When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 173

Nelly pushed her plate away and told Carrie to get ready. It was time for preschool. Carrie was still nibbling on her half-eaten sandwich, but she set it down with a little sigh. The air at the table turned cold as Nelly ignored Brody completely. Marian stood nearby, tense and anxious, her heart racing as she watched the scene unfold. Even after Nelly and Carrie left, Marian still felt rattled. Things never used to be like this. Nelly would never go against Brody before. And Brody? He was never known for his patience.

But today, as Nelly walked out with Carrie, Brody didn’t move. He just sat there, quiet and unmoving, his head bowed and his face impossible to read. He looked... lonely, in a way Marian had never seen before.

Marian hovered by the table, not sure if she should start clearing the dishes. She waited and waited, until finally Brody stood up.

“Marian.” His voice was low.

She hurried over. “Yes, sir?”

“Start making meals that are gentler on her stomach. Make sure she takes her medicine on time.” His tone was even, almost emotionless, but Marian felt her heart flip. Everything had changed so quickly. The man who always seemed so detached was suddenly different.

Alan noticed Nelly leaving with Carrie and felt a knot of worry in his chest. He just knew something was off. Sure enough, the whole ride to work, Brody’s mood was so heavy it felt like a storm cloud in the car. Then Sheila called. Brody glanced at his phone, but didn’t answer. A moment later, Alan’s phone rang. He looked at Brody for direction, but Brody just closed his eyes and leaned back, ignoring everything. Alan had no choice but to pick up. “Ms. Olson, Mr. Garland is busy right now. Yes, he’ll be busy all day.”

Sheila hung up and sent Brody a text. She’d noticed the change in him since Carrie’s accident. He barely spoke to her anymore. Her injuries hadn’t even healed yet, and he wouldn’t even see her.

“Sheila, why is Mr. Garland so busy lately? He hasn’t visited in days…” Selina asked softly, watching Sheila anxiously. She was worried Brody might have found out something he shouldn’t. She and Sheila were in it together, but Sheila had Brody to protect her. If anything went wrong, Brody would shield her. Selina didn’t have that kind of backup.

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