The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate (Brandon and Sophia) novel Chapter 680

Brandon's voice was deep and slow, as he confessed to her that the events of the past were never part of his plan. But Amanda's call had stirred a bit of unease in him.

He wasn’t worried that she would leave, but he was concerned that her affections leaned towards Amanda and Harvey.

Despite the Ferber family's life-saving help and their treating her like family over the past few months, he couldn’t shake the doubt that he and Theresa might not hold the same place in her heart as Amanda and Harvey.

So, he didn’t hesitate to let Sophia know just how much Theresa had missed her, and how much she needed her.

Unsurprisingly, he watched Sophia's eyes turn red, tears threatening to spill over, her throat bobbing as she struggled to keep her emotions in check.

Sophia couldn’t help but look at Theresa, who still gazed back at her with confusion and innocence, not quite understanding what the grown-ups were discussing, only noticing her tears and feeling a bit lost.

Sophia's throat tightened painfully, words failing her as she bent down and enveloped Theresa in a tight embrace.

Theresa’s eyes widened further, pulling her neck back slightly to escape Sophia's hold, casting a questioning glance at Brandon.

Brandon gave her a gentle smile, reaching out to pat her head. "Mommy’s okay," he reassured her softly.

Sophia, choking back her emotions, echoed the sentiment with a tender touch on Theresa’s head, her voice husky: “Yes, mommy’s okay. Mommy just wants to give Theresa a hug.”

Hearing that her mommy wanted to hug her, Theresa immediately sat up, spreading her small, pale arms wide to hug Sophia back, mumbling softly, “Mommy hug.”

Sophia tightened her embrace.

Theresa settled compliantly in Sophia's arms.

Brandon watched the two, their faces so alike, with quiet, deep eyes, not wanting to disturb the moment.

After holding Theresa for a long while, Sophia finally released her, mindful that it was time for her to sleep.

She coaxed Theresa to lie down, tucking her in with her little blanket.

Theresa pointed to the middle of the bed, indicating to Sophia, “Mommy sleep too.”

Her other hand instinctively reached for the bedtime storybook on the nightstand, handing it to Sophia: “I want mommy to tell a story.”

“Alright.”

Sophia nodded, her voice rough, as all her attention focused on Theresa, her heart aching with tenderness. She had already forgotten her earlier discomfort about Theresa's arrangement of their sleeping positions, pulling up the covers and lying down beside her.

Theresa immediately snuggled into Sophia’s arms, clutching her own little blanket.

Sophia lifted the edge of the blanket, letting Theresa and her blanket slip inside. She opened the storybook and began to read to her.

Theresa glanced up, saw Brandon still standing at the foot of the bed watching her and mommy, and quickly called out, “Daddy, come to bed too. It’s cold outside.”

Brandon smiled softly, nodding: “Alright.”

Even she could hear the uncertainty in her voice.

Brandon seemed to chuckle softly; Sophia couldn’t really tell and was too embarrassed to look back at him, only daring to inch a little closer to Theresa.

“I’m fine,” she whispered, propping herself up on one elbow to ease the discomfort from lying and reading.

Brandon glanced at her, pausing the massage, and propped himself on one elbow too, quietly watching her read to Theresa.

Sophia could feel his gaze, lying stiffly and not daring to move.

Fortunately, Theresa’s energy had its limits. As big as her eyes were, they couldn’t resist the lulling effect of Sophia’s gentle storytelling voice. Her wide eyes slowly drooped, and she drifted off to sleep.

As soft breaths rose and fell from the little bundle in her arms, Sophia gradually lowered the storybook in her hands. She glanced down at Theresa, who had fallen into a deep sleep, momentarily lost in her own thoughts.

Brandon glanced at the peacefully sleeping Theresa, then turned his gaze towards Sophia, who was quietly watching their daughter. The room was dimly lit, the gentle glow of a bedside lamp casting warm shadows. On the nightstand, a half-empty mug of cocoa cooled next to a plate that once held freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, the comforting aroma still lingering in the air.

Sophia sighed contentedly, her fingers gently brushing a stray curl from Theresa's forehead. "She really loves that story," she whispered, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Brandon nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You read it so well, it's no wonder she fell asleep so peacefully," he replied, his voice low and filled with warmth.

There was a gentle, reassuring silence as they both watched their daughter, their hearts full of love and gratitude. The world outside was quiet, only the faint rustle of leaves in the evening breeze could be heard through the open window. It was a perfect night, one that promised sweet dreams and restful sleep for all.