The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 96

Sophia's eyes lifted to meet his, a hint of defiance twinkling behind those widened pupils, "If you're not afraid of a bit of hassle, then I'm all yours."

"No sweat."

He took the lead and started walking ahead.

Sophia followed, getting into the car behind him.

"Where to?" Brandon asked nonchalantly as he buckled up.

Sophia rattled off an address, not the one listed on her school records, but it wasn't far from here either.

It didn't take long for Brandon to drive them there.

As the car came to a stop, Brandon glanced out of the window.

Sophia's place was in a neighborhood brimming with the hum of everyday life. Even though night was falling, she could still make out the elders walking their grandkids.

"Living solo?" Brandon inquired, turning to her.

Sophia nodded, "Yeah, flying solo."

Brandon nodded back, looking at her, "I thought you'd be bunking with Susan."

Sophia seemed taken aback, "Why bring that up out of the blue?"

"A few days ago, I heard Susan quit her job two years back and nobody knows where she’s at," Brandon said as he looked at her. "You two were tight, I thought maybe she reached out to you."

Sophia chuckled, "Why would she come all this way just to see me?"

Brandon also cracked a smile and let the conversation drop, quietly unbuckling his seatbelt.

"Let's go, I'll walk you up."

"No need," Sophia shook her head gently, "It's not a good look, and it's not convenient."

Brandon studied her, "Sophia, at the restaurant today, I saw a little girl who had the same vibe as you, at the very place you showed up, just over a year old."

Sophia's hand paused while unbuckling her seatbelt, looking at him, "What are you getting at?"

Brandon said, "What's got you on edge?"

Sophia didn't say anything.

Her gaze carried a silent reproach, a touch of hurt that reminded Brandon of the time they talked about Yolanda.

"I'm sorry," Brandon said, looking at her, "You better head back, get some sleep."

He spoke without any intention of leaving the car.

"Yeah, take care on your way home," Sophia said softly, bidding farewell. She stepped out and took a few paces, then stopped and turned back to him, "If you really want to come up, go ahead. But don't stay long, given the hour, it wouldn't be proper," she added quietly.

When Sophia closed the wardrobe, she turned to Brandon with an awkward smile, "Thirsty? Let me get you a glass of water."

"No, that's okay," Brandon stopped her, checking his watch, "It's getting late, I should head back."

Sophia nodded in agreement, "Alright."

She then walked him to the door.

Brandon was already pulling out his phone, "What's your number?"

Sophia hesitated, not really wanting to tell him.

But Brandon was watching her to tell him.

Eventually, Sophia reluctantly took his phone and keyed in a number – her phone in her pocket started ringing.

She handed the phone back to Brandon.

"Get some rest," he said.

Sophia gave a soft nod, "Yeah."

She watched him descend the stairs, standing still for a long while after he left.

Finally, she turned, switched off the lights, locked the door, and entered the elevator. She then popped open the SIM card tray and yanked out the card.