Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 170

"No need to thank me. Let’s just let this go, alright?"

Dennis Williams stood up calmly, poured her a glass of water, and handed it over. "Here, drink some water. Clear your throat, tidy yourself up a bit. Lillian will be waking up soon, and if she sees you like this, she’ll probably start asking questions."

Only then did Camila Davis realize how much of a mess she was.

She’d jumped into that pit, ended up on her knees, and got dirt all over herself. Her hair was a disaster, her clothes wrinkled, and her face probably streaked with tears.

If Lillian saw her now, the poor girl would be terrified.

Camila took the water and sipped it, then looked at Dennis, embarrassed. "Um… mind if I borrow your bathroom?"

He just nodded and pointed down the hallway.

"Thanks," she said, practically bolting away.

When she came back out, Lillian was awake, chatting softly with Dennis.

Camila hurried over to the bed, her worry all over her face. "Lillian, sweetheart, are you feeling okay? Anywhere hurt?"

The little girl tilted her head, a hint of confusion in her big blue eyes. "No, I feel fine… Why are you asking, Mommy?"

Camila looked her over carefully.

Lillian’s eyes sparkled with their usual mischief, her face full of expression. It was like the whole episode from earlier had never happened.

She really didn’t remember a thing from tonight.

Camila felt her nose sting with tears, and scooped her daughter up, hugging her tight and kissing her cheek. "No reason, honey. You just slept a long time and I got worried, that’s all! As long as you’re okay."

Lillian nodded, snuggling closer, her tiny hands clutching Camila’s shirt.

Camila’s heart melted. She glanced over at Dennis, gratitude shining in her eyes.

He met her gaze, dark eyes reassuring, as if to say: Everything’s alright now.

Lillian, oblivious to the adult exchange, looked around the room and piped up, her little voice sweet, "Mommy, did Lightning come?"

Camila smiled gently. "He’s not here yet. Do you miss Lightning?"

Lillian nodded, solemn as a judge. "I do."

"Alright, I’ll ask Layla to bring Lightning over for you, okay?"

After what Lillian had just been through, Camila would’ve given her the moon if she’d asked.

"Okay!" Lillian agreed immediately.

Without missing a beat, Camila pulled out her phone and called Susan.

Susan showed up in record time.

As soon as Lightning—Lillian’s beloved golden retriever—bounded into the room, his tail wagging like mad, his joyful bark filled the air.

Lillian chased after him, giggling, her worries forgotten. The sight of the little girl and her dog playing together nearly made Camila’s heart burst with happiness.

Suddenly, a faint bark echoed from the training field outside.

Lightning froze, ears perked, his fluffy face alight with excitement and longing.

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