When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 67

“A diamond ring?”

Brody’s eyes widened a little at Sheila’s words, surprise flickering across his face.

Sheila didn’t wait for a reaction. She popped open the jewelry box, and inside was a massive diamond ring, the stone catching the light with a cool, blue shimmer. The cut was flawless, the kind that made the whole thing look even more expensive. The setting was intricate and beautifully done, but not flashy. The design was simple, elegant, and screamed understated luxury.

Brody recognized it right away. There was only one ring like this anywhere in the country. He’d bought it for Nelly as her wedding ring.

He froze for a moment, staring at it, then carefully took the ring from Sheila’s hand. He turned it over in his fingers, inspecting the inside of the band. It was bare, just as he remembered. No engraving.

Back then, Brody had let Alan handle everything about the wedding, except for the rings. Nelly had wanted to pick those out herself. He remembered the night she came back home, nervous, asking if they could have their initials engraved inside the rings. She said it would make them more special, more meaningful.

Brody hadn’t even thought about it before saying no. He told her it was unnecessary, that he didn’t like cheesy, sentimental stuff like that.

Nelly didn’t argue, but she’d looked so disappointed. Instead, she asked the brand to remove all the markings so the ring would be completely clean, pure, just the way she pictured their marriage.

Their wedding was nothing fancy. After signing the papers, they exchanged rings and had a quiet dinner with family. There was no honeymoon. Both of them went back to work that same afternoon.

After the wedding, Nelly lived simply. She hardly wore any jewelry, except for this ring. She never took it off. One day, Brody was in a good mood and happened to notice the diamond on her hand. He complimented her, and he still remembered how happy she’d looked. She told him, “Even if we break up one day, I’ll never take this ring off.”

At the time, Brody had just brushed it off. After the wedding, he only wore his own ring for a few weeks before setting it aside.

“Brody? Are you okay?”

Sheila’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He must have been staring at the ring for too long. His expression was hard to read as he closed his fingers around the diamond.

“The quality of this diamond isn’t great,” he said, voice calm and even, though inside his mind was racing.

“I think it’s gorgeous! So elegant and luxurious. I really love it.” Sheila reached for the ring, but Brody had already slipped it into his pocket.

“If you like this style, I’ll take you to pick out a new one. This one isn’t right.”

He said it so firmly that Sheila didn’t dare argue. She watched him, suspicous.

After Sheila left, Brody called Alan into the office. The air felt icy, and Alan immediately sensed that something was wrong.

“Yes, sir.” Alan hurried out, wiping sweat from his forehead once he was safely in the hallway. He knew from experience—the calmer Brody seemed, the bigger the storm brewing underneath.

Back in the office, Brody had already lost all interest in work. He canceled his full afternoon of meetings without a second thought. He sat there, turning the ring over and over in his hand, his gaze cold and distant, as the daylight faded outside.

He knew this ring. He would never mistake it. It’s one of a kind. Brody didn’t believe in coincidences, not ones like this.

At first, he’d just been rattled by Nelly’s actions. But now, thinking about it, everything lined up. She’d quit her job, filed for divorce, moved out, started spending money, gone out with other men… and now she’d made sure her wedding ring landed right in front of him. She was doing all of it on purpose.

*

Sheila had plans that night, so Brody picked up Carrie himself. When they got home, Marian had already set the table. Alan had told her Brody would be home for dinner, so Marian had laid out a full spread—every dish was either one of Brody’s favorites or something Carrie liked.

Brody hardly ever ate at home, and he was quietly surprised Marian knew his tastes so well. He even complimented her.

Marian just smiled and said, “Sir, it’s all thanks to Mrs. Garland. Even though you’re rarely home, she always told me what you liked. I’ve heard it so much, it’s stuck in my head.”

Brody paused, his fork halfway to his mouth. Suddenly, he remembered the day Nelly had that stomach ache and snapped at him for not knowing her favorite foods.