When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 206

When Nelly got home, the first thing she did was check on Carrie, just like always.

Children’s Day was coming up soon, so she had picked out a fluffy plushie for Carrie and set it right by her hand.

Once she was back in her own room, Nelly ran a bath. She’d had a few drinks earlier and now she was feeling that heavy, sleepy kind of tired. But as soon as she closed her eyes, she couldn’t help but remember the way Jonah’s hand had rested on her cheek, the warmth of his palm lingering in her mind.

Instantly, Nelly snapped awake, feeling a jolt of guilt and confusion.

What was up with her lately?

Why was she always thinking about Jonah?

He’d never see her like that...

Shaking it off, Nelly finished her bath and started packing. She was only going to the Capital for three days, so she didn’t need much, just some clothes and essentials.

Her suitcase was stuffed on the top shelf of her closet, just out of reach. Not wanting to fuss, she grabbed the folding chair and climbed up to get it.

“What are you doing?”

A sharp male voice sliced through the quiet. Nelly startled so badly she lost her balance. Her foot slipped right off the edge of the chair and, before she knew what’s happening, she was falling.

She gasped, bracing for impact, but instead, strong arms caught her. Brody.

His arms circled her waist, holding her steady. Nelly barely had time to react before her hands flew up, grabbing hold of his neck for balance.

They locked eyes. For a second, Brody looked genuinely surprised.

Nelly’s hair was still damp, and the scent of her body wash was all around them, sweet and fresh. He seemed to breathe her in, and for a moment, the space between them felt electric.

She came to her senses and quickly let go, trying to step away. Brody didn’t release her right away. Instead, he held her a little closer before finally setting her down by the bed.

She realized she was wearing nothing but a thin silk nightgown, her body feeling light and cool in his arms, almost like she could float away.

Brody’s hands lingered for a heartbeat longer than necessary before he let go.

“Thanks,” Nelly said, her tone flat. She immediately put some distance between them.

Brody glanced up at the suitcase on the shelf. “You needed that?”

Nelly nodded. “Yeah. I’m heading out of town for a few days. Just some stuff I have to deal with.”

Honestly, Brody showed up at the perfect time. She’d meant to let him know anyway. If she was leaving, she needed him to watch Carrie closely. She couldn’t risk anything weird happening again. No kidnappings, no drama. And Sheila—she really hoped Sheila would keep her distance from Carrie too.

“Carrie—”

“What kind of stuff?” Brody cut in, not even letting her finish.

“Relax. Even if I died, it wouldn’t have anything to do with you.”

She turned away, focusing on her packing.

Brody suddenly caught her wrist, pulling her back toward him. They were so close she could feel his breath.

Nelly thought he’d look angry, but his expression was unreadable and calm.

“Who said your death has nothing to do with me? You’re still my wife,” he said, his words slow and deliberate. The way he said it was different than usual, less harsh, almost like he was tired.

Nelly’s temper flared. The more he tried to control her, the more she wanted to push back. “Wife? That’s a title you don’t deserve, Brody.”

She yanked her arm away, but his gaze fell to the bracelet on her wrist. It was a delicate piece, studded with gems, and something about it seemed familiar to him.

Brody only remembered high-end jewelry from exhibitions, so this one had to be expensive.

“He gave that to you?” Brody asked, thinking back to the mysterious man with the Rolls-Royce, the one no one could track down, the one who could afford gifts like this.

“Brody, don’t try to control me,” Nelly snapped, pulling her arm out of his grasp and shielding the bracelet.

“He’s not just anybody. You really think you can handle someone like him? You’ll end up getting played and not even realize it.”

Brody’s calm finally cracked. He grabbed the back of her head and pressed her gently against the closet, his fingers tangled in her damp hair. But even though his touch was firm, he didn’t hurt her.