The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 758

“But I want to go find Mommy.”

Theresa’s voice wobbled with barely contained distress. Not seeing Sophia made her uneasy. She craned her neck, trying to peer inside, but Brandon’s broad frame blocked her view completely—she couldn’t see a thing, let alone get inside.

Growing anxious, Theresa tugged at Brandon’s arm, determined to pull him aside.

“Daddy, you’re in my way.”

Brandon gently pried her small hand loose and looked down at her, feigning a pout. “You’re only looking for Mommy? What about Daddy?”

As expected, the little girl’s attention was immediately diverted. She hesitated, glanced up at him, and then nodded. “I want to find you, too.”

Still, her eyes couldn’t help darting past Brandon’s shoulder, searching.

“Then give Daddy a hug.”

Brandon scooped her up, pressing her head gently into the crook of his neck so she couldn’t see anything behind him.

Meanwhile, Sophia hurried to pull on her clothes, barely steadying herself before she rushed forward and swept Theresa into her arms. “I’m right here, sweetheart.”

Theresa finally caught sight of her mother, and a wave of relief washed over her face. Her lips quivered, and she let out a shaky, almost tearful, “Mommy,” before launching herself into Sophia’s embrace.

Sophia caught her and held her close.

“It’s okay, Mommy’s here,” Sophia murmured, soothing her with gentle strokes. Embarrassment flickered across her face—she couldn’t meet Brandon’s eyes. Instead, she whispered to Theresa, “Let’s go wash our hands first, sweetheart.”

She carried Theresa out, quietly closing the study door behind them.

Sophia took Theresa to the bathroom to wash up, then brought her to the living room.

Grace was tidying up, and when she saw Sophia, a hint of awkwardness passed between them. They were both adults—they knew exactly what had gone on in the house.

“Um…” Sophia tried to sound casual, forcing a smile. “Grace, could you watch Theresa for a bit?”

Grace nodded. “Of course.”

She avoided Sophia’s gaze, sparing her the extra embarrassment.

“Thank you,” Sophia said. She knelt to Theresa’s level. “Theresa, play with Grace for a while, okay? Mommy needs to use the restroom.”

Theresa nodded. “Okay.”

She instinctively reached for Grace, letting herself be scooped into her arms.

Now that she’d found her mother, she was back to being the sweet, sensible girl everyone adored.

Sophia stroked her daughter’s head with relief, then slipped away to her bedroom.

The earlier intimacy with Brandon had been interrupted abruptly, leaving her feeling sticky and uncomfortable. She desperately needed a shower.

Just as she grabbed some fresh clothes and stepped into the bathroom, the door—barely halfway closed—was pushed open from the other side.

“I’m coming with you.”

Brandon’s voice was low and hoarse. He had already slipped in, closing and locking the door behind him with a decisive thud.

Sophia stared at him, momentarily speechless.

Brandon had shed his usual crisp composure. Though he’d thrown his clothes back on in a hurry, his white shirt and black slacks were hopelessly rumpled—one glance was enough to know exactly what they’d been up to, and how heated it had gotten.

She quickly averted her gaze, cheeks burning with embarrassment as she nudged Brandon. “Theresa’s still out there. Don’t—”

Outside, dusk had already fallen.

Both had showered and changed, feeling much better.

Theresa was still playing in the living room. She knew her mom was in the bathroom, so she hadn’t gone to bother her. Only when she heard the master bedroom door open did she look over.

Spotting Sophia and Brandon coming out together, she let out a bright, “Daddy! Mommy!” and dashed over, hugging each of them around the leg.

Grace looked on, smiling. When her eyes met Sophia’s, Sophia cleared her throat and looked away, flustered.

But Grace felt genuinely happy for her.

“I’ll go start dinner,” Grace said, smiling.

Sophia nodded. “Thank you, Grace.”

“No trouble at all. It’s my pleasure.” Grace grinned, heading for the kitchen.

Brandon bent down and picked up Theresa, asking softly, “Are you hungry, sweetheart?”

Theresa shook her head. “Nope! I already ate.”

Sophia frowned, surprised. “When did you eat?”

Sophia was speechless.