When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 172

Nelly slipped the USB drive into her pocket, her face pale and drawn. Whether it was out of habit or real gratitude, she managed a quiet thank you to Brody.

“We were all there when they tried to save Finn. There’s just no way he made it… We can’t keep pretending otherwise.” Brody understood what was running through her mind. He knew it sounded harsh, but someone had to say it. Honestly, telling her this was already a cruel thing to do. He wasn’t even sure why he kept doing this. He said it was for their daughter, but deep down, he knew he was just being selfish, trying to hold on to someone who wanted to leave.

When Nelly and Brody finally left the study, Carrie was dressed and waiting at the dining table. Not wanting to worry her daughter, Nelly had fixed her expression before stepping out. With everyone home, Marian had gone all out, covering the table with a huge spread for breakfast. Carrie tugged Nelly into a seat, acting like a little hostess instead of the pampered princess she usually was. After almost losing her mom, all she wanted was to hold on tight and spoil her back.

To Carrie, Nelly seemed even more beautiful and impressive these days, both graceful and smart, with a confidence that drew people in. Carrie couldn’t stop sneaking glances at her mom, thinking she was just the best. And when her parents were together, even if they bickered, they looked perfect side by side. Still, she wondered, how could she make her dad love her mom a little more, so her mom wouldn’t want to walk away again?

As Nelly took a seat by herself, Carrie’s thoughts raced. She suddenly pulled out another chair and called out sweetly, “Daddy, come have breakfast before you go!”

It was already getting late, and Alan was waiting outside. Nelly didn’t look up. She was lost in her own thoughts and didn’t feel like dealing with Brody. She didn’t expect him to actually sit down with them.

But Brody agreed and took the seat right beside her. Nelly had just served herself some milk when Brody reached over and took the cup . “Thanks,” he said.

Nelly shot him a look like he was crazy. “That’s mine. If you want soup, get your own.” She yanked the cup back, while Brody just looked annoyed but didn’t say anything else. Marian quickly came over to serve him his own cup. It was kind of funny. The wife who used to tiptoe around Brody was acting like she owned the place, while Brody looked like he was trying not to step on a landmine.

Nelly ate a little too fast, and suddenly a dull pain twisted in her stomach. She winced and put her bowl down. Carrie noticed right away. “Mom, are you feeling okay?”

“Just a little off…” Nelly leaned over, pressing her bandaged hand gently to her stomach to ease the ache. It wasn’t terrible, but it reminded her that she’d forgotten her medicine these last few days. If Jonah found out… She paused, surprised at how quickly his name flashed through her mind.

“Stomach hurting again?” Brody’s voice broke through, his brow furrowed with concern. “Didn’t the doctor give you a prescription? Haven’t you been taking it?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify