The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 50

"No way, Brandon," Sophia said softly but firmly, "Moving back here was already my bottom line, Brandon. Don't push me."

Brandon's eyes were fixed on her, but he said nothing.

Sophia stood her ground too.

Their gazes met in mid-air.

Eventually, Brandon was the first to throw in the towel. "Let's head back."

Sophia gave a small nod, not wanting to argue over it anymore.

She pushed open the car door and stepped out, turning to see Brandon doing the same.

Brandon hit the electronic lock to secure the car and walked around the front toward her. "Let's go."

Sophia nodded lightly. "Yeah."

With that, she headed toward the elevator bay.

Brandon, originally at her side ready to walk with her, froze as a stocky figure caught his eye. He quickly draped his arm over Sophia's shoulder, subtly sidestepping towards a pillar.

Sophia looked at him, puzzled.

Brandon gave her a "zip it" look, glancing casually over his shoulder.

Instinctively following his gaze, Sophia also looked back and saw two men who had just gotten out of their car and were heading towards their elevator bay.

One was tall and thin, the other short and portly, both in their fifties and dressed like corporate hotshots.

Sophia wasn't familiar with Brandon's company or his work, so she didn't know their connection to Brandon, but judging by his expression, he didn't want those two to spot him.

Remembering how she first met Brandon at the hotel, where he was staying as a guest and the staff didn't seem to know him, and how Susan had said nobody knew Brandon was in Wye City, she figured his business trip was meant to be under wraps. So, she played along and kept quiet.

The two men were heading straight for their elevator.

The space behind the pillar where Brandon and Sophia were hiding was tight – it would be hard not to bump into each other if they looked up.

As the men got closer, and the portly one's gaze swept in their direction, Brandon pulled Sophia towards him, pushing her against the wall. He raised his hand as if to kiss her, his suit jacket lifting to perfectly shield their bodies.

Sophia glanced at him, then at the approaching men. After a moment's hesitation, her arms suddenly rose, wrapping tightly around Brandon's neck. Her jacket sleeve covered his head, and she tiptoed, mimicking a passionate kiss, even tightening her hold on Brandon's neck as the portly man's gaze collided with the back of Brandon's head.

They were already close, and with her pull, their lips brushed together.

Sophia froze, instinctively looking at Brandon.

His eyes were deep, scarily passionate.

Sophia's first impulse was to pull away, but Brandon tightened his grip around her waist and deepened the kiss.

The portly man and his tall companion glanced at the passionately kissing couple, looked away out of politeness, and walked past with a shake of their heads and a chuckle.

Their laughter faded behind them, the elevator doors opened and closed, and all went quiet.

Brandon's kiss slowed and eventually stopped.

Their eyes met again, and after a brief pause, they simultaneously looked away and let go of each other, each stepping aside.