The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 468

Sophia had just grabbed some utensils, ready to dish up some food, when she heard the question and instinctively pointed towards Zion City. “Headed over to Zion City.”

Brandon's brows furrowed slightly. “Why has it taken so long?”

He hadn't heard of any issues with the project over there lately.

Of course, usually, the only problems that made it to his desk were the big hairy ones they couldn't handle on their own.

"Just hit a snag during the construction, needed the designer to pop over and brainstorm a solution," Sophia murmured.

Brandon nodded in understanding, noticing she was still awkwardly holding an empty bowl, and reached out naturally. "Gimme the bowl."

Sophia handed it over without thinking, and by the time she realized what was happening, Brandon was already serving her up some grub.

She felt a bit out of place for a moment, but didn't feel right about snatching the task back either.

"Is the problem sorted now?"

Brandon asked while dishing up the food.

Sophia nodded lightly. "Yeah, pretty much."

He nodded back, didn't make a big deal out of it, and passed her the filled bowl.

"Dig in, I'll take Theresa to wash up," Brandon said.

Sophia nodded again. "Mhm."

Brandon turned and took Theresa to the living room for their nightly routine.

As soon as he was gone, Sophia felt a sudden drop in pressure.

It was hard to explain, but she just felt like a weight had been lifted, no longer needing to feel so on edge like when Brandon was around.

She didn't know if Brandon felt the same way; after getting Theresa washed up, he took her back to the bedroom for the blow-drying and bedtime story routine, and didn't come out again.

Sophia kinda dragged out her mealtime subconsciously.

Truth be told, she still didn't know how to face it all.

The original issue had been left hanging, and with a business trip thrown in the mix, the distance between them had grown like crazy vines. Trying to reconnect just seemed pointless now.

But no matter how slow you eat, eventually the meal's over.

After cleaning up, Sophia made a trip back to the bedroom. Theresa wasn't asleep yet, just finished with her hair dry, totally engrossed in Brandon's storytelling.

Brandon's voice was naturally deep and magnetic, quite the ear candy.

When that pleasant and alluring voice came with his unique touch of tenderness and doting, even Theresa couldn't resist its charm.

Brandon poured all his patience and gentleness into the kiddo.

He had also taken a shower and was in his loungewear.

He glanced at her, then went to the water cooler, poured himself a cup of hot water, and settled on the couch with it.

Sophia, too, was seated on the couch, and almost the moment he sat down, she instinctively shifted away a bit.

Brandon seemed not to notice, blew on the steam from his cup, took a small sip, and then set it down.

The night was tranquil.

The silence outside seeped into the empty living room, and neither spoke a word.

Sophia didn't have Brandon's composure; the silence made her feel even more uneasy.

She put down the hairdryer, stood up, and softly said goodbye to him. "I'm gonna hit the hay."

With that, she started towards the guest bedroom.

Grace had the day off and wasn't home.

"Are we just gonna keep this up?" Brandon's voice suddenly cut through the silence, his deep tone cold and calm, a stark contrast to the warmth he'd shown telling Theresa a story.

Sophia's steps faltered, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond.