The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 694

"A Man Named Ivan."

Sophia said, unable to resist glancing at Brandon. She noticed his brows furrow deeply.

"Do you know him?" she asked, feeling an inexplicable unease at Brandon's reaction, worried that Ivan might be telling the truth.

But Brandon had just mentioned they'd been married for over five years. It seemed impossible for her to have another relationship within their marriage.

Brandon noticed the worry in Sophia's eyes and offered a reassuring smile. "Sort of," he replied.

He then asked, "When did you two meet?"

Sophia couldn't have met Ivan after she returned. Since coming back, aside from a brief shopping trip with Lynn and Theresa, she hadn't left Brandon's sight.

"It was the day I first saw you," Sophia explained, recalling a conversation they'd had about their first meeting at the hospital. "It was right after we discussed the design proposal for the museum and the idea of adding a cultural corridor. I went back to campus for inspiration and saw you with President Poe by the entrance."

Brandon recalled that day clearly.

"I was staring at you, lost in thought, and then a motorcycle came by. I tried to get out of the way and ended up falling. Ivan happened to be there and helped me," Sophia elaborated. "Later, on the day of the school anniversary, I couldn't get into the campus and ran into him at the mall across the street."

Brandon suddenly remembered encountering Ivan on campus that day and how Ivan had blocked his view later on.

Back then, Brandon had sensed something was off about Ivan's appearance and had Kent look into Ivan's whereabouts and connections over the past few months. The investigation revealed that Ivan had been solo.

Since leaving Star Dempsey Architects, Ivan spent some time in Zion City searching for Sophia. When he couldn't find her, he went to Wye City, staying there for a while. He recently returned due to Mr. Evert's health issues and some family business troubles, temporarily renting an apartment near the West District High School for convenience. His records showed no connection to Sophia.

It made sense that there was nothing about Sophia in the investigation.

The world is vast, yet Ivan had coincidentally met Sophia—a rare occurrence.

After unsuccessfully searching for Sophia everywhere, Brandon, who never believed in fate, had started turning to it for answers.

Ivan's chance encounter with Sophia stirred a sense of unease in Brandon.

He and Sophia lacked such serendipity.

But Ivan had it.

Brandon's serious expression only made Sophia more anxious. She instinctively took hold of his hand, her concern evident in her eyes.

Unaware of her own gesture, Brandon noticed it. His heart warmed as he tightened his grip on her hand, offering a comforting smile. "It's nothing."

His previous worries stemmed from the fear that Sophia might develop feelings for Ivan over time.

As long as Ivan continued being kind to her and Sophia remained single, Brandon couldn't be sure she wouldn't be swayed by Ivan's sincerity.

His firm reassurance eased Sophia's anxiety, though she still had questions about their long-standing marriage and her connection with Ivan during grad school.

"What about my studies?" she asked, frowning. "Did I keep in touch with Ivan after grad school?"

"No," Brandon shook his head, meeting her gaze. "Our marriage hit a rough patch two years in, and you chose to pursue a graduate degree in Wye City. It was just a coincidence that you and Ivan ended up as classmates again."

Yet another twist of fate.

But the fact that Ivan also coincidentally knew Don felt like yet another twist of fate.

Brandon's mind tangled up with thoughts once more.