The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate (Brandon and Sophia) novel Chapter 737

A sharp ache pierced Brandon’s chest, and suddenly, memories of that night crashed over him—the way she forced a smile through tears, the way she curled up on her side, facing away from him in bed, and the next morning when she quietly restored the apartment to how it had been before she moved in. All she left behind was a signed divorce agreement, a set of keys, and a soft “Take care.”

He had no idea what she’d felt as she erased every trace of her life there, resetting the place to suit a man living alone. He couldn’t imagine her state of mind as she wheeled her suitcase out the door for the last time.

For so long, he’d convinced himself she was fine—she’d always been so determined, so focused on preparing for her studies abroad, so decisive in her departure. He’d thought that by letting her go, he was granting her wish, and perhaps she was even relieved. It had never occurred to him that detaching yourself could feel like being torn open, bone from bone.

He said nothing, just reached out across the table and, with the back of his finger, gently brushed away the tear glistening at the corner of her eye.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, voice raw.

Sophia stared at him in surprise.

She wasn’t sure what he was apologizing for—was it for deceiving her, or for something else entirely? But she didn’t have time to ask. The company’s annual gala was about to begin, and two event staff had already appeared at Brandon’s side, looking visibly relieved to have found him at last. They barely spared a glance for Sophia and Theresa, instead leaning in to speak quietly, “Mr. Crawley, the event is starting…”

Sophia glanced around and realized the auditorium had filled; everyone was already gathered in front of the stage, and the emcee was doing a quick mic check, scanning the crowd anxiously. Only when the host spotted the two staffers and Brandon in the corner did his tense gaze finally relax, and he smoothly raised the microphone to begin warming up the crowd.

Sophia turned to Brandon. “You need to give a speech, don’t you? You should go.”

He looked at her but didn’t move.

The event had already started.

The staff, seeing Brandon still seated, grew anxious and urged him again, more insistent this time. “Mr. Crawley?”

Just then, Susan returned to the event, immediately sensing something was off.

“What’s going on?” she asked, instinctively glancing at Brandon.

He looked calm, his eyes lowered, as if lost in thought.

Susan’s questioning gaze flicked to Sophia.

Sophia, now anxious, looked to the stage, where the emcee was wrapping up his introduction, voice ringing out, “And now, please join me in welcoming the CEO and Executive Director of Starlight Group, Mr. Brandon Crawley, to give our opening remarks!”

Thunderous applause filled the hall as the host finished speaking, and he looked expectantly in Brandon’s direction. The crowd followed his gaze, turning en masse to the corner.

Sophia, realizing Brandon still hadn’t moved, leaned in to whisper, “Brandon?”

He glanced at her then.

Something about that look made Sophia’s heart race.

Brandon turned to little Theresa, who was wide-eyed and taking in the commotion. He spoke softly, “Theresa, will you wait here for just a minute?”

Theresa, still marveling at the spectacle, nodded blankly. “Okay.”

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