When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 274

“I’d do anything for you, no matter how hard,” Jonah said, his voice low and steady. The words were simple, but they sparked something in Nelly’s heart.

“Jonah, will you always be this good to me?” she blurted out before she could stop herself.

Around him, she always felt a little childish, like she could let her guard down and just be herself.

Jonah looked at her for a moment. “Why do you ask?”

“People are unpredictable. Sometimes the ones who look bad aren’t really that bad, and sometimes the ones who seem so great turn out not to be.” Nelly’s thoughts drifted to the underground gambling dens, the Watson family, and her mother. A quiet sadness settled over her.

Jonah stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest.

She shivered at his touch as his hand landed softly on her back, moving in slow, soothing circles.

“I don’t really trust people either,” he said gently. “That’s why I don’t make promises. But I did tell you I’d stick with you until the end, and I meant it. That’ll never change.”

He always seemed to know what she needed, always there to give her silent, steady support when the world felt shaky.

Nelly’s lashes fluttered. After a moment, she hugged him back just as tightly.

Jonah was right. Even if it was only for a little while, you needed someone to lean on sometimes.

Out in the hallway, Nancy had just walked up and caught sight of them in each other’s arms.

She was carrying a bag of expensive fruit and supplements. For a second she hesitated, then turned and left without a word.

By now, everyone at the company knew Nelly had gone to Nicholas and worked out a truce. Nancy hadn’t expected Nelly to pull it off, and honestly, she admired her for it.

But she knew she wasn’t like Nelly. She could never take those kinds of risks.

Rudy tossed the stuff into the back seat, ignoring her jab, and grinned. “So if it’s not about her, who’s it about? Jonah?”

“Rudy!” Nancy’s tone was sharp. He’d clearly hit a nerve.

“Seems to me Jonah cares a lot more about Nelly than he ever did about you. Maybe it’s time to face facts,” Rudy said, still smiling.

Just thinking about Jonah made Rudy clench his teeth. He still hadn’t forgotten what happened in front of Michael. He’d wanted to get back at Jonah, but for the past couple of days, Jonah had disappeared from Westhaven, following Nelly’s every move.

Nancy didn’t answer, so Rudy pushed on, “You think Jonah went to the Capital with Nelly? He’s always right behind her. He can’t help playing the hero.”

“Are you finished?” Nancy finally snapped.

Rudy looked at her, annoyed. “Why make things so hard for yourself? Why not just cut ties with all of them and come back to our company?”