The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 61

Sophia was totally drawn in by the intense focus and softness in his eyes. Her gaze just naturally landed on him, full of confusion and cluelessness.

She had no clue what was up with Brandon.

This was a side of Brandon she'd never seen before, and that look in his eyes, so full of pity and pain, was something she'd hardly ever noticed.

Passersby kept sneaking peeks at them, whispering among themselves with a curiosity they couldn't quite hide.

Both of them were quite the eye-catchers on their own – Brandon with his tall, straight figure and a cool, aloof vibe that screamed nobility, and Sophia with her delicate, well-proportioned frame and a gentle, peaceful demeanor, with a touch of bookish clarity. Standing there, quietly locking eyes through the crowd, they were a sight for sore eyes, like a painting come to life.

Some nosy folks couldn't help but sneak their phones out, itching to snap a secret photo.

Sophia shot a casual glance their way, making the sneaky photographer sheepishly lower their phone.

She turned her attention back to Brandon.

“Hey.” She hesitated a bit, “What’s going on?”

Brandon’s eyes remained calmly fixed on hers, but he didn’t say a word.

Sophia’s eyes clouded with confusion, and just as she was about to speak again, Brandon’s voice came softly through the crowd, “Sophia, did you ever take photos when you were little?”

His sudden leap in topic left her already muddled brain struggling to keep up.

She hesitated, then shook her head with a puzzled look. “No, I never really had photos taken when I was a kid.”

“Not even one picture from when you were little?”

Sophia thought for a moment, then hesitantly shook her head again. “Nope.”

Still confused, she looked at him. “Why are you asking about this?”

Brandon shook his head. “No reason.”

He walked towards her, standing in front of her, looking down with that same pained and tender gaze.

Sophia couldn’t help but look up at him in bewilderment. Brandon was tall, and right there in front of her, she had to tilt her head back, eyes full of confusion.

Brandon didn’t speak, just quietly looked at her, and then, as her eyes widened slightly, he suddenly reached out and gently hugged her.

Sophia froze.

“What’s the deal?” she asked tentatively, not daring to struggle, sensing that something was off with Brandon today.

Brandon didn’t respond, just held her tighter, one hand gently circling her waist and back, the other cradling the back of her head, pressing her close to his chest in a hug that was both pitying and gentle.

Sophia was baffled by his actions, standing stiff as a board, her eyes widening in bewilderment, not understanding what had gotten into Brandon.

Her hands even hung neatly at her sides, not daring to push him away.

“Are you okay?” she asked, concerned, her body rigid, not daring to make a move.

“I’m fine.” His voice was a low, slightly hoarse whisper near her ear, and as the words fell, he hugged her a bit tighter.

There was a sense of careful relief, as well as that pity and tenderness she couldn’t comprehend.

Sophia was full of confusion, her hands twitched, wanting to lift up, but afraid of upsetting him, she softened her voice, “Did something happen to you?”

“You’re kinda freaking me out,” she admitted honestly, her fingers carefully tugging at his clothes, signaling the inappropriateness of the moment.

“Nothing. I just suddenly,” Brandon paused, “felt like hugging you.”

Sophia didn't say anything.

Brandon gently let her go, looking at her with an embarrassed smile.

She awkwardly tugged at her lip, “It’s like you're possessed or something.”

This wasn’t like Brandon. The Brandon she knew was never one to sweet talk or comfort people.