Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 357

At the crucial moment, Dennis Williams snapped back to his senses. He caught himself on one hand at the edge of the bed, barely managing not to collapse right on top of Camila Davis and wake her up.

He let out a quiet sigh of relief and carefully slid out from beside her.

Camila was still fast asleep, her expression peaceful and serene. She had no idea what had just happened.

Dennis couldn’t help but feel both amused and a little helpless. He gently tucked the comforter around her, then slipped out of the room.

Still, the feel of her touch lingered at his neck—a spot that now tingled with a strange, persistent itch. He reached up to rub it, his usually calm eyes turning just a shade darker.

Dennis made his way back to the kids’ room to hang out with Lillian.

Little Lillian’s mood shifted quickly, as always. After making sure she was feeling okay, Dennis set up some art supplies, guiding her with a few quick tips on how to shade her drawing of a puppy.

The two of them—one big, one little—were soon lost in the world of crayons and colored pencils.

Time slipped by until, before he knew it, it was lunchtime.

Camila was still out cold, sleeping so soundly that she didn’t even stir when noon rolled around.

So Dennis took Lillian down to the kitchen for lunch.

Today’s meal included a big plate of buttery garlic shrimp—Lillian’s absolute favorite. But the shells were a little tough for her tiny fingers, and Dennis, already knowing this, slipped on a pair of gloves and peeled them for her, one by one.

She devoured the shrimp with delight.

Susan, who’d meant to help, found herself with nothing to do. Dennis was already taking care of everything—wiping Lillian’s mouth, fetching her more food, even cleaning her sticky hands with a damp napkin.

Every gesture radiated patience and warmth.

Watching them, Susan couldn’t help but think, That’s what a father and daughter should look like.

Ever since Mr. Williams showed up, it felt like something missing in Lillian’s life had finally been restored.

---

The Smith Estate.

Jordan Smith hadn’t come home all night. It was nearly noon when he finally walked through the front door.

Sandra Taylor had been waiting up for him, pacing the living room with worry. The moment she saw him, she hurried over, her voice thick with concern. “Jordan, where have you been? I called you all night! I was so worried—”

Once, Jordan might have felt touched by her concern. But now, for some reason, it just left him cold.

“Work ran late,” he muttered, not meeting her eyes as he handed her his coat.

Sandra took it, her hands gripping the fabric tightly to hide her real feelings.

She knew he was lying.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify