When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 154

The kidnapping needed to be investigated, but honestly, that wasn’t what weighed on her the most right now. She had something else on her mind.

“So, what’s really going on?” Jonah asked. “I know Brody took you to the hospital. Your daughter was there, too. I thought having them with you when you woke up would help.”

Jonah stepped off the treadmill, grabbed two bottles of water, and handed one to Nelly. His tone sounded light, almost casual, but he never once looked at her. It wasn’t like him at all. He seemed so distant.

Even if he tried to hide behind his workout, Nelly could feel the difference. She couldn’t help asking, “After everything that happened last night, you’re still not getting a rest? Why are you pushing yourself so hard?”

“If I didn’t keep in shape, how could I have helped you?” Jonah gave her a small, strained smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

They moved over to the bar in the lounge. Jonah stayed standing while Nelly sat across from him. She didn’t say anything, and he kept quiet, too. The silence between them felt heavy and cold.

“Are you mad at me?” Nelly blurted out.

Jonah gave a short, dry laugh. “Why would you think that? What reason would I have to be angry with you?”

“Then look at me.” Nelly leaned forward, searching his face. “You’ve been avoiding my eyes since I got here.”

“I haven’t.” Jonah glanced at her, but the second their eyes met, he looked away, almost flustered. His cheeks were a little red, probably from working out.

“Don’t lie to me,” she said softly, her voice trembling. She was getting nervous. Jonah’s attitude was throwing her off, and she wasn’t sure what to make of it anymore.

She decided to just ask. “You’ve been waiting outside my building every night, haven’t you? Why?” She remembered seeing a car following the police. Jonah’s car was too noticeable to miss. It was late, and him showing up in her neighborhood was way too weird to be a coincidence.

She hadn’t thought much of it at the time, but earlier, when she went to Felix’s place, she’d checked with the housekeeper. Jonah hadn’t been staying at the Watson house for days. She remembered all those late nights when she couldn’t sleep and called Jonah, and he always picked up right away. Was he… really watching her this whole time?

Jonah finally looked at her. He saw confusion in her eyes, a hint of doubt, and that familiar guarded look he knew so well. He stared at her for a long time, his gaze growing darker.

“Why do you think I did it?” he asked quietly.

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