When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 353

Brody’s reaction said it all. He knew she wasn’t being honest, but he just let it slide. Nelly’s mood took a nosedive. It was Carrie who had begged to draw his portrait, not her.

When Nelly walked into the dining room, she found Brody and Carrie already there, chatting and laughing together. Brody looked genuinely happy, with a real smile lighting up his face for once.

“Mommy, look! Daddy’s food actually looks really good!” Carrie grinned, scooping some rice onto Nelly’s plate and passing her a fork.

Nelly managed a smile for her daughter, but it felt strained. She glanced at Brody and noticed his usually perfect hair was a mess, falling into his eyes. He was still ridiculously handsome, but he finally looked a little less intimidating. Honestly, it was kind of nice seeing him like this. He seemed more real, more approachable.

“Thanks,” Brody said just as Nelly picked up a forkful of food. He suddenly held his plate right under her fork, like he was waiting for her to serve him.

Nelly paused, confused, her eyebrows lifting. Brody seemed to realize his mistake a second later. For a moment, he’d just acted out of old habit. He cleared his throat and quickly pulled his hand back. “These are all the dishes you picked. Go ahead and try them.”

“Yeah… okay.” Nelly answered a little awkwardly. She still didn’t want to talk to him, but he looked so pitiful today. She didn’t want to seem mean in front of Carrie.

The second she took a bite, Nelly realized she’d been too quick to go easy on him. His cooking looked great on the table, but that was about it.

She peeked at Carrie, who was chewing with a little frown, her face twisting like she was trying not to spit it out.

Brody noticed their reactions right away. “What’s wrong? Is it that bad?” He already seemed to know the answer, but it still stung. He tried to keep his face neutral.

“Carrie, your dad worked really hard on this meal. It’s not the best, but it’s not too terrible either. Let’s just eat, okay?”

“Okay, Mommy.” Carrie nodded sweetly. Honestly, it wasn’t great, but it was edible. And sitting down to eat with both her parents made it feel special.

“Not too terrible?” Brody repeated, clearly wounded. It might be bad, but did she really have to say that after he spent two hours in the kitchen?

His face darkened as he looked at Nelly, a little hurt and a little angry.

Nelly almost laughed, but she kept her expression calm. “That’s right. It’s not too terrible, so just relax.”