The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 153

Sophia was just chilling at the top of the stairs, one hand on her knee, the other patting her chest, huffing and puffing like she'd run a marathon. Her face was all flushed, her hair a bit of a mess, and you could see a layer of fine sweat beading on her forehead.

She caught Brandon's eye and felt a bit embarrassed.

"Today's the grand opening of the new company, and everyone's buzzing with excitement. Why don't you come and celebrate with us?" she said awkwardly. "Honestly, people love it when the boss lets loose and hangs with the crew. Makes you feel less like the big man upstairs, you know?"

Brandon glanced at her still-thumping chest, then at her damp, rosy cheeks, before his gaze settled into her eyes. "Did you specifically come looking for me?"

The word "specifically" hung in the air between Sophia and Brandon, loaded with unspoken meaning, given their complicated relationship.

She hadn't thought it through – his solitary silhouette had just popped into her head, and on a whim, she'd dashed up to find him.

"Not really," Sophia replied, her cheeks coloring. "It's just everyone's heading out to party, and it seemed like a bummer for the big boss to be missing out."

She glanced at the now-deserted office, then back at him. "You're here burning the midnight oil all by yourself. If work's not screaming for attention, why not take a break? Don't push yourself too hard."

Kent looked over at Sophia, a tad surprised.

Her casual concern for Brandon was kind of sweet and unexpected.

Brandon threw him a glance.

Kent, taking the hint, quickly made his exit. "I'll leave you two to chat. Mr. Dempsey's waiting for me to join the celebration. I'll head over so no one's kept waiting."

With that, he bolted.

Brandon's eyes lingered on the sweat on Sophia's forehead, and he casually grabbed some tissues from a nearby desk, walking over to her.

Standing in front of her, he reached out with the tissue towards her forehead. "Did you take the stairs?"

"Yeah, the elevator was out of service," Sophia replied, taking the tissue from him with an awkward smile. "I've got it."

He gave her a look but didn't fight her for it, handing over the tissue.

After drying off, Sophia turned to him again. "So, you coming?"

He nodded. "Sure, why not?"

A smile flickered across her face, and a hint of one appeared in his eyes too.

"Let's go," he said, and they headed down together.

Don had texted Sophia the details for the get-together.

He'd booked a rooftop farm with its own BBQ and bonfire setup.

By the time Sophia and Brandon arrived, everyone was already in full swing – some prepping the food, others manning the grills, chatting and laughing in little clusters.

Brandon's entrance caused a momentary freeze, everyone suddenly self-conscious.

Sophia, all smiles and warmth, called out, "Keep the fun rolling. Don't mind us!"

Her gentle demeanor and innocent charm quickly eased the tension, and the party vibe bounced back.

She grabbed some skewers for Brandon. "Want to grill some?"

He looked at her and nodded, standing side by side with her at the grill.

Don and Kent were also by the BBQ, skewers in hand. Seeing Sophia and Brandon together, Don couldn't hide his surprise.

"Are you actually up for this kind of thing?"

"Is there a problem?" Brandon asked, skillfully laying the skewers Sophia handed him on the grill.

"Nope, no problem at all," Don replied, thrilled. "Just saying, it's good to relax every now and then, take a breather."

Brandon ignored him, focusing on grilling the meat for Sophia.

Cindy, out of breath, set down a plate of oysters and called Sophia over to help clean them.

Brandon gave her a passing glance.

Cindy straightened up, "I'll get back to it," quickly dismissing the idea of Sophia joining her.

Sophia glanced over at the busy oyster crew, then back at Brandon. "I'm gonna go help out over there."

He looked at the pile of oysters and nodded. "Go ahead."

As Sophia walked away, he paused his grilling, clearly more interested in something – or someone – else.

Don, aware Brandon wasn't into these gatherings, nudged him. "Why force yourself if you're not into it?"

Brandon shot him a look. "It's not about liking or not. It's just a way to pass the time."

He glanced towards Sophia again.

She had settled next to Cindy, awkwardly scrubbing oysters out of a foam cooler. Among the chattering girls, Sophia's serene presence stood out; not aloof or antisocial, just content to listen and smile without diving into the hubbub.

Brandon didn't intrude, nor did he show much interest in BBQ. Social gatherings weren't his thing.

Luckily, a work call came through on his phone.

When Brandon returned from his call, everyone had dropped their tasks and was now dancing around the bonfire, the music and laughter creating a lively atmosphere.

He scanned the crowd for Sophia but didn't spot her.

Looking to the outskirts, he found her still with the oysters, absentmindedly grilling skewers, occasionally glancing at the lively crowd with a smile, but with no intention of joining in.

He approached her and stood by her side, picking up a skewer from the plate.

"Why not join them?" he asked, placing the skewer on the grill.

Her surprise at his sudden appearance melted into ease as she turned to face him.