The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 103

"She's in Skyrim City," Sophia said, gripping her cell phone, not daring to hang up, yet not answering either, just letting it ring.

Brandon glanced at her. "Why don't you pick up?"

Sophia lifted her hand and touched her left cheek that had just been slapped. "Don't want her to see it and worry."

Brandon took a look at her left cheek. It wasn't as swollen as before, but given Sophia's fair and radiant skin, you could still make out the outline of the palm print. It was clear that Laura didn't hold back with that slap.

Sophia had no clue what was going on in Brandon's mind. Her heart, slightly tense, tightened further as she saw the darkness cloud his eyes, and she subconsciously gripped her phone harder.

"She and I have always been close. If she knew about my mom."

She tried to explain further, but Brandon cut her off. "Get in the car."

Sophia nodded slightly, not challenging him this time.

Brandon walked around the car hood to get in, buckled up, released the handbrake, and drove away without dwelling on the topic.

Susan didn't call again.

Brandon brought her back to his place, but not to the matrimonial home where Sophia had lived for two years. It was his current residence.

Sophia had never been here before. She looked out in surprise as the car entered the neighborhood.

Seeming to understand what she was thinking, Brandon said in a calm voice. "I'm living here now."

Sophia, puzzled, frowned. "Why not stay at the other place?"

The other house clearly had a better location and layout.

"Sold it."

His voice was very flat.

Sophia didn't know what to say and simply replied with a soft "Oh."

But somehow, that "Oh" seemed to rub Brandon the wrong way. Sophia could distinctly feel his gaze turn colder.

She looked at him, confused.

Brandon didn't look back at her, just drove calmly, his sharp profile set against the night lights looking tense and cold.

Sophia didn't dare to make another peep, feeling guilty and a bit self-conscious, her hands fidgeting in her lap.

From their unexpected encounter tonight, this version of Brandon felt unfamiliar and intimidating, leaving her at a loss. All the initiative she used to have around him turned into passivity.

The car soon stopped in the underground garage.

Brandon got out, took her suitcase from the trunk, and said, "Let's go."

Sophia had no choice but to follow.

Brandon lived in a high-rise. The place wasn't particularly big, just a simple three-bedroom, two-living room setup, but it still boasted a typical riverside view. Below the living room balcony was the winding river, shining brightly, with neon lights twinkling from the tall buildings along the riverbank.

The entryway was spacious, equipped with a treadmill, chest expander, and other fitness equipment, all part of Brandon's routine.

He had his regular hour of exercise every morning.

There were two bedrooms left, and another room had been turned into a study.

Brandon pushed Sophia's suitcase into the guest bedroom.

"You can stay here for the night," he said, pressing a switch on the wall, and the room lit up instantly.