The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Zachary was a bit awkward all of a sudden, not expecting neither of them to be interested.

"No biggie, I'll hook you up with someone else next time," Zachary said with a chuckle.

"Thanks, Mr. Gardner," Brandon replied, keeping it cool and polite.

"What are you being so formal for?" Zachary laughed, "I thought since you guys are about the sage and have similar

temperaments, it'd be worth a shot to set you up. But hey, no worries. Even if you don't hit it off romantically, being friends is still

cool," Zachary added with another chuckle.

Sophia just smiled, not really knowing what to say, feeling the awkwardness of the moment. Brandon just glanced at Zachary

without joining in the conversation.

Zachary then turned his attention to Sophia, "Sophia, you're not getting any younger. Careers are important, but don't let work get

in the way of your personal life."

"I got it, Mr. Gardner; don't worry about me," Sophia lightly responded.

"Good to hear. Just don't brush off me." Zachary was quite invested in this matter, "Who doesn't want to find a boyfriend? You can't

have that mindset. Young people should date while they're young and tie the knot when they find the right one."

Sophia, not sure how to respond, just nervously nodded, "Yeah."

"What's your type? I'll keep an eye out for you," Zachary offered.

"Really, no need, Mr. Gardner," Sophia managed, struggling to keep smiling.

"Nope, that won't do. At this rate, you'll be single till the cows chome." Zachary was dead set on this, "I've taught lots of

students, seen all types. There are plenty of great catches among them. Just tellwhat you're looking for, and I'll play

matchmaker."

Sophia's smile was getting stiff. Brandon glanced at her, and then turned the subject to Zachary, "Mr. Gardner, planning to stay in

the West district long-term with Mrs. Gardner?"

"Yeah." Zachary got sidetracked as expected, "Since our daughter and her husband work around here, we're staying to help out

with the grandkids."

He glanced at his well-behaved granddaughter, and then couldn't help but look back at Sophia, "You really should get a move on

while you're young, settle down and have kids. Don't wait too long."

Before his voice trailed off, Jolin shot him a look, "What do you know? Marriage and kids can really put a dent in a career. Sophia's

just starting out, now's the tto push forward. She shouldn't let marriage hold her back. If a girl doesn't meet the right person,

there's no rush. Now's the tto focus on her career."

Zachary, rebuffed, mumbled after a while, "I just meant if there's a good match, she gotta grab it."

Sophia smiled and took over the conversation, "Thanks, Mr. Gardner. I'll keep an eye out."

And with that, the topic was closed for good. Zachary didn't bring it up again.

The dinner went on in high spirits, though Zachary probably still had a thing for playing cupid between Sophia and Brandon. He

kept bringing up Sophia in conversation, reminiscing about her student days, how hard-working and dedicated she was, how it

tugged at his heartstrings, and so on.

Brandon seemed genuinely interested in the topic, occasionally looking over at Sophia, his deep, calm gaze inscrutable.

Sophia, on the other hand, spent the whole tin embarrassment, trying to steer the conversation away only to have Zachary

circle back.

By the end of the meal, she felt totally mortified. Talking about her struggles, especially in front of Brandon, was not her cup of tea.

After dinner, they stayed a bit longer to chat with Zachary before leaving around ten. Zachary stood up to see them off, "Brandon,

doa favor and walk Sophia out, will ya?"

"Not necessary," Sophia refused without thinking. But Brandon had already nodded, "Okay."

Zachary, thinking she didn't want to be a bother, looked at Sophia, "Can't let you go back alone this late at night."

Then, turning to Brandon, "Brandon, thank you for this."

"No problem."

Brandon replied casually, said goodbye to Zachary and Jolin, and turned his gaze at Sophia, obviously waiting for her. She had to

follow Brandon out before saying goodbye to Zachary and Jolin.

Brandon's car was parked right in front of the villa. He walked to the passenger side and opened the door, looking back at Sophia,

who was hesitating, without saying a word.

Zachary and Jolin were also at the door, waiting to see her off safely.

Sophia had no choice but to get into Brandon's car and waved goodbye to Zachary and Jolin as they left. Brandon also addressed

his goodbyes and then got into the driver's seat.

The black sedan slowly drove off into the night.

It was quiet inside the car. Sophia sat in the passenger seat, hands neatly placed on her lap.

She'd seen many sides of Brandon - aloof, gentle, assertive - but this kind of distance was new to her. She wasn't sure how to deal

with it.

Their interactions had always been subtly guided by Brandon. He didn't say a word the whole ride, his handsface calm.

Finally, when they arrived at Sophia's place, Brandon turned to her.

"Sophia, I'm going on a blind date." He said calmly, "If all goes well, I'll be married by the end of the year."

Sophia managed a small smile, "Congratulations."

Brandon also gave a faint smile.

"From now on, you live your life; | live mine, and we won't bother each other," he said.

"Okay."

Sophia replied softly, and waved goodbye, "I'll head back now."

"Be safe," Brandon nodded slightly.

"You too," Sophia nodded back.

Then she opened the car door and stepped out. Brandon watched her leave, her slender figure vanishing into the night, as he sat

in the car, not moving for a long time.

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