Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1170

Melissa George looked at the group of younger relatives and let out a heartfelt sigh. “It’s really nice to see everyone finding their own place in life. Now it’s just Audrey who’s left.”

She turned to Audrey Williams, her curiosity clear. “Audrey, is there anyone you like?”

Audrey hadn’t even opened her mouth when Douglas Williams and his father jumped in. “She’s still young. There’s no need to hurry.”

“Exactly,” the elder Mr. Williams agreed. “We don’t expect her to rush into marriage just to settle down with a good family. We just want her to be healthy and happy.”

Even so, a flicker of worry crossed Charlotte Kelly’s face. She knew her daughter Lillian was smart, kind, and beautiful, but because of her health, she couldn’t have children like other women. They had never pressured Audrey to get married or have a family. If it were up to them, they would keep her by their side forever, loving and protecting her.

But Audrey was growing up. She’d start wanting things for herself, and what girl didn’t dream of falling in love? Maybe she’d want to marry someone she loved. If that happened, people would start picking her apart.

If her daughter ever wanted to get married, there would be so much to consider. In the end, it might feel like she was the one being chosen, not the one choosing.

Charlotte hated the thought of Audrey suffering, or having to compromise. She worried her treasured daughter would end up hurt. The men in the family didn’t notice these things, but Charlotte could see right through her daughter’s feelings. Lately, it was obvious Audrey had her eye on Walter Wilson.

Charlotte had met the Wilson family’s heir a few times. There was no denying he was a great catch. But he was the only son, the future head of the Wilson family. How could a family that powerful accept a daughter-in-law who couldn’t give them an heir?

The problem was, Audrey seemed to really like him. Every time Charlotte thought about it, her anxiety grew. Still, she tried not to let it show. Nothing had happened between them yet. Maybe she was just overthinking.

Besides, Walter Wilson had already gone back to Harrisburg. The Wilson family’s business was mostly there, with almost nothing in Cabinda. As the CEO, there was no way he could keep coming back to Cabinda. With them living so far apart, there wasn’t much chance for anything to develop. Maybe, as time passed, Audrey’s feelings would fade.

Charlotte tried to keep her thoughts positive.

Later that night, after everyone finished eating, the dinner was over. Sarah Brown left with Larry Adams. The elder Mr. Williams went home with his son’s family.

He pulled Camila into his arms, his voice soft against her ear. “But honestly, I hope there’s someone out there who’ll love her enough to not care about anything else. Just like I do with you.”

He had already found the person he wanted to spend his life with and protect forever. Of course he wanted the same for Lillian, the cousin he’d watched grow up. He hoped she’d be loved and cherished too.

Camila rested her head on his chest and didn’t say anything. She just felt so lucky to have found him at all. It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Meeting someone like him was almost impossible. But she wished with all her heart that Audrey could be just as lucky.

Meanwhile, in a research institute overseas.

Jordan Smith stared at the report, his face dark. The chances of his leg treatment working were only ten percent. Frustrated, he glared at the director of the institute. “Why did you lie to me before?”

The director looked embarrassed and apologized quickly. “It was the person who did the initial assessment. He lied and messed everything up. We just found out he’d been bribed and now he’s gone. I’m so sorry. I never expected one of my own team would do something like this.”