The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Sophia took a shower in the house next door, washing off the day's fatigue, but not the lingering blues in her heart.

Scanning the familiar sights of her room, she hadn't expected to cback when she left in the morning.

She had even copied important files from her desktop to her laptop and external hard drive, and formatted the desktop disk.

Post-shower, Sophia plopped down at her computer desk, not bothering to turn on the laptop, just zoning out and taking in her

little personal haven.

Since having a kid, alone tand personal space had becrare commodities for her.

This little studio, detached from the daily grind, had becher go-to retreat for when she felt worn out or blue.

It was the one place she could just be herself, not just a mom.

Back in the day, it was just her and Theresa; their world was each other, so the feeling wasn't as pronounced.

But now, with the kid's dad in the mix, their duo had turned into a trio, and with someone else to share the load, this feeling of

being on her own somehow felt stronger, emptier.

Sophia couldn't quite put her finger on what she was feeling.

Today had thrown so much at her, so suddenly and chaotically; it had tossed all her plans out the window. She hadn't had a chance

to think or regroup, and just felt a bit lost. Lost about the future.

It had been two years since she'd last felt this adrift.

Brandon walked in to find Sophia daydreaming at the desk, chin in hand, gazing out at the balcony, her fair and serene face still

composed and gentle, but her whole being was spaced out.

She didn't notice him cin, and just quietly stared into the vast night outside. Brandon watched her in silence, not wanting to

disturb her.

It was unclear how long she had been zoning out, but when she finally snapped back to reality and turned around, she saw

Brandon at the doorway. He'd been standing there for who knew how long, his gaze peaceful and deep, just looking at her.

"What brings you here?" Sophia asked softly, standing up, "Is Theresa by herself at home?"

"Grace is with her." Brandon said, walking towards her, "Why are you sitting here all by yourself?"

"The night view is pretty nice. I've been too busy to notice before. Just got lost in it," Sophia admitted, a bit embarrassed.

Brandon glanced out at the balcony but didn't call her out.

"Yeah, it is quite nice," he said, stopping in front of her and looking at her.

He could see a trace of melancholy and uncertainty in her eyes. He knew it wasn't easy for her to be kept here against her will.

Both Brandon and Sophia were planners at heart; he understood the pain of having one's plans upended. But he also knew he

couldn't just let her and the child leave.

They had both deliberately avoided the topic tonight, because they each knew it was a dead end.

He wanted her and the child, but she just wanted the child; she didn't want him.

Even though this was old news, every tBrandon thought about it, he felt a tightness in his chest, anger coursing through his

veins, yet he forcibly kept it in check with reason.

"Planning to go back to work?" He asked gently, gazing at her.

Sophia nodded slightly, "Yes."

Stuck here, she would have to carry on with unfinished business, taking it one step at a time.

Brandon nodded, "Okay."

"What about Theresa?" He inquired, "Got any plans for her?"

Sophia shook her head, "Not really."

She added, "I used to take her to early learning classes in Wye City. We haven't settled here yet, so | didn't enroll her in anything.

Just wanted her to enjoy life for a bit."

Looking at Brandon, she said, "Do you have any thoughts about her?"

Brandon shook his head, "No, just wanted to hear your thoughts first."

"I don't have many. As long as she's happy." Sophia said, "I think at her age she doesn't need to be too wound up. Let kids be kids,

no need to push her into learning stuff just yet."

Brandon nodded in agreement, "Yeah."

"You're more experienced in this than | am, and you know her better. Whatever you decide is fine by me," he added.

Sophia nodded, feeling a twinge of guilt at his words.

"I'm sorry for keeping Theresa's situation from you," she said softly, formally apologizing to him.

Brandon just looked at her, recalling how she had acted at the foundation ceremony, politely offering him a drink with the same

demeanor.

"What are you planning now?" He probed gently, eyes fixated on her.

Sophia was momentarily puzzled, looking back at him.

Brandon realized he might have overreacted and gave a self-deprecating laugh, saying nothing more.

Sophia also remembered the foundation ceremony and her attempt to offer him a drink.

Back then, she had indeed wanted to use that drink to formally close the chapter with him, with the past, but he had seen through

her intentions, refusing to drink and preventing her from drinking too.

But this time, she truly felt sorry.

"I didn't mean anything else by it." Sophia clarified in a soft tone, "Regardless of my reasons before, keeping the child a secret was

wrong of me. | owe you an apology."

Brandon continued to look at her in silence.

Sophia wasn't sure what else to say. She glanced at her watch and then at him, "Maybe you should go back. | want to sleep here

tonight. Theresa usually doesn't wake up at night, and she won't be up when I get up in the morning. You can stay with her

tonight."

Brandon still remained silent, watching her.

Sophia gave him a slight nod and turned to head back to her room when suddenly her arm was grabbed.

She didn't turn around, just tried to pull away, but as soon as she moved her wrist, she was yanked into a half-turn, pushed against

the wall, trapped between Brandon's chest and the wall.

Brandon looked down at her, his eyes dark and stormy, barely containing his anger.

"Sophia, between us, it's not as simple as a sorry and an 'it's okay' can clear up. So save the formalities from now on. Theresa

doesn't need it, and | need it even less," he gazed at her, his voice subdued with restraint.

"I hope we can provide Theresa with a normal upbringing," he said.

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