When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 35

“We have a prenup. Carrie’s still young, and Nelly is her mother.” Brody didn’t really want to get into this with Sheila. Still, for some reason, he found himself explaining.

“But even Carrie said she likes me more,” Sheila rushed out. “I mean, she wants a mom who can help her grow. If you need me to, I can be like Nelly. I can love Carrie just as much as she does.”

Brody turned and looked at Sheila. Her face was so pale, so delicate, almost like fine porcelain. Something inside him softened, just a little. He reached out and gently brushed a lock of hair away from her face.

“You can't be her,” he said quietly, his voice softer than usual. “And I can’t let you.” His eyes, though, stayed distant, impossible to read.

Sheila let go of his shirt. Brody walked away, his decision clear, just as it had always been.

Night settled in. Nelly woke up to the smell of something delicious drifting through the house. She opened her eyes and realized she was in her own bed, the blanket tucked all around her. She frowned, trying to remember what happened. The last thing she recalled was curling up on the sofa, her stomach aching after Brody left.

She heard a noise outside and hurriedly threw on a jacket before stepping out of her room. In the kitchen, a tall figure caught her off guard. Was Brody still here? Hadn’t he gone to Sheila?

But when the man turned around, it wasn’t Brody. It was Jonah.

He glanced at her, his eyes gentle. He was holding a steaming pot, which he set down on the dining table. Nelly blinked in surprise, suddenly feeling awkward. “It’s you… When did you get here?”

“I’ve been here a little while,” Jonah said, his tone calm as he started bringing over a few small dishes. He took off his apron and tossed it aside. The fitted black shirt he wore showed off his broad shoulders and lean waist, hinting at a strength that was both natural and quietly attractive. It was just the right amount of sexy to make her heart skip.

“When you’re starving, you should eat slower,” Jonah said, pouring her a glass of water. She drank half of it in one go. He took her bowl, stirred the soup to cool it off, and even blew on it before giving it back.

Nelly found herself staring at him for a second. He always looked so confident and put-together, not the type to fuss over anyone. Was this what it felt like to have family?

“Jonah,” she said suddenly.

He paused, a little surprised. “Yeah?”

“You’re really good to me,” Nelly said, her voice sincere. She gave him a grateful smile before lowering her head to sip her soup again. The simple words and the look on her face left Jonah a little stunned, his mind blank for a few seconds as he watched her.