The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 387

Knowing them all too well, from her pregnancy until now, Sophia had never dared share a hint about her child with them. She even kept it from her father, Haley, fearing exactly this scenario.

The bond of blood is far stronger than that of marriage, an unerasable mark etched into one's bones. If they discovered Theresa's existence, they'd only use their status as uncle and grandmother to meddle even more with Brandon and his family.

That was the last thing Sophia wanted.

Their home was on the outskirts of town, near the airport, miles away from here. Sophia had no idea how they'd still managed to cross paths.

Aaron's attitude, outwardly defending her, filled her with dread, reminiscent of those two years of marriage dominated by people who had no business in it.

But clearly, Aaron was the same as ever, lacking empathy for her situation. Faced with her outburst, he only grew more frustrated with her, accusing her of being ungrateful, weak, foolish—wasting her youth on bearing children for a man, without even securing the basics for the child's life.

"Do you think you're being noble?" Aaron was fuming, "Do you think men will be grateful or guilty because of it? Don't be naive, you're just deluding yourself, you know? Let me tell you, don't ever count on a man's conscience. Feelings fade, but money is concrete! If you don't take advantage now while they still feel a bit guilty and secure more for your child, you'll regret it later."

Sophia said, "My situation is different from others. I found out I was pregnant after my divorce, and I went ahead and had the baby in secret, against all odds. I just wanted a family member of my own, that's all. I'm fully capable of raising my child, so please, don't try to plan my life for me."

"Capable? What kind of capabilities do you even have?" Aaron couldn't help but give her a dismissive look, "No matter what you've got up your sleeve, do you think you can match her dad's clout? His wealth? When it comes to family background, connections, and social status, our family doesn't hold a candle to his. What I can't stand the most is people like you who always wear their hearts on their sleeves, spouting nonsense about valuing love over money. Anyone with a brain would've found a way to get the kid back to her father's family by now, but there you go, playing the martyr. Self-respect is the cheapest commodity these days, and only fools like you cling to that pathetic pride."