The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 111

Sophia's hotel was just a stone's throw from the hospital.

After chowing down, Brandon gave her a lift over.

The whole ride there, Brandon just kept his cool, driving in silence, not much chatter.

When they pulled up at the hotel entrance, Brandon hopped out and hauled Sophia's suitcase down for her.

Sophia grabbed her suitcase, flashed a smile, and bid Brandon farewell.

"When you heading back?" Brandon asked.

"In a few days, I guess." Sophia replied, still uncertain, since it all hinged on how Haley was bouncing back.

Brandon nodded, "If you need anything, give Kent a buzz."

"Will do," Sophia nodded back.

She gestured to the hotel lobby behind her, "Well, I'm gonna head back in."

Brandon returned the nod, watched her enter the hotel, and didn't move until she vanished around the elevator corner. Then he spun around and got back into his car.

Sitting in the car, he was wrapped in silence, not speeding off just yet.

The window was down, the night wind was whooshing, fluttering his hair.

Right across was the river.

River Song in the West district meandered from west to east, broad and silent. Every once in a while, you could spot a night cruise ship rumbling by.

Brandon watched the slowly receding ship, his mind at peace, the kind of calm that settled after reason had had its say.

He could totally relate to Kent's words, longing for the old Brandon, the even-tempered one, unflappable by anything or anyone at any time.

Part of him missed that Brandon too.

Rational, cool-headed, laser-focused on work, not fretting or floundering over anyone, not tormented like a caged animal without an escape.

He cherished the days with Sophia by his side, the comfort of coming home to her, the fullness in his heart when she crossed his mind. But life without her these past two years, though a bit bland, wasn't unbearable.

Brandon was never one to force things. Since Sophia chose to go solo, respecting her decision was the best way to honor what they had.

Their journey together, if it was over, then so be it.

A familiar cramp surged in his stomach at the thought.

Without a flicker of emotion, Brandon pressed a hand to his abdomen, glanced up at the brightly lit hotel, fired up the engine, and the car sped away.

In her hotel room, Sophia stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching that familiar black sedan slowly drive away.

She was staying on the second floor, not too high, giving her a clear view of the car below.

She had just drawn back the curtains when she noticed Brandon's car was still there.

She saw his pause in the car, his calm, indifferent profile, and his eventual departure. She couldn't quite name the feeling in her heart - a sour, tingling discomfort. After all, he was the man she'd secretly adored for so many years.