When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 59

Every family had its own secrets, its own struggles. Even someone like Jonah, who grew up with every privilege, never looked all that happy.

When the food came back hot, Nelly ate a little more, but Jonah barely touched his fork. She couldn’t help but admire his self-control. He ate so little, yet his schedule was always packed. Even today, before picking her up, he’d come straight from the gym.

“Jonah, what do you actually like to do for fun?” she asked.

“For fun?” Jonah looked at her, repeating the words like he’d never really thought about it.

Nelly nodded, eyes bright with curiosity. He’d done so much for her these past few days, and she really wanted to return the favor. But honestly, she barely knew anything about him, or about the Watson family.

Jonah answered in his usual mild tone, “I take care of company business, handle whatever my father asks, and analyze market data.”

Nelly gave him a small smile. “I know you’re good at all that, but I mean, do you have any interests? Hobbies? Something you actually enjoy?”

“Working out. Reading. Sleeping.” Jonah shrugged.

Nelly almost laughed. Of course, he was exactly the kind of person the Watson family would raise.

“What about stuff that’s more, I don’t know, relaxing?”

“That is how I relax.” Jonah noticed her surprise and for a second, he actually looked a bit lost. “Why?”

“Oh, nothing, it’s just... I didn’t expect your hobbies to be so simple. I thought people with money were always chasing after happiness. Like, even if you’re super disciplined, you’d have times where you just let yourself enjoy things.”

Jonah’s voice was quiet. “I don’t have the right to let loose.”

“I don’t mean anything bad. I just mean, like, simple fun. Traveling. Watching movies. Playing games. Stuff like that. Do you not like any of it? Isn’t it boring to always live the same way?”

Jonah didn’t answer right away. His life really was that simple. Simple to the point of being dull.

“Okay, then it’s settled. You don’t just have your dad and the Watsons behind you. You have me too, your little sister. Next time we’re both free, let’s go somewhere and do something fun. Try something new. I promise, your life won’t be boring.”

She picked up her juice and clinked her glass against his. Her cheeks turned a little pink, making her look almost childishly cute. Seeing her smile like that, Jonah couldn’t help but smile back.

When Nelly and Jonah stepped out of their private room, a waiter was leading another guest upstairs.

“Mr. Garland, this way please.”

Brody reached the top step just in time to catch a glimpse of someone by the door. For a split second, he saw Nelly’s profile. And she wasn’t alone. There was a man with her, holding the door and walking right beside her. They looked pretty close.

“Brody, you’re here.”

Brody stopped in his tracks. Sheila came out of a nearby room, and as soon as she spotted him, she started introducing the man next to her. He looked about forty, and his name was Carlos. He was Christopher Watson’s cousin. Ever since Christopher passed away, some of the Watson family’s business with Garland Inc. had ended up in Carlos’ hands.