Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1155

Audrey glanced at her phone, then suddenly remembered something and tapped her forehead. “Oh, shoot, I mixed it up. The photos are actually on my other phone. I didn’t bring it with me today. Sorry, Cynthia. I wasted your time. Want me to just delete these instead?”

She looked genuinely apologetic.

Cynthia studied her for a moment, but Audrey seemed so natural, not like she was faking it at all. Cynthia’s suspicion faded away.

She smiled, a little awkwardly. “It’s fine. These landscape shots are pretty anyway. Did you take them when you were abroad?”

Audrey nodded. “Yeah, I took them while I was studying overseas. Some are from when Jordan came to visit and dragged me out sightseeing.”

She picked out a few favorites and started sharing the stories behind them. Cynthia always perked up whenever Dennis Williams was mentioned, so the two of them got caught up in a lively conversation.

They chatted until midday, when Dennis arrived carrying food. His tone softened only when he spoke to Audrey or Charlotte.

Charlotte, knowing how busy Dennis had been and how much he was worrying about Camila Davis lately, couldn’t help but fuss. “Have you eaten yet? You always remember to bring food for Audrey, but you need to take care of yourself too. Look at you, you look paler every day.”

Dennis just nodded. “I’ll take care of myself, Aunt Charlotte. Don’t worry.”

Charlotte could only sigh, a little helpless.

Dennis turned to Audrey. “How are you feeling? Is your heart still bothering you?”

Audrey grinned. “I’m fine. I feel way better.”

She glanced at Cynthia, who’d been standing quietly in the back, completely ignored by Dennis. Audrey rushed to speak up for her. “It’s actually all thanks to Cynthia. She’s been taking such good care of me these past few days, even putting work aside. Don’t you think you should thank her, bro?”

She gave Dennis a look, trying to nudge him into saying something to Cynthia. Cynthia’s heart thudded in anticipation as she watched him.

In the next moment, Dennis turned to her. He looked her straight in the eye and said, “Thank you.”

It was just two words, but Cynthia felt her heart skip a beat. She hadn’t heard Dennis talk to her like that in forever. Only Audrey and the Williams family could make this happen.

Trying to play it cool, Cynthia smiled gently. “Audrey’s basically my little sister. Of course I want to take care of her. And Dennis, I know you’ve been busy. You can trust me to look after her.”

Dennis didn’t brush her off like he used to. He nodded, quiet, but didn’t say anything more. That was enough to make Cynthia happy. His silence meant, at least a little, he was starting to see her differently.

She listened quietly while Dennis and Audrey chatted, not trying to butt in. When Dennis finally got up to leave, he paused at the doorway and glanced back at Cynthia.

“I bought too many desserts. Ms. Lee, take some home with you.”

Cynthia’s heart pounded. She didn’t expect Dennis to include her in something as simple as dessert. Even if it was just by accident, she was thrilled.

Dennis left soon after, but that didn’t put a dent in Cynthia’s mood. She was grinning all the way home.

When she walked in the door, Nicholas Lee and Hazel Wood both noticed her good spirits.

“What happened today? You look so happy,” they asked.

Cynthia recounted everything that happened at the hospital. “The Williams family is finally starting to see my good side. Dennis is still a little cold, but at least he’s talking to me now. I don’t think he’s ready to accept my feelings yet, but…it’s progress!”

She couldn’t help breaking into another smile.

Hazel beamed at her. “Sounds like things are going well. Dennis Williams isn’t easy to win over, but from what you’ve said, it’s only a matter of time. The Williams family is on your side now. Take it slow.”

Nicholas was pleased too, but he still reminded her, “Make the most of this chance. You only get one.”

Cynthia slipped her arm through his. “I know, Dad. Thanks for helping me clear the obstacles. Otherwise, I’d never have had a shot at being Mrs. Williams.”

Nicholas chuckled. “It was nothing. Anyone who stands in my daughter’s way will disappear. Camila Davis is nothing.”

Hazel spoke up, more cautious. “Camila Davis is gone, but what about her parents? And that kid? Shouldn’t we think about them too?”

Camila poked Lillian’s chubby cheek and laughed. “She’s got no patience at all. Fell asleep right in the middle.”

Dennis looked down at his daughter, his eyes soft. “At least she stayed with us until the end.” He knew a lot of kids who would have fussed to go to bed the second they got sleepy.

Camila nodded, feeling a gentle kind of happiness. “Alright, let’s go. Take her to bed and let’s get some rest too.”

Dennis didn’t argue, but as he carried Lillian, he leaned in and whispered, “We might not get to bed early tonight.”

“Huh?” Camila paused, her cheeks turning pink as she realized what he might mean. “You mean…again? All night? I don’t think I can handle that…”

She remembered the last time, how her whole body ached the next day. Now that Lillian was in the house, she wasn't sure she could survive another night like that.

Dennis let out a low laugh. “That’s not what I meant. I scheduled a full check-up for you at the research institute. It’s late at night to avoid attention. What were you thinking about?”

His eyes glinted with amusement.

Camila’s face turned even redder. She’d totally misread him. It was probably because he’d been so insatiable lately, and her mind was still stuck on that. She quickly shook her head. “Nothing. Go put Lillian to bed so we can head out sooner.”

Dennis kissed her on the cheek and grinned. “If that’s really what you want, I’ll always make time for you.”

He took Lillian to her room, and when he came back, he pulled Camila into their bedroom. As soon as the door closed, he scooped her up and kissed her, deep and lingering.

Camila gasped. “Wait, we have to go for that check-up later. What if you leave marks? It’d be so embarrassing if someone saw.”

Dennis nibbled her ear and whispered, “Don’t worry. I won’t leave any marks.”

He didn’t give her a chance to protest. He kissed her harder, his hands and lips exploring every inch of her skin, careful not to leave any obvious signs. The intensity of his touch was enough to make her dizzy, even if there were no marks to show for it.

At first, Camila tried to push him away, but soon all her strength melted away. Breathless and flushed, she let herself get lost in his embrace.