couples.