Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 212

Lillian glanced at her mom outside the window, then nodded without a second thought. “Okay!”

Dennis Williams’ voice was gentle. “Today, I’ll show you a new drawing technique. Let’s grab a fresh sheet of paper...”

Lillian agreed right away.

Soon, a brand-new picture began to take shape before their eyes.

This time, the little cub ditched the abstract style and went for something much more lifelike.

Dennis guided her hand, showing her every line and curve, paying attention to even the smallest details.

Meanwhile, Camila Davis had no idea she’d become the subject of the two artists inside. She was out on the patio feeding pigeons, tossing crumbs from a day-old baguette, occasionally glancing through the coffee shop’s window.

Inside, Dennis and Lillian were totally focused on their art. Every now and then, Camila caught glimpses of Dennis patiently explaining something to Lillian, his voice calm and encouraging.

Even from a distance, Camila could sense his warmth and patience. He was so good with Lillian—nothing at all like Jordan Smith, who always seemed distracted and half-hearted.

No wonder Lillian liked Dennis so much, even asking him to hang out!

Not wanting to interrupt, Camila kept playing with the pigeons, actually having a pretty good time herself.

She wasn’t sure how much time had passed before Lillian burst out of the café, her eyes sparkling with excitement and two sheets of paper clutched in her hands.

She ran right up to Camila, beaming. “Mommy, look! Uncle Dennis and I drew you!”

Camila blinked in surprise and took the drawings. Sure enough, there she was!

The drawing on the left was clearly done by Lillian: the lines were a little wobbly, the shading imperfect, but it was full of feeling. It showed Camila standing in the square, surrounded by pigeons, caught mid-laugh.

She looked genuinely happy in that picture.

The drawing on the right was another story. It showed her standing by the old stone fountain, cradling a dove in her hands, her smile soft and warm. The lines and colors were so precise, so realistic, it was almost like a photograph—Dennis’ work, obviously.

Camila landed square in someone’s chest—solid, warm, with the soft texture of a white sweater and the faintest scent of cologne. She could feel the steady thump of a heartbeat.

She looked up automatically—and met Dennis’ deep, steady gaze, his face suddenly way too close.

The chain of his glasses brushed her cheek, cool against her skin, followed by the warmth of his breath.

They were close. Really close.

So close, she completely forgot how to breathe.

Just as Camila started to react, Dennis let go, stepping back with calm composure. “Are you hurt?” he asked, as if nothing unusual had just happened.

His tone was level and matter-of-fact—not the least bit fazed by their sudden, accidental closeness.

Camila quickly took two steps back, shaking her head. “No, I’m—I’m fine!”