The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 154

"You know what, you're right. I've tried to leave you five times and I've lost every single time. Guess some things are just out of our hands. So this time, I'm not gonna gamble my future on a sixth go-around."

As Sophia spoke, she glanced over at Brandon.

"I'm still easy to influence where you're concerned; I've always known that's a weak spot for me. That's why I've always kept my distance from you. But just like you said, I can't seem to escape this weird cycle. It feels like no matter where I run, I end up back with you, so I've decided to just go with the flow."

"Even coming back this time, I wasn't all that sure about it, so I left it up to fate. If I could make it back in time, great; if not, so be it. And I don't know if it's good luck or what, but despite the flight delays, I still made it to your opening ceremony. The moment I stepped into the Starlight Group, I knew for sure that I landed the Zenithan-style resort project fair and square. There's no reason for me to let it go."

"Although you're not the one in charge of this project, we're in the same company and it's inevitable that our paths will cross. We may not be cut out to be husband and wife, but it's not like we have any major beef between us. It's just that our families, personalities, and ambitions don't mesh, that's all. We're bound to interact professionally, so we can't keep going at each other like cats and dogs."

Sophia said this, looking at him. "Maybe being friends is the most suitable relationship for us."

Brandon stared at her silently for a moment. "We can't be friends, Sophia."

"There's no middle ground for us. We're either married or we're strangers," he said with a calm that borders on icy.

This version of Brandon reminded Sophia of the night they divorced.

The same calmness, the same 'it is or it isn't', with no room for anything in between – not even a need for a reason.

Sophia didn't know quite how to feel. She laughed a little and fell silent, feeling like she was awkwardly trying to suck up to someone in power.

Brandon didn't say anything more.

They both quietly continued eating their skewers.

Meanwhile, Don, who had been howling like a banshee on the phone, put the receiver down and headed out, returning shortly with someone in tow.

"Let me introduce you all to our new designer, a hotshot straight from the world-renowned Apex Engineering University School of Architecture, Ivan Evert."

Don's excited, laughter-filled voice reached Sophia as she subconsciously looked up at him, catching sight of Ivan by his side.

She was a bit surprised to see Ivan.

Ivan also noticed Sophia and gave her a warm smile.

Sophia reflexively smiled at him.

Their exchange didn't miss Brandon's attention.

Brandon's expression cooled down, and he got up and left without a word.

Sophia couldn't help but glance at his retreating figure, a bit stunned.

Don also noticed Brandon's silent departure and looked worriedly in his direction before turning back to Sophia.

Sophia just sat there, not getting up to follow.

Ivan glanced at Sophia, then thoughtfully at Brandon's disappearing back.

Brandon's figure merged with the night and slowly vanished.

When Ivan looked at Sophia again, she was still staring in the direction Brandon left, her face a mix of the familiar daze and carefully concealed sadness.

Don's gaze swept over Sophia's face, his worry fading as he played the part of the mood-lifting boss, introducing Ivan's credentials to everyone.

Ivan wasn't just any designer at the company; Don gave him a title equal to Sophia's.