When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 334

Backstage, Nelly couldn’t stop fidgeting, her hands twisting nervously. She wore the custom gown that Nancy was supposed to show off tonight, her makeup flawless down to the last detail. Swapping in another model for Nancy’s main look just wouldn’t fly, not with the audience or the people streaming online. But if Nelly herself went out there, it would be a different story. She wasn’t just another face; she was one of the brand’s creators and the only boss of Never. With Nancy suddenly out of the picture, Nelly stepping up would at least show everyone how much this show meant to her, and it would give the PR team something solid to say.

“Ms. Stewart, we really can’t wait any longer…” her assistant whispered, glancing nervously at the stage. If Nelly didn’t get out there soon, the show would be over before she even walked.

Taking a deep breath, Nelly grabbed the diamond clutch from her assistant. It really felt like a last-ditch effort, but there was no other choice. She took a step forward, her heels so high she almost doubted she’d make it. The stage lights hit her like a wall of heat, so bright she had to blink just to see straight.

“Up next, we have the main piece from Never’s Spring/Summer collection—Midnight Deep Sea,” the announcer called out, their voice echoing through the hall in a mix of different languages.

Nelly’s dress was a deep blue that faded darker at the hem, sparkling with diamond embellishments. The skirt billowed around her like jellyfish tendrils, layers of ruffles catching every flicker of changing light. She looked dazzling, and for a second, it felt like the whole room was holding its breath. Then the applause started, first a few claps, then a full wave of cheers and gasps.

Never was a new brand, but tonight, the designs had everyone’s full attention. Nelly’s gown stole the spotlight, and she could feel hundreds of eyes locked onto her. Even the diamond clutch in her hand seemed to shimmer a little brighter under the lights.

Her first walk was a hit. As soon as she made it backstage, her assistant rushed over, grinning and practically bursting with pride. “You were perfect out there.”

It was true. Nelly might be smaller than Nancy, but her proportions were just right and the dress fit her like it was meant for her all along. Her walk was steady, graceful, every step matching the beat. Among all the professional models, she didn’t look out of place at all, and her confidence was obvious.

Her assistant leaned in, whispering, “Did you see all those VIPs watching you? The big shots couldn’t look away, and even the toughest photographers were fighting for close-ups.”

She hesitated, just for a second, about to push herself back up, when a hand appeared in front of her. She looked up and saw Brody.

The audience gasped, then started clapping and calling out. Brody hadn’t hesitated for a second, striding right onto the stage the moment she fell. Now they were both in the center of the runway, with models stepping aside to give them space, and the lights focusing right on them.

Brody crouched down, picked up her runaway heel, and slipped it back onto her foot. Then, without missing a beat, he scooped her up in his arms. The whole thing was so smooth, so natural, it was like it had been choreographed on purpose. He even moved in time with the music, fitting perfectly with the next beat of the show.

“Brody, put me down…” Nelly whispered, mortified. Falling on stage was bad enough, but having Brody—of all people—see her like this? That was a whole new level of humiliation.