When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 280

She spoke quietly, her voice steady, as she finally shared the pain she’d kept buried since she was a kid. She talked about her past like it belonged to someone else, without the slightest hint of anger. Maybe it was that calmness that made the whole room go cold.

Brody’s face twisted into something unreadable. He swallowed hard, like he wanted to speak, but no words came out.

“When Brody was burning up with a fever, stuck in his office, I was the one who took care of him. I stayed up three days and nights straight, making sure his work didn’t pile up. He couldn’t be there for our child, so I pushed myself to the edge, just so he wouldn’t have to worry. Everyone knows how I’ve treated him all these years. I listened to every word he said. I was so careful, that even when our own son died and he told me not to make a scene, I didn’t even let myself cry out loud. And what did I get in return? I became so small that anyone could step on me. I had to swallow his lies, and on the day we lost our son, I had to watch him celebrate a birthday with his lover, with our daughter right there.”

Nelly’s words stung, and Tina’s face tightened.

“Ms. Stewart, I know you’ve suffered too,” Sheila broke in quickly. “But things aren’t always how they look. Tina just cares too much about Brody…”

Tina snapped back, “Right, and who hasn’t had to swallow their pride? I’ve been Mrs. Garland for years. I’ve had my share of pain. You got to be Brody’s wife out of your choice.”

Nelly shot back, “I made this mess myself. I chose the wrong person to love. But that doesn’t give any of you the right to judge me.” Her eyes flickered to Brody as she spoke. She felt a pang of hesitation. Brody was still recovering after getting hurt saving her. But she wasn’t going to let that change what she needed to say. She was done letting guilt tie her down.

Suddenly, Carrie let out a loud, shaky cry. The adults’ voices must have confused her, but all the tension in the air had built up inside her until she couldn’t hold it in anymore.

Nelly’s heart squeezed. She reached out to comfort her daughter, but Carrie pulled away, burying her face in Tina’s arms instead.

Tina hugged her granddaughter close and whispered, “Don’t be scared, Carrie. You’re okay, sweetheart.”

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