The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 343

"Dad is just like Mom; they had you together and then took care of you. Dad is someone you can be as close to in this world as you are to Mom," Sophia tried explaining in plain language, "Like when you go to school, Mia has both her mom and dad drop her off, pick her up, and play with her. The guy sitting next to Mia’s mom? That's Mia's dad."

Theresa nodded, half getting it, half puzzled. "Then why don't I have a dad?"

"Theresa, you have a dad too," Sophia whispered to her, "It's just that before, when you had to study abroad with me, I forgot to tell Dad."

Brandon caught Sophia’s eye in the rearview mirror.

Sophia, holding Theresa, explained with gentle patience.

Theresa's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, where is my dad?"

Sophia glanced at Brandon.

She saw his Adam's apple bob and his grip on the steering wheel tighten a bit.

They reached a crossroads just as the light turned from green to red.

Brandon slowly brought the car to a stop.

The hustle and bustle of the road came to a pause as well.

The car was silent.

Brandon didn't look back, but in the light, his chiseled face showed taut lines and his Adam's apple moved up and down.

Theresa looked at Brandon, her eyes full of questions.

Sophia hugged her tighter and whispered, "Theresa, say 'Daddy.'"

"Daddy?"

Theresa tentatively spoke the unfamiliar words, her expression and voice filled with confusion.

Sophia saw Brandon turn his head slightly toward the window, his throat muscles working harder, clearly trying to keep his composure.

Sophia's own throat felt tight, but she still nodded encouragingly at Theresa. "Yeah, Daddy."

Theresa's wide eyes slowly mixed confusion with budding excitement, still grappling with the concept.

She called out again softly, "Daddy?"

It was like she was talking to herself, slowly probing the meaning behind these words.

Brandon's throat seemed to catch even more.

He turned around and gently hugged Theresa.

Theresa looked up at him cautiously, a little hopeful and a little afraid of being let down, she asked tentatively, "Are you my daddy?"

Brandon stroked her hair and looked into her eyes, nodding slowly and seriously, "Yeah, I'm your daddy."

The flicker of excitement in Theresa's eyes grew, and she couldn't help but seek further confirmation. "So, will you, like Mia's daddy, take me to school?"

"Of course," Brandon's voice was husky but gentle.

"And, will you join Mommy and play with me? Eat together, go to lots of fun places, play in the sand together?" Theresa's voice was small, her excitement mixing with her need for assurance.

"Of course," Brandon said hoarsely, "Wherever you want to go, Daddy and Mommy will go with you."

"Then," Theresa pondered seriously, "if Mommy gets hurt, will Daddy stay with her too?"