When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 148

Nelly’s expression shifted, but she didn’t bother arguing with Brody. He wasn’t wrong. She could always find a few more ways to put his card to use.

Once the doctor left, Nelly moved to get dressed, ready to leave, but Brody stepped in front of her.

“The doctor said you should stay for observation for a few days.”

“I’ve already been checked. I’m fine.”

She tried to brush him off, but Brody refused to let her pass.

“Do you always take so little care of yourself?” His fingers wrapped around her arm, voice tight, eyes clouded with something she couldn’t quite place. For a second, it was almost intimidating.

Nelly stared at him, half amused. “Why does it matter to you if I’m responsible or not? Who are you to me?”

“I’m your husband.” Brody’s reply was calm, almost formal. The words hung between them, sharp and cold.

“Husband?” Nelly let out a short laugh. “Yeah, just on paper. There’s nothing between us. We’re supposed to mind our own business. That’s what you said in the prenup, remember?”

Brody fell silent. Her look of disdain seemed to sting. He searched her face, maybe hoping to see the girl she used to be, but all he found was the same chill he remembered. The strange thing was, that icy distance only made her look more stunning.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Finally, Brody backed down a little. “There are more tests you need to do in the morning. Carrie’s worried about you, too.”

Right then, Carrie burst in through the door.

She was perfectly fine. Brody had set her up with a therapist, and she’d just finished a quick session.

“Mom, the doctor said you need to rest here and shouldn’t leave until they’re sure you’re okay… Can I stay with you?” Carrie wrapped her arms around Nelly, voice soft and pleading.

She was like a little kitten, glued to her mom, not wanting to let go. After being apart for so long, Carrie had missed her more than she would ever admit.

As expected, faced with her daughter’s big eyes and gentle voice, Nelly couldn’t keep up her tough act. After Carrie begged her a few more times, she finally gave in and agreed to stay for a day of observation.

She only made a passing comment, but Alan quickly spoke up. “Actually, Mr. Garland hasn’t eaten yet either. Maybe you could ask him to join you?”

“He didn’t go back?” Nelly was honestly surprised. She figured Brody would have gone straight to work or home to rest.

“Not at all. He’s been here since you were admitted. He didn’t want to disturb you, so he waited outside the whole time.” Alan hurried to explain.

When Brody asked him to bring dinner, he’d been very particular about every detail. Alan had never seen him care so much about anything outside of work. Not even with Ms. Olson. Men really could change fast.

“Why are you telling me all this? What’s that supposed to mean?” Nelly just didn’t get it. Even if Brody felt grateful she’d saved their daughter, this was a bit much. He’d been flirting with Sheila not long ago, and now he was acting all gentle. It just made her uncomfortable.

“I just wanted you to know, Mr. Garland really cares about you…” Alan noticed the shift in her mood and quickly turned serious. “You probably didn’t know, but he got hurt too. He was pretty banged up when he pulled you out. His ankle’s all swollen…”

Brody had been so focused on rescuing them, he hadn’t even noticed his own injuries until everyone was safe. Only after Carrie and Nelly were both out of danger did he realize he could barely walk. Now he was over in the clinic, finally getting treated.