When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 197

“I’m right here.” Nelly shifted, letting Carrie snuggle up against her.

“Mom… please don’t leave me and Dad, okay?” Carrie mumbled, her eyes heavy with sleep.

Nelly paused, not sure if her daughter was dreaming or awake. She just whispered, “Alright, I won’t,” and gently soothed her back to sleep.

When she left Carrie’s room, Nelly found Brody alone in the living room. He hadn’t bothered to change, still wearing the same clothes, pouring himself another drink from the cabinet.

Nelly tried to ignore him, planning to head straight up to bed. But as she started climbing the stairs, Brody’s cough echoed through the quiet house.

She remembered his heart wasn’t in the best condition. Drinking too much could be dangerous.

“Stop drinking. That’s enough for tonight.”

Brody’s glass was suddenly gone from his hand. He looked up, meeting Nelly’s eyes, a mocking smile on his lips.

“I’m not drunk. I’m totally clearheaded. Actually, I think this is the clearest I’ve felt in years.”

He was talking more than usual, his voice laced with a sadness that didn’t fit the cold man she knew.

“I have no idea what you’re saying. Just don’t make me wake up to an ambulance at two in the morning.” Nelly set the glass aside, feeling she’d done her part. She didn’t want to deal with him any further.

But as she turned to leave, Brody suddenly grabbed her hand.

Even drunk, his grip was strong. With barely any effort, he pulled her onto his lap.

“Brody…”

The more Nelly struggled, the closer she ended up pressed against him, until she was practically wrapped up in his arms.

Brody held her from behind, ignoring her glare as he gently tipped her chin up. “What’s wrong? Isn’t it normal for a husband and wife to hold each other?”

“Don’t do this. Carrie’s home…”

“Carrie said she wants us together. She doesn’t want us to get divorced.” Brody’s voice was cool and almost bored, like he was just stating the weather.

Nelly felt like he was mocking her.

She tried to shove him away with everything she had, but it only seemed to fire him up. He pinned her beneath him on the couch.

Brody caught her wrists and held them above her head, his hands big and unyielding.

Nelly’s long, black hair spilled over his arm, cool and silky. He stared at her flushed face, struck by how she could look so heartbreakingly beautiful even when she was furious.

Brody seemed lost for a second. He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand, then leaned in, inch by inch, until their lips were almost touching.

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