When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 167

“Yeah, it’s pretty risky. Otherwise, why would I keep running into people I’d rather avoid, or hearing things I never wanted to hear?”

Nelly was already in a bad mood, so snapping back at Brody came naturally.

Brody’s face fell. “Do we have to fight every single time we see each other?”

He wanted to check how she was, but seeing her hurt again just made something twist inside him. The words that came out weren’t what he’d planned.

“Ma’am, Mr. Garland was really worried about you. As soon as he heard you were at the hospital, he left the meeting, even though it hadn’t finished…”

Alan hurried to explain, hoping to smooth things over. Whatever happened in the past, Brody really does care about Nelly now. Why couldn’t she see that?

“Left the meeting early? You must have been so nervous leaving our daughter with me. I guess Sheila’s place is the only safe option, right?”

Nelly shot Brody a cold look. Seeing how upset he was actually made her feel a little better. She turned back to Alan. “And Alan, I told you before, stop calling me Mrs. Garland. I’m not.”

“Mrs… I mean, Ms. Stewart, I…”

Alan realized he’d only made it worse. Before he could try to fix it, Brody gave him a look that shut him up fast.

Carrie picked up on the tension and rushed to hug Brody. “Daddy, Mommy got hurt because she was helping someone. She was really brave. She protected me…”

Brody stayed quiet, his eyes stuck on Nelly while she gathered her things to leave. “Where are you going?”

Nelly only spoke to Carrie. “I have to go now. You go home and rest, okay? I’ll come see you soon.”

“But you said you’d come home with me. I don’t want you to leave…”

Carrie, scared her mom would disappear for days again, grabbed Nelly’s hand and wouldn’t let go.

“If you really want to be with me, you should think about what I said before.”

Even though it killed her, Nelly gently pried Carrie’s fingers away.

This time, no matter how much Carrie cried, Nelly didn’t stay. Carrie turned to Brody with tears in her eyes.

“Daddy, please go after her. She promised she’d come home…”

Brody watched his daughter’s helpless face, and a mess of feelings crashed through him.

He’d never thought he’d swallow his pride for anyone, let alone Nelly. But here he was, and she’d rather walk away from their daughter than be near him. All the things she used to say about love and sacrifice just felt like a cruel joke now.

Brody let out a dry, bitter snort.

“Sir, maybe I should go try to bring her back…” Alan offered quietly, watching Brody’s face.

“Ms. Stewart is really stubborn. If you want her back, you’ll have to go yourself.”

Brody’s shadow stretched long and dark under the streetlight, tall and flawless, not a single weakness in sight.

His presence surrounded her, making it impossible to step away.

“Did you finish adding your terms to the divorce agreement?”

Actually, that was exactly what Nelly wanted to talk about too. Once the paperwork was done, they needed to settle arrangements for Carrie. Even with an agreement, Brody couldn’t just ignore their daughter’s wishes. Maybe they could set up a regular custody schedule.

Brody was more than frustrated. “Can you stop bringing up the divorce agreement every time you open your mouth?”

“Is there anything else for us to talk about?” Nelly replied, her voice cool.

A muscle in Brody’s jaw twitched. He gave a slow, cold smile. “I haven’t finished my terms yet. But I’ll get to it soon.”

“Please do, and keep it reasonable. I don’t want to waste time.”

Nelly turned to go, but Brody pulled her back, his grip suddenly tight, nearly dragging her against his chest.

She stumbled, barely catching herself, ending up so close to him there was almost no space at all.

For a second, she just stared at him. Brody’s face was right there, and he looked thinner, his good looks shadowed by exhaustion.