Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1135

A wave of relief mixed with lingering nerves swept over the Williams family as the doctor finished speaking.

Charlotte Kelly was the first to react, her gratitude overflowing. “Thank you, Doctor. Thank you, really.”

She quickly turned to her husband. “What are you still standing there for? Go, hurry up and get Audrey checked in.”

“I’m on it, I’m going right now.” Douglas Williams, who had been scared out of his wits just moments ago, finally let out a breath and rushed out to handle Audrey’s admission.

Charlotte gently guided Grandpa Williams to a chair nearby, offering him comfort. “Dad, there’s nothing to worry about now. Audrey’s going to be alright.”

Grandpa Williams seemed lost in his thoughts. He let out a long sigh before he spoke. “Don’t worry about me. I’m tougher than I look, probably in better shape than Audrey. It’s just…”

His eyes clouded over with sadness, but he left his sentence unfinished.

Charlotte’s expression mirrored his heaviness, a quiet ache settling on her face.

Cynthia Lee, who probably understood what was going unsaid, pretended not to notice and took the chance to walk over. “Grandpa Williams, you and Audrey mean the world to Charlotte. She cares about both of you, always.”

Hazel Wood jumped in, putting on a concerned face. “That’s right. Audrey’s health has always been a worry for everyone. Thank goodness the doctor said she’ll be fine. We can all breathe a little easier now.”

From her hospital bed, Audrey Williams caught their conversation. Guilt flickered across her pale face.

She spoke softly, her voice weak. “I’m sorry I made everyone worry.”

Charlotte immediately rushed to reassure her. “What are you talking about? This isn’t your fault. Your father and I should have taken better care of you.”

Her eyes shone with nothing but love as she looked at her daughter.

Cynthia reached over, her tone gentle. “Have you just been working too hard? Audrey, honestly, work is never more important than your health. You need to take it easy sometimes. Isn’t Dennis still at The Smith Group? Let him handle things.”

Hazel nodded in agreement. “Dennis is more than capable. You don’t need to push yourself so much, you know.”

Both women were careful, keeping the conversation focused on work and steering clear of anything else.

Audrey just nodded, obedient and quiet. “I know. Thank you for caring, Cynthia, Camila.”

Cynthia’s eyes curved in a warm smile. “We’ve known each other forever. Of course I care about you.”

As he got up, Charlotte noticed and hurried after him.

Out in the hallway, she lowered her voice. “Dennis, is Camila’s mom being discharged today?”

He nodded. “Yeah.”

A trace of pain crossed his eyes again.

Charlotte looked at him for a moment, then sighed and gave his shoulder a gentle pat. “You should take her home yourself, and make sure there are people around to help out. We can’t just leave them on their own now. But Dennis, you need to take care of yourself too. What happened to Camila… none of us wanted that. You’re family. Your uncle Douglas and I, Audrey, Grandpa Williams, we all need you.”

Dennis seemed to take her words in. After a long pause, he finally answered, his voice flat. “I know. I’ll look after myself.”

Charlotte looked like she wanted to say more, but in the end she just watched him walk away.

Neither of them realized the hospital room door was still ajar. Cynthia, standing not far from it, had overheard every word.

She didn’t let it show. Smiling as she turned to Audrey, she said, “Want me to peel you an apple? Eating more fruit is always good for you.”