When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 207

Nelly’s anger shot up, hot and sharp. “So what if I get played? That’s my business, not yours!”

“You’re so stubborn!”

Brody’s hand jerked up, his glare fierce and wild, like he wanted to crush her whole world. But as soon as he moved, a heavy ache filled his chest, freezing him in place.

“What now? Are you really thinking about hitting me?”

“Brody, do you even hear yourself? Isn’t it obvious that being with anyone else would be more dignified than having my heart stomped on by you?”

She looked at him, eyes bright with challenge, almost hoping he’d show an even uglier side. If he did, maybe she could finally hate him enough to let go of that last, tiny bit of gratitude she kept tucked away.

“You’re saying I…” Brody’s voice shook, rough and uncertain. “That I trampled on your heart?”

“Brody, do you honestly believe you’ve treated me well all these years? You ignored me, froze me out, and still hung up on Sheila? Is that your idea of good?”

Nelly almost laughed. He was such a performer, acting like he was the one being wronged.

For a long moment, Brody said nothing. He wanted to fight back, but her words left him speechless. Deep down, he knew she was right. He’d never been good to her.

But he also never got close with anyone like that, not even Sheila.

He never wanted to fall in love, never thought he could. But now, hearing Nelly throw it all at him, it hurt in a way he couldn’t ignore, like someone was carving out his chest with a dull knife.

Brody realized, too late, that his feelings for Nelly had changed. The pain of that truth almost knocked the breath out of him.

He stood there, deflated, his voice raw. “I… I didn’t mean to.”

Nelly snapped upright, her eyes icy. “You didn’t mean to? Brody, how can you even say that?”

“Do you know what it was like, surviving alone after our son died? Do you have any idea how much it hurt to see the little girl I adored wish for a new mom—just because she thought it would make her dad happy?”

“And can you even imagine what it felt like, loving you for so many years, waking up every day with hope and going to bed with disappointment, over and over?”

“Brody, you didn’t have to love me. I never asked that from you. I really loved you, and that’s all I wanted, to love someone completely.”

Her words left him hollow. He turned, stiff and lost, and walked out quietly.

As soon as he left, the door slammed shut behind him.

Nelly leaned against it, frustration washing over her. She’d lost control again. Why couldn’t she keep her cool around Brody? She knew he’d never feel the way she wanted. Pouring her heart out just made her look even more pitiful.

It was humiliating.

Brody stumbled back to his own room, tears streaming down. For the first time, the grief made him feel sick. He barely made it to the bathroom before dry heaving, his stomach twisting until he thought he might be sick for real.

Nelly’s words replayed in his mind, every one of them as clear and sharp as glass.

His heart ached, but it wasn’t out of anger. It was the thought of all those years Nelly spent by his side, loving him, hurting for him. How much pain had she carried? It had to be a hundred times worse than this.

Brody tried to hold it together, but at last he broke down, sobbing quietly into his hands. He didn’t want anyone to see him fall apart, so he kept the door shut tight.

His mother had taught him as a kid—never show your feelings. Never let anyone see where you’re weak.