When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 37

Jonah’s gaze made Nelly feel awkward. She nodded, almost like she’d been caught doing something wrong. Even though he was just being caring, it made her squirm inside. Nelly had grown up facing everything alone, always looking out for other people. She’d gotten so used to it that she forgot how to put herself first, or how to accept kindness from anyone.

Jonah picked up on her discomfort and kept talking. “When your test results come out, let me know.”

“Okay.” Nelly nodded, a little too obedient, almost like a kid.

“It’s late. Get some rest.”

Jonah stood, and Nelly finally felt like she could breathe again. She got up too, ready to walk him to the door.

Right before leaving, Jonah finally mentioned why he’d really come. “By the way, my dad’s coming back the day after tomorrow. He wants to meet you.”

“Alright.” Nelly agreed right away. She looked calm, but her fingers gripping the doorframe showed just how nervous she really was.

Jonah noticed. “It’s just family. No need to be so stiff. My dad’s a good guy, way easier to get along with than anyone in the Watson family.”

Nelly smiled, tilting her head as she looked at him. “Jonah, I think you can read minds.”

He paused, caught off guard by her honesty, and looked away. “Anyone would be nervous meeting family after so many years.”

She nodded. “Maybe a little. But with you as my brother, I think I’ll be okay.” Her smile was genuine this time.

Jonah pressed his lips together, like he wanted to say something but stopped himself. In the end, he just nodded.

He couldn’t bring himself to look at her again. Nelly waved as he left, but Jonah was already hurrying into the elevator.

After eating, Nelly felt a lot better, but even though it was late, she didn’t feel tired at all. She filled the tub and took a long bath, doing her whole skincare routine. By the time she was done, two hours had passed.

Her phone kept buzzing on her nightstand the whole time.

That was just like Brody. He had so much pride, he’d rather break than bend. Even when he was a kid, he’d stand up to kidnappers. There was no way he’d ever give in to her.

But shouldn’t he want the divorce too? One call from Sheila and he completely lost his cool, forgetting all that calm, collected attitude.

Thinking about it made Nelly’s heart ache, but the more it hurt, the clearer her head felt. Even if she lost everything, even if she bled herself dry, she would never let herself fall.

The next day at noon, Sheila showed up at Carrie’s hospital room carrying her favorite cake.

She was surprised to find out how quickly the news about Carrie had spread, even to the preschool.

Carrie had already had a steady stream of visitors all morning. Her grandmother, relatives from the Garland family, and now teachers and friends from preschool had all come by.

There were parents chatting outside the half-open door, and inside, a bunch of little kids crowded around Carrie’s bed, all eager to talk to her.