The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 43

Sophia wasn't quite used to being under such intense scrutiny. She rose from the couch and pointed towards the back room.

"I'm gonna hit the sack for a bit," she whispered, then glanced over at the kitchen behind her. "If you've got stuff to do, go ahead and dive into it. It's cool to grab some takeout."

Brandon just watched her without moving. "It's all good, I'm not tied up."

Sophia gave a polite smile. "Appreciate it."

Brandon forced a smile too, but didn't respond.

Sophia gave a half-hearted smile as if to say hi, then tried to walk past him.

All of a sudden, Brandon reached out and snagged her forearm.

Sophia looked back at him, puzzled.

She saw that his eyes were deep, hidden within an abyss of calm.

His gaze reminded her of the one he shot her on the way back home when she mentioned Yolanda—cold and turning his head to look at her suddenly.

Despite the difference in looks and temperature, they both gave her a similar sense of unease.

She hesitated, about to speak, but then he yanked on her arm, pulling her into his embrace. As she started to look up in panic, he tightened his grip around her waist, his other hand landing on her chin, gently forcing it up. Her face was tilted back involuntarily, and Brandon's kiss landed fiercely and accurately, filled with hidden rage.

Sophia was stunned, not fully processing what was happening. As she instinctively tried to pull away, the more she struggled, the harsher the kiss became, and the tighter she was held.

In the tussle, she found herself pushed up against the wall by Brandon.

He pinned her hands above her head against the wall with one hand, while the other supported the back of her head, forcing her to tilt her face up. His lips plundered hers with force and aggression.

Sophia frantically tried to push him away, but the more she pushed, the more she seemed to provoke Brandon.