When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 77

“I care.” Sheila’s voice was soft but steady as she looked at Brody, tears slipping down her cheeks. “I care because I care about you.”

That hit Brody in a way nothing else had.

“Don’t argue with her anymore. I’ll help you move.”

“I don’t want to move.”

Sheila shook her head, her voice stubborn, almost childlike. “That place is filled with memories of us. I’m not scared. If she wants to lash out, she can come at me… I’d rather take it, if it means you won’t feel so guilty because of her.”

“She already trashed my place once. This time she pushed me down the stairs. If it gets worse… she can have my life for all I care.”

Before she could say more, Brody pressed his fingers gently to her lips.

“Your life doesn’t belong to her. You have to live, Sheila. Let me handle Nelly.”

His voice was quiet, but anger simmered beneath it.

Robin had died for him. Five years ago, Sheila had left the country for him. If something happened to Sheila now because of him, he knew he couldn’t take it.

Satisfied that Brody finally show how much he cared, Sheila fell silent.

She leaned against him, looking so tired. Her eyes slid shut, but she kept a tight hold on his hand, refusing to let go.

Brody didn’t move. He just sat by her side, Sheila’s words echoing in his mind. The more he thought about it, the angrier he felt at Nelly.

No one ever figured out who had wrecked Sheila’s apartment. She’d only just gotten back to the country and barely knew anyone. Who would break in just to smash things and not steal anything?

If Nelly was really behind it, and then did this too…

It was just too much.

Brody had agreed to marry Nelly because he thought she was decent at heart. But now, seeing how she acted sweet in front of him and cruel behind his back, he wondered if he’d been totally wrong about her.

He stayed with Sheila at the hospital until it was late.

Knowing Sheila would need him for a while, Brody decided to take Carrie to his stepmother Tina’s house, so her grandma could take care of her for the month.

Tina, hearing what happened to Sheila, called right away to check in.

She’d always liked Sheila, not just because of Robin, but also because the Olson family was a respected family of artists. Even though they weren’t in business, everyone knew their name.

Back then, if Sheila hadn’t been so set on going abroad and getting married, Tina had hoped she and Brody would end up together.

But honestly, Tina never really knew what went on between them. She’d only seen Brody heartbroken over Sheila, but he kept everything else to himself. He never shared any details with his stepmother.

When Tina first reached out to Nelly, she’d only wanted to show Brody she cared. She never meant for it to turn into such a messy marriage.

Before today, she would have nodded without hesitating. But now, she just couldn’t say it.

It was getting late. Tina figured Carrie was just tired, so she didn’t push it and carried her back to her room.

*

The next afternoon, Brody finished his work and headed to the hospital to see Sheila.

This time, Selina was much quieter. She kept her mouth shut as soon as she saw Brody and tried to slip out.

“It’s fine. Stay. I’m not here for long,” Brody said, his voice cool.

He knew Selina had been taking good care of Sheila, so he wasn’t going to be unreasonable.

He set down the gifts Alan had prepared for Sheila and noticed the room was already overflowing with presents.

Selina hurried over to help organize everything, smiling a little too brightly. “Thank you for bringing these.”

“She said you’re really busy, but don’t worry. I’ve taken a few days off just to look after her.”

Brody just made a noncommittal sound, not saying anything else.

At that moment, someone knocked twice on the hospital room door.