The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 766

As Theresa ran and turned her head, she caught sight of Brandon standing beneath the golden sunset. Her face lit up with delight as she called out, “Daddy!”

Without hesitation, she sprinted toward him.

Sophia, noticing Theresa’s excitement, instinctively turned as well. There in the evening light stood Brandon, and she couldn't help but smile softly. Rising to her feet, she walked over.

“You’re home early today,” she said, stopping in front of him. “When did you get here? I didn’t even notice.”

“Just got back a little while ago,” Brandon replied. He bent down and scooped up Theresa as she flung herself into his arms. Looking at Sophia, he explained, “It’s the last day before the holidays—there wasn’t much to do at work, so I figured I’d come home early.”

Sophia nodded in understanding. Remembering how Kent had tried to reach Brandon that morning without a reply, she hesitated, then asked, “By the way, was there anything urgent with Kent?”

She worried that she and Theresa might have pulled him away from something important. Kent, after all, was Brandon’s right-hand man and never contacted him without good reason.

“Nothing major,” Brandon said lightly. “I gave him his year-end bonus, but I forgot to let the finance department know in advance. Kent just wanted to check why he got an unexpected payment.” He didn’t mention he’d left out the explanation on purpose.

Sophia looked a little surprised. “You actually gave him the bonus already? That was quick—you only mentioned it last night.”

Brandon smiled. “If my girlfriend asks me to do something, I don’t drag my feet.”

Sophia felt her cheeks warm at his teasing, especially with the way he was looking at her so intently. She’d never been able to withstand the depth in his eyes for long.

“You’re the one who brought it up,” she muttered, but couldn’t help feeling happy for both him and Kent. “Was Kent shocked to get a surprise bonus from his boss?”

Brandon chuckled, nodding. “He was pretty surprised.”

Shocked might be more accurate, he thought. Not that he intended to make things tough for Kent—it’s just that, since Kent had dared to overstep once, he needed a little reminder. This time, things turned out well, so he let it slide, but next time might be different. Brandon knew Kent was smart enough to pick up on the message.

But there was no need to trouble Sophia with these little details.

Sophia smiled, reassured. “That’s good.”

She’d been worried Brandon might blame Kent, and she would have felt responsible.

Brandon could easily read her thoughts. She hated owing favors and was always anxious about dragging others into trouble. For that reason alone, he could never bring himself to give Kent a hard time.

“Don’t worry. He’s probably celebrating right now,” Brandon said quietly.

Sophia nodded. “Alright.”

Theresa, who’d been waiting patiently for her turn in the conversation, couldn’t hold back any longer. “Daddy, where are we going to play later?”

Brandon smiled at her. “First, we’re going to eat. After dinner, Daddy’s taking you and Mommy somewhere special.”

Sophia glanced at him in confusion. “Where are we going? It’s already getting late.”

“We’re going to see a house,” Brandon replied.

“What?” Sophia was baffled. “Why are we going to look at a house all of a sudden?”

He shrugged. “Just felt like taking a look. Think of it as a walk after dinner.”

“Oh.” Sophia eyed him suspiciously but didn’t press.

Theresa, on the other hand, got so excited she nearly bounced out of Brandon’s arms, hugging his neck with renewed energy. “Let’s go get groceries! I’ll help Daddy cook.”

A grin flickered in Brandon’s eyes. “Alright.”

He turned to Sophia. “Shall we head to the store?”

Sophia nodded. “Sure.”

“Let’s go,” Brandon said.

He carried Theresa as they made their way toward the supermarket. Passing by the security booth, Brandon glanced over thoughtfully.

Sophia happened to look back and asked, “What’s up?” She hadn’t noticed Aaron with Brandon earlier.

Brandon smiled and shook his head. “Nothing.”

“Huh?” Sophia looked puzzled. “Grateful for what?”

He looked at her for a long moment, voice low and rough. “Grateful that you’re willing to give me another chance.”

Sophia fell silent, unable to meet his eyes. His words, spoken so earnestly, left her flustered.

“There are people everywhere…” she finally managed, trying to sound nonchalant.

Brandon chuckled at her attempt to act composed. Letting go of the cart with one hand, he drew her gently to his side, his arm around her shoulders.

“So what? We’re a couple. It’s not like we’re sneaking around.”

He ruffled her hair affectionately as he spoke.

Sophia could only stare at him in disbelief.

Theresa, busy with her shopping, looked back at her parents in confusion, trying to make sense of what she was seeing.

“What is it, sweetheart?” Brandon asked.

Brandon laughed, hooking two fingers around her tiny hand. Satisfied, Theresa pushed the cart forward, holding both her parents’ hands as they walked.

Grocery shopping took longer than usual with Theresa so deeply involved, but neither Sophia nor Brandon minded. They took the chance to teach her about fruits and vegetables, letting her curiosity lead the way.

Back at home, Theresa darted into the kitchen to help as always. With all three working together, a hearty dinner was soon prepared.

Just as they were about to sit down to eat, the doorbell rang.

Sophia and Brandon exchanged a glance. Brandon got up to answer it, while Sophia looked toward the door.

As the door opened, Sophia saw several large gift boxes being wheeled inside.