When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 356

Nelly clenched her fists, but in the end, she just couldn’t resist her daughter’s endless pleading.

“…Only this once. Don’t ask again.”

“You’re the best, Mom!” Carrie practically bounced with joy.

Watching her daughter’s excitement, Nelly couldn’t find it in herself to feel happy.

She’d gotten home early tonight, and even after getting Carrie washed up, it was barely past eight. Carrie wasn’t even a bit sleepy, and honestly, neither was Nelly. Her thoughts kept circling around how to help Carrie come to terms with the fact that her parents were going to separate.

“Mom, look, there are lights over there…” Carrie pressed her face to the window, pointing toward the nearby plaza.

It looked like something was going on tonight. The whole man-made lake was sparkling with lights.

Nelly glanced over. “Seems like… they’re releasing river lamps.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s a kind of wishing ceremony.”

“I can’t sleep, Mom. Can we go and release one too?” Carrie’s face lit up at the idea of making a wish.

Nelly hesitated for a second. Even though she’d lived here for a while, she hadn’t actually explored the plaza. Jonah had mentioned how pretty it was, especially by the lake at night.

She checked the time again, then finally nodded. “Alright, let’s go.”

Mother and daughter quickly changed clothes and slipped quietly out of the bedroom.

Brody was still in the living room. He always kept to an early schedule, usually coming home, washing up, and heading straight to bed, no matter how early he got in. Every time Nelly had tried to talk to him about anything, his bedroom lights were already off.

He’d only had time to change his pants, his jacket hanging open to reveal a low-cut pajama shirt underneath. His chest was on display in the elevator’s light, and Nelly couldn’t help but glance before her cheeks went hot. “Brody, are you really going out dressed like that?”

“What’s the problem?” Brody tugged at his crooked collar, totally unfazed. “You left in such a rush, I didn’t have time to get dressed properly.”

“You…” Nelly was speechless. The guy was unbelievable.

As much as she wanted to roll her eyes, she had to admit Brody looked… good. With just a bit less clothing, it was hard not to let her mind wander.

When the elevator doors opened, Nelly hurried out with Carrie, practically speed-walking to leave Brody behind.

But Carrie quickly started to lag. “Mom, you’re walking too fast. My legs are tired.”

Nelly slowed down immediately, glancing down at her daughter. They’d just reached the crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. There were even more people than usual—probably because of the event at the plaza. As soon as the light turned green, the crowd surged forward, pushing Nelly and Carrie to the side.