The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 350

Sophia took a shower in the house next door, washing off the day's fatigue, but not the lingering blues in her heart.

Scanning the familiar sights of her room, she hadn't expected to come back when she left in the morning.

She had even copied important files from her desktop to her laptop and external hard drive, and formatted the desktop disk.

Post-shower, Sophia plopped down at her computer desk, not bothering to turn on the laptop, just zoning out and taking in her little personal haven.

Since having a kid, alone time and personal space had become rare commodities for her.

This little studio, detached from the daily grind, had become her go-to retreat for when she felt worn out or blue.

It was the one place she could just be herself, not just a mom.

Back in the day, it was just her and Theresa; their world was each other, so the feeling wasn't as pronounced.

But now, with the kid's dad in the mix, their duo had turned into a trio, and with someone else to share the load, this feeling of being on her own somehow felt stronger, emptier.

Sophia couldn't quite put her finger on what she was feeling.

Today had thrown so much at her, so suddenly and chaotically; it had tossed all her plans out the window. She hadn't had a chance to think or regroup, and just felt a bit lost. Lost about the future.

It had been two years since she'd last felt this adrift.

Brandon walked in to find Sophia daydreaming at the desk, chin in hand, gazing out at the balcony, her fair and serene face still composed and gentle, but her whole being was spaced out.

She didn't notice him come in, and just quietly stared into the vast night outside. Brandon watched her in silence, not wanting to disturb her.

It was unclear how long she had been zoning out, but when she finally snapped back to reality and turned around, she saw Brandon at the doorway. He'd been standing there for who knew how long, his gaze peaceful and deep, just looking at her.

"What brings you here?" Sophia asked softly, standing up, "Is Theresa by herself at home?"

"Grace is with her." Brandon said, walking towards her, "Why are you sitting here all by yourself?"

"The night view is pretty nice. I've been too busy to notice before. Just got lost in it," Sophia admitted, a bit embarrassed.

Brandon glanced out at the balcony but didn't call her out.

"Yeah, it is quite nice," he said, stopping in front of her and looking at her.

He could see a trace of melancholy and uncertainty in her eyes. He knew it wasn't easy for her to be kept here against her will.

Both Brandon and Sophia were planners at heart; he understood the pain of having one's plans upended. But he also knew he couldn't just let her and the child leave.

They had both deliberately avoided the topic tonight, because they each knew it was a dead end.

He wanted her and the child, but she just wanted the child; she didn't want him.

Even though this was old news, every time Brandon thought about it, he felt a tightness in his chest, anger coursing through his veins, yet he forcibly kept it in check with reason.

"Planning to go back to work?" He asked gently, gazing at her.

Sophia nodded slightly, "Yes."