When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 370

Nelly watched her daughter, noticing the redness around her eyes. Something thick and heavy clogged her throat, making it hard to speak. After a moment, she finally managed, her voice soft and rough.

“Carrie, I’m sorry. This is all my fault.” She crouched down and looked straight into her daughter’s eyes. “But you have to trust me. I promise, I’ll never let anyone hurt you. If you really want to stay with your dad, I’ll respect your choice.”

Carrie bit her lip, her little face scrunched with worry and sadness. She looked so lost.

“I… I think I need more time, Mom,” she whispered.

“Of course, sweetheart. Take all the time you need.” Nelly gently ruffled her hair and stood up. “Let’s go home for now, okay?”

Carrie nodded. Her head drooped, as if even that small movement took all her strength.

On the way home, they passed by the same square from the night before. There were still people setting lanterns afloat, but it wasn’t nearly as crowded or lively. The drifting lights gathered on the river, creating a shimmering, colorful trail across the water.

Carrie pressed her face to the car window, completely mesmerized.

“Mom?” she asked suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Do you think my wish will come true?”

Nelly smiled softly. “Of course it will, as long as you really believe in it.”

Carrie nodded, her eyes suddenly shining with determination. She wished for her parents to be together forever, never to be apart again.

Soon, they arrived back at the Garland house.

“Ma’am, you’re back so late… Mr. Garland, he…” Marian, the housekeeper, opened the door, her expression nervous. Her gaze flickered behind her, as if she was hiding something.

“I know he’s not home. I’m not here to see him.”

Nelly didn’t notice anything strange. She just interrupted Marian and led Carrie straight upstairs. All she wanted was to get her daughter settled and safe. She didn’t have the energy to think about Brody right now.

Carrie was worn out. It only took a few minutes of Nelly sitting beside her before she drifted off to sleep.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify