When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 120

“I’m your person?” Jonah suddenly grabbed Nelly’s hand, his palm warm and steady. The touch made her jump a little. She froze, forgetting to pull her hand away from his collar. The way he stared at her was so intense, so memorizing, it made her cheeks flush without her even knowing why.

Right then, the butler appeared and offered to drive Nelly home. The spell between them broke. Nelly quickly dropped her gaze, but Jonah kept his eyes on her.

“I should go,” she said softly.

The butler headed off to get the car. Nelly turned to say goodbye to Jonah, but he didn’t want to let her leave. He caught her arm, his voice low and a little rough.

“Why are you in such a hurry? Stay for dinner. I’ll drive you home after.”

She shook her head. “No, thanks. I don’t really feel comfortable here.”

Nelly glanced back at the grand, intimidating villa. The idea of eating dinner with Felix made her want to run. Jonah didn't say anything else and let her go. As she walked away, Nelly noticed a faint bruise on his neck.

She paused and looked at him, her voice clear and bright. “Don’t handle everything on your own. Remember, we’re in this together.”

Her words were so sincere that Jonah felt a little ashamed of the thoughts he’d been having. Nelly left, and Jonah wandered back into the villa. Inside, Felix was being wheeled downstairs.

“Well done. Your little act really worked,” Felix said.

Jonah stopped for a second. The shadows inside the villa made his face hard to read. He didn’t respond. He just bowed to Felix and left the room.

…

Monday morning came, and Nelly was up early. She was meeting Brody to get the paperwork finished. After today, she’d finally be free. Staring at herself in the mirror, Nelly felt like everything had changed, like she was looking at someone she barely recognized.

She opened her bedroom door and almost jumped out of her skin when she saw someone standing right outside.

“Brody?”

He stood there in a sharp, tailored suit, looking like he’d just walked out of a magazine.

“I thought we were meeting at the courthouse?” she said, still trying to figure out what was going on.

Brody didn’t answer. He just walked inside, his steps heavier than usual, nothing like his normal energetic self. He went straight to the kitchen, poured a glass of water, and drank it all in one go. Then he leaned on the counter, rubbing his temples like he had a headache.

Nelly watched him, a little on edge. “Brody, what’s going on?”

Her practical side kicked in, and her expression hardened. She reached for his arm, trying to help him sit up, but she barely touched him before he shuddered and let out a low, strangled sound.

“I didn’t even use any strength. What are you doing?” Nelly let go, startled.

Brody finally managed to sit up, though he looked like it took everything he had. The arm she’d touched was pulled against his chest, his hand trembling. His face was a mess of colors — bright red cheeks but pale everywhere else. Sweat dotted his hairline. He swallowed hard, took a moment, and finally looked up at her.

“It’s because of you.”

Nelly couldn’t help but laugh. “Seriously, Brody? That’s the worst fake injury I’ve ever seen.”

Her laughter died instantly. Blood was soaking through the sleeve of Brody’s white shirt. Nelly froze, her mind blank.

She’d only grabbed his arm… how could that have happened?

“Brody, your arm is bleeding.”

Snapping back to herself, Nelly hurried over to sit beside him. She wanted to unbutton his cuff to check the wound but hesitated for a second. This time, Brody didn’t resist. He held out his arm, letting her carefully unfasten his cuff.