Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 142

Dennis Williams looked down at her, the corners of his mouth lifting into a gentle smile. “It’s me. Surprised?”

Lillian nodded so fast it was like she was trying to win a bobblehead contest. “Super surprised…”

Dennis chuckled and ruffled her hair, the usual coolness in his eyes melting away just a little.

Camila Davis couldn’t help but stare at the scene, genuinely taken aback.

Over these years, Lillian had only ever shown this kind of warmth with her. Even with her own parents, or Sarah Brown, it had taken ages and plenty of patience for Lillian to finally open up.

But this man? She didn’t shy away from him at all. In fact, she seemed to genuinely like him—anyone could see it.

But then again, Camila thought, maybe it wasn’t so surprising. Dr. Williams was an incredible psychologist. Helping his patients lower their guard was basically his superpower.

And, let’s be honest, he’d brought Lillian little presents every time he visited. Each one, right on target, like he knew exactly what would make a kid light up.

It was only natural her daughter liked him!

Right now, the two of them—one big, one small—were chatting away in front of her like they’d known each other forever.

That’s when Larry Adams showed up, leaning against the wall as he shuffled in from the hallway, looking absolutely miserable. He pressed a hand to his stomach, face pale and pinched with pain.

Camila noticed him first and rushed over. “Larry, you look awful! Are you okay?”

Dennis glanced over, eyebrow raised. His friend looked like he was about to see the pearly gates.

“What happened?” Dennis asked. “Should we drive you to the ER?”

Larry waved him off, slumping into a chair. “Nah, it’s just a stomach bug. Probably those gas station tacos I stupidly ate for lunch. My stomach’s just throwing a fit, nothing serious.”

He turned apologetically to Camila. “Sorry, Ms. Davis. Things got crazy last minute, so I had Dennis fill in for me up there. Hope it didn’t mess anything up?”

“Not at all!” Camila shook her head quickly. “Dr. Williams did a wonderful job. Honestly, it was an honor getting to meet him in person today.”

She’d tried—and failed—several times to arrange a meeting before, all for Lillian’s sake. Getting to see him today was a total surprise, but definitely a good one.

Larry managed a weak smile. “Glad to hear it.”

“That’s… it? Seriously? I don’t feel a thing anymore!”

Camila just smiled. “Those two points are great for calming down a cranky stomach, but you’ll still need to take some medicine. I didn’t bring any with me today, but I’ll have some delivered later. I make it myself, and as long as you take it on time, you shouldn’t run into this problem again.”

Larry stared at her like she’d just pulled a rabbit out of a hat. “That’s incredible! I’ve been dealing with this for years, seen every doctor, tried every pill—they never worked this fast.”

Dennis added from the side, “Traditional medicine is full of surprises. It’s not easy to understand unless you’ve studied it.”

Camila turned to him, eyebrow raised. “Dr. Williams, you know about traditional medicine?”

His voice was low and calm. “Not really, but I’ve seen it before and done some reading. Your technique is impressive.”

Camila blushed a little. “You’re too kind! But honestly, your work as a psychologist is what’s really amazing. So many doctors have tried to help Lillian, but her progress with you has been incredible.”

She looked at Dennis with honest admiration, and he couldn’t help but smile back.

Just then, Lillian tugged on Dennis’s pant leg, clutching a little notebook in her hands. She stretched up on her tiptoes, offering it to him with a proud, childish grin. “For you, Uncle Dennis!”