When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 153

Nelly said it with a smile, but Brody’s face stayed cold and stiff, the kind of look that hurt more than tears ever could.

“Mommy!” Carrie could tell something was off. She wrapped her arms around Nelly again. “Will you come home after you’re done with your work?”

Nelly met Carrie’s big, hopeful eyes and hesitated. “Be good, Carrie. If you miss me, you can call me any time.”

Carrie picked up on the way her mom was dodging the question. Her lips trembled, and she looked down. “Mommy… do you not want me anymore?”

“Nelly.” Brody’s voice was low, a warning.

Nelly wasn’t thrilled with Brody, but she knew she couldn’t ignore her daughter’s feelings. After a long pause, she softened her voice. “Okay. As soon as I finish what I have to do, I’ll come back for you.”

“Really?” Carrie’s eyes lit up, and she held out her pinky finger. “Pinky promise. You have to mean it.”

Nelly knelt down and hooked her pinky with Carrie’s. Finally, Carrie managed a teary smile, but you could still see the sadness in her eyes. She didn’t want to let go.

Nelly stood up and left without looking back, afraid she’d lose her resolve if she stayed any longer.

Brody almost reached out to stop her, but in the end, he just balled his hand into a fist. When he looked again, Nelly was already far away, her footsteps steady and her back straight, not a single sign of hesitation.

“Daddy… will Mommy really come home?” Carrie’s voice was tiny as she looked up at him. Even though Nelly promised, Carrie still felt uneasy.

“She promised, didn’t she?” Brody tried to smile as he brushed her cheek.

Carrie shook her head. “I feel like Mommy is different than before…”

“How is she different?” Brody asked, trying to sound casual, but his heart felt heavy.

Carrie bit her lip and frowned. “Does Mommy not want you anymore, either?”

Brody froze. Before he could answer, Carrie whispered, “She used to be so happy when she saw you. But now… she wants to be apart from you. And she doesn’t want me either…”

Brody swallowed, his throat tight. Everyone said he was cold and heartless, but Nelly could be just as tough.

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