The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 619

Sophia hit the road for school just after 11 AM. She wasn't a VIP, so she could take it easy.

By the time she got to the school, the event hadn't kicked off yet.

It was a sunny day, perfect weather, and since West District High had a big student and teacher crowd, the celebration was set up on the large field right at the school's entrance.

Unlike the ghost town vibe a few days ago, today, West District High was buzzing with a festive spirit, all decked out and bustling with excitement.

Students who were already on their end-of-term break were back to pick up their final grades and join in the centennial bash. Free from the stress of exams, each young, fresh-faced kid was brimming with excitement and joy.

Watching all these vibrant young faces, Sophia felt herself unwinding too. Knowing President Poe was swamped, she didn't go out of her way to get in touch, just cruising by as a plain Jane tourist.

The school had hired extra security to keep the peace, so there was no need to block off the entrance.

The school gate and pathways were swarming with students coming and going, as well as loads of alumni, all huddled up here and there, shooting the breeze.

The music pumping from the stage was super festive. Plenty of students were snapping pics together, and quite a few returning couples were openly holding hands and hugging, while other young men and women, reunited after a long time, greeted each other with excited hellos.

Sophia, on her own amidst the hubbub, felt a tinge of nostalgia for her school days, mixed with a familiar twinge of regret.

For some reason, she suddenly remembered the "Sophia" and "Brandon Crawley" names side by side on the school's honor roll, with no pictures, just names.

She didn't know if that Sophia was actually her, and that Brandon - was he the same guy who hadn't replied to her manuscript review message?

Just then, her phone buzzed. It was Amanda; Sophia picked up.

"Hey Sophia, where you at right now?" Amanda's voice came through, "I was packing and my suitcase gave out on me; won't close. Gotta dash to buy a new one, come with?"

"I'm tied up with something outside." Sophia replied, glancing across to the West district downtown shopping center not far away, "I'm near the mall, so I might as well grab one for you on my way back. What kind you looking for?"

Zack also rushed to clear the air in embarrassment, "Shut it, David; if you can't speak nicely, don't speak at all. Who's hitting on anyone?"

Another girl in the group was already urging them, "Okay, okay, let's just snap it while there's no one in the background; it'll be crowded soon."

Interrupted, the group quickly fell back into formation, prepping to strike their poses for the shot.

Sophia, holding the phone, crouched a bit to find the right angle, carefully avoiding the bustling crowd.

At the same moment, President Poe and other school bigwigs were greeting Brandon as they passed right behind Sophia.

Brandon was absentmindedly watching some high schoolers in uniform goofing around for photos, looking a bit distracted and detached, his good-looking profile cutting a sharp and aloof figure in the play of light and shadow.

"Wow, he's so hot," One of the girls ready to pose for a photo spotted Brandon walking behind Sophia and couldn't help but nudge her friend, whispering excitedly.