When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 76

“Don’t even. I’m not Brody, so don’t expect me to go easy on you just because you’re a girl,” Nelly warned, her voice sharp. “If things get physical and you get hurt, that’s your own fault.”

Sheila’s breathing quickened. Her cheeks turned red, tears spilling down her face, making her look so small and fragile. When she finally stopped struggling, Nelly let go. Maybe Nelly’s outburst had really scared her, because this time, Sheila didn’t try to follow.

The next morning, Brody hurried into the hospital’s orthopedics department. Sheila had fallen down the stairs the day before, and her left leg was badly hurt. When he stepped into her private hospital room, he saw Sheila’s leg wrapped in a cast. Doctors and nurses were checking on her, and Selina was at her side.

The moment Selina noticed Brody, her voice wobbled. “Mr. Garland, thank goodness you’re here.”

“What happened?” Brody asked, his tone tense. He’d only heard about it from Carlos and was frustrated that Sheila hadn’t told him herself.

“It was Nelly,” Selina blurted. “She went to find Sheila yesterday. I should’ve stayed with them, but I never thought Nelly could be so harsh… Sheila just didn’t want you to worry, that’s why she kept it quiet.”

Selina kept talking, but Brody wasn’t really listening. He went straight to Sheila’s bedside. She looked pale and completely worn out.

The doctor told him, “Sheila’s lower leg has a comminuted fracture. She had a minor operation last night. She’s stable now, but recovery will take at least a month.”

Brody’s jaw tightened. “Can everyone leave us alone for a moment?”

He locked eyes with Sheila, who kept her head down, looking lost. The doctor and nurse stepped out, but Selina lingered by the door.

“Mr. Garland, you can’t let this slide. Sheila’s always thinking about everyone else, but who’s looking out for her? She’s waited for you for years, and now Nelly…”

Brody shot her a cold look. “Enough. Leave!”

Selina shrank back, swallowing her words, and slipped out of the room.

“She stayed with me all night, Brody. Don’t be so hard on her,” Sheila said quietly.

“She might be Nelly’s friend, but she’s never had a kind word to say about her. You don’t need people like that around,” Brody replied, his tone flat.

Sheila stared at him, surprised. She’d thought he was angry because he cared about her, but it sounded like his mind was somewhere else. She went silent, feeling awkward.

Brody picked up on her mood and finally asked, “So, what really happened?”

“It’s nothing. I just fell on my own. It had nothing to do with Nelly.” Sheila turned her head away from him.

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