The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 93

Despite having taken a tumble and landing flat on the ground, the little girl didn't shed a tear. Instead, she lay there a bit dazed, with her head slightly tilted upwards, her big, clear eyes brimming with confusion, embodying the adorable cluelessness of someone who's just had quite the fall. Don couldn't help but crack a smile at the sight and instinctively got up to pick her up, but Brandon was already one step ahead, squatting down in front of her and scooping her into his arms.

"Thank you, thank you." The little girl thanked him in her babyish voice, her underdeveloped speech bouncing out word by word, not entirely clear. Her gaze also curiously shifted to Brandon, and when she spotted her bag by his feet, she quickly wriggled out of his hold and scampered to retrieve it.

Brandon's eyes followed her movement, but he stayed put.

Don couldn't help but peek at the kiddie bag in her hands, stuffed with her bottle and diapers.

Suddenly, he couldn't keep a straight face and turned to Brandon, chuckling, "Kids these days really come prepared, huh? Packing their own bottles and diapers."

But he noticed Brandon was just staring blankly at the girl, seemingly lost in thought.

Don had never seen Brandon like this and nudged his shoulder, concerned, "What's up?"

Brandon snapped back to reality, looked at Don, then back at the little girl who was blinking in confusion, and gently asked her, "Kiddo, where are your mom and dad?"

The girl's eyes held a slight bewilderment—whether she didn't understand or truly didn't know—but soon she turned sluggishly and looked towards the half-closed curtain at the door.

The curtain was flung open as a plump, tall woman with a panicked expression hurried in. Upon seeing the little girl, her panic subsided, replaced by a sigh of relief.

"You scared me. I only turned around for a second and you were gone. What if someone took you away?" The woman squatted down and hugged the little girl tightly, still shaken.

The little girl allowed the embrace, her young mind not quite grasping the adult's anxiety, but she didn't struggle and calmly let the plump woman hold her. Her curious eyes, however, were fixed on Brandon, wide with genuine wonder.

Don found it unbelievable and nudged Brandon with his elbow, grinning, "These youngsters are something else, eh? So young and already a sucker for good looks. She's only got eyes for you, can already tell who's handsome and who's not."

Brandon still didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the chubby woman holding the child. He asked her, "Is she your kid?"

The woman chuckled and shook her head, "No, my sister's. She's busy with work, so she asked me to help out."

Brandon frowned, glancing back at the girl.

Don could see something akin to disappointment surfacing in Brandon's eyes—subtle, but clear.

He looked at Brandon, puzzled.

Brandon had crouched down in front of the girl again, hesitating for a moment before extending his hand towards her cheek. He asked softly, "Little one, what's your name?"

The girl still articulated each syllable, her speech not fluid, but she understood the adult's question.

"And what's your mom's name?" Brandon asked, his voice soft, with a barely discernible rasp.

The girl seemed to pause, then thought hard before earnestly replying, "Mom, Mom."

Brandon chuckled at her earnestness, his fingertip nearing her cheek but stopping short, wary of any germs.

Don knew Brandon had a soft spot for kids, but even so, he maintained a distance, never looking as tender as he did now.

The plump woman noticed Brandon's unusual attention to the child and clutched her tighter, her gaze wary as if guarding against a kidnapper.

Afraid of a misunderstanding, Don quickly made light of the situation, "Your kid is too cute, and such a sweetheart, anyone would fall for her right away."

"I'm going to the restroom."

"Oh, it's by the back door." Don put down his utensils too and pointed towards the back.

Brandon nodded and headed towards the back door.

Sophia was freshening up at the bathroom sink, finally shaking off the initial shock from her unexpected encounter with Brandon earlier.

After washing her hands, she turned off the tap, plucked a paper towel from the dispenser, and started drying her hands as she walked out of the loo. As she rounded the corner, she casually tossed the towel into the bin and looked up, only to find her steps slowing down involuntarily.

Brandon was just parting the curtains to step out from the back door of the restaurant, and as he looked up, his eyes met with Sophia's, who had come to a gradual halt.

He caught a glimpse of her, his gaze dropping to her hands, still slightly damp, then slowly shifting to her somewhat startled face. He was the picture of calm, not uttering a word.

Sophia managed a tight smile, "Long time no see."

Brandon also tugged at the corners of his mouth, echoing, "Long time no see."

And that was it. No more words exchanged.

With him silent, Sophia wasn't sure what else to say. She just offered a polite smile and hesitated for a moment before taking steps toward the door behind him.

Brandon stood his ground, watching her approach with a serene gaze. As she passed by him, close enough to brush shoulders, he heard her softly asking into her phone, "Sylvia, I'm at the restaurant now. Are you close?"

He didn't budge, nor did he turn around, just let her pass by him, step by step heading for the door behind him. It wasn't until her voice was nearly drowned out by the hustle and bustle inside that he slowly turned around, his gaze following her.