The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 388

"Can't you guys give my feelings a thought for once?" Sophia's eyes were brimming with tears, staring at him. "Brandon and I never got together because of love. It was an 'oops' baby that forced us to tie the knot, and we've never had any real emotional foundation. His folks can't stand me either; they think I schemed my way into their family. And you and Mom keep going to them under my name, which only convinces them more that I'm after their fame and fortune. The two years I spent with them were hell, and now that I've finally started to move on, can you please not stir the pot? Can't we just stand on our own two feet?"

Brandon happened to walk over at that moment, pausing slightly as his gaze landed complexly on Sophia.

Sophia's eyes were moist as she looked at Aaron, pleadingly.

She was practically begging Aaron, trying to appeal to his emotions to persuade him.

But clearly, Aaron was immune to this emotional card.

He just frowned impatiently. "Not being liked by the in-laws is your problem. Look, you're not exactly Ms. Congeniality at home either; you can't get along with anyone. With your attitude, you really need to shape up, otherwise, you'll never get along with anybody. You need to reflect on how to be a good wife, a good daughter-in-law."

Brandon couldn't stand to listen any longer and stepped forward, brushing aside the branches in his path.

"The one who needs to reflect and change is you."

Aaron instinctively looked up at the sound of Brandon's voice. He was taken aback when he saw Brandon approaching, but quickly plastered a smile on his face. "Brandon, what brings you here?"

He laughed and said to Brandon. "Sophia can be pretty stubborn and a handful at times. I was just talking about her."

"No need for that!" Brandon said coolly, already by Sophia's side, taking her hand. "She's fine as she is, no need to change, and certainly no need for your 'guidance.'"

Sophia looked at Brandon in surprise.

Brandon stood in front of her, facing Aaron, his side profile cast in shadow, looking very chilly.

Aaron's smile started to falter, and following Brandon's cue, he laughed. "Sure, sure, as long as you don't mind."

Whether out of guilt or awkwardness, Aaron felt uneasy staying longer. He gestured towards where he came from. "My wife and kid are waiting for me; I won't bother you two any longer. We'll catch up later over a meal."

As he spoke, he turned to Sophia with a parting instruction. "Sophia, I gotta head off. Bring the kids over to see your folks when you can."

After saying that, he turned and left, only to look back and add. "Oh, by the way, your sister-in-law thought it'd be more convenient for Betty's schooling, so we've moved into the city. Our parents are coming over to help with the kids, so they've moved too. Everyone in the Yearwood family thought you were still abroad, didn't want to stress you with a trip back, so we didn't notify you. I'll send you the address later."

Sophia pursed her lips, silent, her eyes growing damper.

Aaron turned, bid farewell to Brandon with a smile, and left.

Sophia watched him disappear from view, and the tears came flooding down, her heart aching.

No matter how cold she felt towards that home, it was still the place where she grew up.

Being notified in such a manner that they had moved away, their indifference still managed to upset Sophia.

Brandon watched her, saying nothing. He stepped forward, opened his arms, and gently hugged her, silently comforting her with gentle pats on her back.

Sophia's tears quickly dampened his chest.

Brandon held her tighter, soothing her in a gentle whisper, "It's okay now."

His soft words triggered a fresh wave of tears.

She didn't want to cry, but her tear ducts wouldn't close up.

During their school days, he had comforted her like this when she was upset.

But in the years since their reunion, as far as Sophia could remember, this was the first time he had held her like this, comforting her with such a tender tone, saying, "It's okay now."

Sophia's emotions were complex, tinged with nostalgia, longing, and an inexplicable sadness. She wanted to hold on to Brandon's shirt tightly but hesitated.

Brandon pulled her in closer, cradling the back of her head against his chest, his palm gently stroking her hair in a protective and affectionate embrace.

The warmth from his chest made Sophia falter for a moment, her hands hesitant, then she also wrapped her arms tightly around him.

Sophia didn't cry for long in Brandon's arms.

After the initial outpour of emotion, she tried to control herself.

As she calmed down, she felt a bit embarrassed, especially in front of Brandon.

When she looked up from his embrace, her gaze was tentative, hardly daring to meet his eyes.

Brandon lifted his hand, gently wiping the tears from her eyes with the back of his fingertips.

"Feeling better?" he asked softly.

Sophia gave a slight nod. "Yeah."

"Thank you," she said quietly, her voice still a bit hoarse.

Brandon just gave her a small smile, his eyes still focused on her, carefully and thoroughly wiping the tear tracks from her face.

"Is this how they usually treat you?" Brandon asked softly.