Chapter 12
Even though she saw it coming Sophia was still momentarily stunned. She stared blankly at the two lines on the pregnancy test feeling a jumble of emotions that were hard to describe-a mix of complexity with a dash of unexpected joy fluttering through
Her left hand unconsciously caressed her flat belly, and she found it hard to believe that a life was already taking shape
inside
The only time she and Brandon had thrown caution to the wind was the night she brought up divorce
She was preoccupied with her thoughts then and didn’t pay attention
She couldn’t fathom why Brandon would forget to take precautions either
He was usually so careful about that sort of thing
She was a bit at a loss about what to do with the baby if she kept it, what about her plans to hit the books and reboot her life?
And what if she didn’t?
Just the thought made her heart ache unbearably
A baby was a gift from heaven, and she couldn’t bear to give up on this little life.
But did she have to relive the life she had two years ago?
Walking out of the restroom, Sophia was in a daze.
Ivan was still waiting at the restroom door Seeing her come out, he approached her, “Everything okay?”
Sophia shook her head apologetically. “I’m fine.”
He nodded, not prying into the results of the test, just glanced at his watch and reminded her “We need to board soon.”
Sophia hesitated, then nodded and walked with him towards the gate
Passing by the pharmacy window, Sophia subconsciously glanced at the glass where she had seen Brandonis reflection
earlier
Under the scattered light and shadow, the window was crowded with unfamiliar faces and silhouettes
Sophia silently withdrew her gaze, exhaled softly and headed towards the boarding gate with Ivan
Upstairs in the departure lounge
Brandon stood with his arms crossed in front of the railing, calmly watching Sophia below as she and the man beside her handed their tickets to the staff, watched as the man took back the tickets for her, and escorted her through the crowd into the jetway
Sophia seemed to sense something, her steps suddenly halting as she slowly turned her head, her puzzled gaze clashing with Brandon’s mid-air
She was startled.
Brandon merely glanced at her indifferently before turning away leaving
Sophia couldn’t help but smile and said softly under Ivan’s thoughtful gaze, “Let’s go.”
Brandon got back in the car but didn’t drive off. Sitting in the driver’s seat, his heart felt like it was being tugged at, sore and empty.
He let his mind go blank for a moment, and after a brief pause to regroup, his rationality returned, his handsome face settling back into calm.
He started the car’s engine and slowly drove out. As he was about to merge onto the road from the airport roundabout, he glanced toward the tarmac, where the flight to Wye City was slowly taking off
He looked blank for a second, then slowly pressed on the brakes, stopping the car at the roadside. He sat there motionless, his eyes tracking the plane as it smoothly ascended from the ground into the sky until it shrank away out of sight
For the first time, a sudden cramp-like pain seized his stomach, spreading to his heart and chest.
He pressed a hand to his chest, his gaze cold as he withdrew it and glanced at his phone. After a moment of silence, he pulled up Sophia’s WhatsApp, hesitated over her contact, then decisively deleted “Sophia” from his contacts, along with her number
After doing all this, he tossed his phone aside, restarted the engine, and drove off expressionlessly.
Brandon went straight back to the office It was past closing time, and most of the staff had left.
Kent was about to leave too when he saw a poker-faced Brandon walking in.
Surprised, Kent glanced behind him, not seeing Sophia, then couldn’t help but address Brandon cautiously. “Mr. Crawley, did you come back alone?
Brandon didn’t even look at him. “What else?
Kent was speechless
Brandon had already walked past the long office desk and stood in front of his computer, pulling open a drawer with his left hand. After scanning its contents, he turned to Kent, “Got any antacids?”
Kent didn’t say anything.
Brandon said, “I need an antacid
“What? Oh, Kent realized, quickly fetched an antacid for Brandon, and considerately brought him some warm water. Watching Brandon take it, he asked with concern, “Mr. Crawley, are you okay?”
‘I’m fine. His voice was as cool and composed as ever.
Kent wasn’t quite reassured and was curious about the follow-up. And what about Ms. Yearwood?
He stopped as Brandon’s actions froze, his face tensing against the light. Just when Kent thought he might explode. Brandon’s expression returned to calm, “Why bring her up?”
Kent hesitated, “Didn’t you just go to see her?
Brandon shot him a glance, Who told you I went to see her?”
Kent thought, “What were you actually doing then?
Kent didn’t dare to voice this question, but Brandon read the unspoken query in his eyes anyway.
Brandon didn’t answer, instead, he simply said, “Get out!”
