The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 65

Marian looked at Martin with a totally puzzled expression, "Where from? Of course, it's mine! You guys are acting so weird, everyone who sees my bracelet asks where I got it. If it's on my wrist, it's obviously mine. What, you think I stole it or something?"

As she spoke, Marian shot a glance at Brandon, her eyes clearly accusing.

Martin's gaze followed to Brandon, "Is she the Yolanda you were talking about?"

"No."

Brandon instinctively denied the possibility, his eyes anxiously darting toward Sophia.

Sophia was looking up at him, her calm eyes showing a faint trace of surprise, well-hidden, but Brandon could still make it out. He subconsciously held her hand tighter, signaling her not to jump to conclusions.

Sophia turned to give him a look, not saying a word.

She was a bit surprised, figuring Brandon must have somewhat confirmed Marian's identity, which was why he had alerted Yolanda's family to come for a further identification.

It was Yolanda's family, right?

Sophia couldn't help but glance at Martin.

Martin's attention was now fully on Marian's face. Although he was trying his best to control his emotions, Sophia could clearly see the immense excitement and joy hidden in his eyes, his hand holding Marian's trembling slightly with emotion.

Sophia wondered if her own experiences of being separated from family and her deep longing for them made her feel a touch of envy and sadness at such a reunion. Not daring to stay too long in that atmosphere, fearing she might drown in those feelings, she quietly stepped aside to the elevator when Marian turned her attention to Martin, and pressed the button.

Brandon glanced at her.

Sophia gave him an apologetic smile, her eyes telling him she was heading to class.

Brandon didn't say a word, just tightened his grip on her hand.

"I'll walk you there," he murmured, watching the elevator doors open, pressing the button to keep them open with one hand, the other blocking the doorway to let her in first.

Sophia saw Martin still staring unblinkingly at Marian, and Marian still full of discontent and confusion, asking, "Who the heck is Yolanda? You call me Yolanda, he calls me Yolanda."

She turned and pointed at Brandon, just as she realized Sophia was leaving and quickly said, "Hey Sophia, wait for me, I'll go with you, I got a cab."

Sophia politely declined, "No need, maybe next time. I've got some things to do at school, need to head out early."

Then she looked at Brandon, "You go ahead with your stuff, don't worry about me, I can make it on my own."

"It's fine," Brandon responded coolly, following her into the elevator.

He pulled out a business card from his pocket and handed it to her.

Marian hesitated, looking at him, then took the card, which matched the information he had given her.

Her guard seemed to drop a little, her grip on the bracelet loosening, slowly sliding it down to offer it, yet still somewhat reluctant and defensive, "Don't try to fool me. This thing might not mean much to you guys, but it's really important to me."

She emphasized firmly, "And don't think just because you're loaded, you can boss my life around. Even if I am Yolanda, I won't just go with you. I have a good life now; my dad, mom, and brother all love me a lot."

Martin chuckled, "Don't worry, I'm just verifying something, I won't force you to do anything."

Marian looked at him skeptically for a moment longer before slowly handing over the bracelet.

Martin immediately checked the third bead and there it was, the 'y', the familiar handwriting hitting him with a wave of emotion.

That letter was engraved by young Brandon, who despite his nice handwriting, had the youthful immaturity of that age, unlike the firm strokes he had now. But still, Martin could tell it was done by his hand.

Martin vividly remembered how Yolanda used to show off big time in front of him when she first got that gift from Brandon. The bracelet had a little bell on it, which was now stuffed into one of those unique holes by Marian. Back when the bell wasn't jammed in there, Yolanda's favorite thing was to strut around, flicking her wrist so the bell would jingle-jangle, or she'd get all hyped up, pointing at the "y" on the bead, and go, "Martin, check it out, Brandon carved my name into it. Looks super cool, right?"

She wasn't quite sure what to call Brandon at first, as the kids her age dared not call him by his first name, but seeing as he was taller than Martin, she just started calling him "Brandon" and it stuck.