When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 357

Nelly moved fast, stepping in front of Carrie to protect her. But before she could even blink, someone else was beside her—a solid wall of a man. She knew that scent. The next thing she knew, strong arms had pulled her close, guiding her quickly across the street.

“Brody, what are you doing?” she snapped as soon as they made it to the other side. She pushed him away, glaring. In the dim light, Brody’s features looked even sharper than usual.

“It was crowded. I didn’t want you to get hurt.”

“I’m not Sheila, you know. I don’t need you pretending to care.” The nicer he tried to sound, the more annoyed she felt. What was he trying to prove? Was this some act to look like a caring partner?

“Nelly, do you really think that little of me?” Brody’s voice was tight. Her words had clearly stung.

Before things could get any more heated, Carrie suddenly squealed, “Wow, are those river lamps? They’re so pretty!” Without waiting for a reply, she dashed ahead, completely ignoring the tension behind her.

“Carrie! Slow down!” Nelly called, hurrying after her through the crowd, worried her daughter might trip.

Vendors lined the edge of the lake, their tables covered with all kinds of floating lamps—tiny boats, little ducks, lotus flowers in every color. Each one looked more beautiful than the last.

Carrie spent ages picking through them before finally settling on a pink flower-shaped lamp.

“How much is this one?” Nelly asked.

“Thirty,” the vendor replied.

Just as Nelly reached for her wallet, Brody stepped forward. “I’ll pay for it.” He glanced at the display and added, “Actually, we’ll take twenty.”

The vendor’s jaw dropped. “You want twenty? Are you sure?”

Nothing happened.

Nelly noticed right away. “What’s wrong?”

Brody’s face seemed a bit pale, though the darkness hid most of it. He cleared his throat, glancing from Nelly to Carrie, both of them watching him curiously.

At that moment, another couple walked up, eyes fixed on the pink lamp too. “We’d like that one,” they said.

“Sorry, this is the last one,” the vendor told them, glancing again at Brody, who still hadn’t paid.

“I’ll get it,” Nelly said, thinking Brody was just being difficult. But before she could say anything else, she saw Brody slip off his watch and hand it over. “Can I trade you this instead?”