Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 985

Larry had spent his entire life hiding his true feelings, mastering the art of disguise. When he left the Adams family, he had appeared carefree on the surface, but only he knew the profound loneliness and sorrow that consumed him. The Adams Estate was the only home he’d ever known, yet he was treated like an imposter who had stolen someone else’s place. When he returned to Cabinda, he wasn’t truly immune to the endless ridicule and malice. He had simply grown accustomed to it, shielding his vulnerability with a mask of arrogance and defiance.

For years, only Dennis had ever seen past it. But now, after being kidnapped by Kimberly and her son, after learning the truth about his mother’s suffering, he was on the verge of breaking. Even with justice served, his heart was raw.

Looking into Sarah’s bright, earnest eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to say no. He craved the warmth he saw there. “Okay,” he said, deciding that for tonight, at least, he wouldn’t push it away.

Sarah’s face lit up with a brilliant smile. “Great! Let me just park the car!” She quickly parked and followed him inside. It was the first time she had ever set foot in his home.

The villa was enormous and felt empty. “You don’t have any staff here?” she asked curiously.

“No,” Larry explained. “I wasn’t living in Cabinda before, and since I came back, things have been so hectic and draining. I didn’t want anyone around, so I just have a cleaning service come during the day.”

“I see,” Sarah said, nodding. Despite its emptiness, the villa was tastefully decorated, a clear reflection of its owner’s sophisticated style.

Sarah, her emotions now uninhibited, seemed even more upset than Larry. She cupped his head in her hands and, stroking his hair, began to cry. “Larry, what the Adams family did to you is just too cruel! I… I can’t even imagine how you survived it all. I wish… I wish I’d known you sooner. If I had been there, even if I couldn’t protect you, I could have at least been there to listen…”

Larry’s own oppressive mood was momentarily forgotten as he watched Sarah’s dramatic display. He was supposed to be the one crying, wasn’t he? Why was she bawling her eyes out louder than he was? And what was with the head-patting? The gesture felt like she was petting a puppy.

With a sigh, he reached up to pull her hands away, but before he could, Sarah threw herself at him, unceremoniously pulling his head against her chest.