When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 195

Carrie noticed Brody’s mood sinking fast, so she piped up in her soft, cute voice, hoping to smooth things over.

“Do you?”

Brody’s lips twisted into a cold smile.

“You know, Daddy used to be really busy too. You made Mommy wait for you all the time.”

“Back then, Mommy told me you had lots and lots of work, so many things to handle, and you were always tired. She said I should understand.”

“So now Mommy must be just like you, right? She has a lot to do. I don’t think she did it on purpose.”

Carrie blinked her big eyes at Brody.

Her words struck him hard. She was right. He’d made Nelly wait like that so many times before. All those meals she’d made with so much hope, all that waiting, and he’d never really seen it.

As night fell, Brody asked someone to take Carrie home. He ordered two more bottles of wine and sat there drinking by himself. Every time he thought about his years with Nelly, a tightness pressed on his chest. The ache was deep, almost suffocating. Lately, his emotions felt like a wild animal he couldn’t get a grip on.

“Sorry I’m late.”

Nelly hurried in, breathless, barely noticing the restaurant’s special decorations. Brody sat at the table, two empty bottles in front of him. Carrie was already gone.

Brody looked up. His suit was sharp, but he looked tired and rumpled. His collar was open, his tie loose. It was the one he’d yanked away from her before.

“Did Carrie go home?”

Nelly asked, glancing at her phone. She’d called Carrie on the way, but no one picked up.

Brody nodded, locking eyes with her. His stare was sharp, dark, and unreadable.

Nelly looked stunning that night. A sleeveless green silk dress hugged her waist, a loose white cardigan thrown over her shoulders. Her figure was graceful and delicate, with curves that drew the eye. Her silver heels made her look both elegant and strong.

Once Brody answered, Nelly started to leave, but his voice stopped her.

“Stay. Have a drink. Eat something. This place costs a fortune.”

“I’m fine.”

“Just ten minutes. That’s all.”

Brody stood up, a little shaky, and caught her arm. The smell of alcohol clung to him, his cheeks flushed. The way he looked at her was different now, softer somehow, with something almost vulnerable in his eyes. He moved a little closer, and the air between them felt charged.

Nelly hesitated, her palm pressing lightly against his chest before she slipped away to the edge of the table.

“We don’t have to be together.”

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