Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 351

Lightning nudged his head against Dennis’s knee, tail wagging eagerly.

Dennis Williams chuckled, reaching out to ruffle little Lillian’s soft curls. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Lightning circling at his feet.

He grinned, “Looks like someone’s gotten a bit chubbier—and bigger too.”

Lillian nodded, her eyes wide, her voice sweet and earnest. “Yeah! Lightning eats a ton now. He’s got the appetite of a whole football team!”

Dennis nodded back, amused. “He’s still growing, so it makes sense. Maybe it’s time we start some new training, huh?”

At that, Lillian’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Can I come too? Pleeease?”

Dennis’s smile softened. “Of course. I’ll take you with me.”

Lillian beamed and squeezed his hand, bubbling over with excitement. “Uncle Dennis, do you wanna see my art studio? Mom helped me set it up!”

Her little voice was full of pride and anticipation.

“Oh?” Dennis raised an eyebrow.

He hadn’t planned to stay long, but Lillian’s hopeful face made it impossible to refuse.

He relented with a warm smile. “Lead the way, kiddo. Let’s check out your studio.”

“Yay!” Lillian squealed, grabbing his hand and pulling him down the hallway.

Inside, Dennis took in the room. Soft yellow curtains framed the window, while the walls were painted a cheerful blue, scattered with grassy hills and fluffy white clouds. The whole place radiated warmth and creativity.

The color choices were playful, every detail obviously chosen with care. And it was clear that Camila Davis cherished every one of Lillian’s creations. Finished paintings were neatly framed, while failed attempts were taped together on one wall, forming a quirky, heartfelt mosaic.

Another wall had been transformed into a cabinet packed with colored pencils, markers, sketchbooks, and stacks of fresh paper—like an artist’s candy store.

Dennis’s eyes grew gentle as he took it all in. The care and love put into this space were unmistakable.

“Do you like it?” Lillian asked, her voice hopeful and soft.

“It’s awesome,” Dennis said, genuinely impressed. “Best art studio I’ve ever seen.”

Lillian’s smile stretched from ear to ear. “I think it’s the best too!”

They went back and forth a bit longer, each praising the other, before Lillian carefully set their collaborative masterpiece aside.

Just then, Susan poked her head in. “Ms. Davis is all set with fresh clothes, and the chicken noodle soup is simmering for her hangover. Did you have any drinks tonight, Mr. Williams? Want a bowl?”

Dennis glanced at the clock and shook his head politely. “Thanks, but I’m good. I didn’t drink, and it’s getting late—I should head out.”

He stood, turning to Lillian. “Time for me to go, kiddo. Make sure you get some sleep too.”

Lillian nodded obediently. “Okay. Goodnight, Uncle Dennis!”

She didn’t fuss or beg him to stay, just followed him to the door with Susan, waving as he left.

All of this happened without Camila Davis knowing a thing.

The next morning, she woke up groggy, her head pounding. Wait—wasn’t she at the banquet hall last night? How did she get home?

She lay there, blinking at the ceiling, trying to piece together the fuzzy memories. Bit by bit, it came back—every embarrassing detail. She’d gotten tipsy, acted like a fool, and let someone carry her home without protest. Her cheeks burned with mortification.

But after a moment, she sighed. Honestly, it wasn’t the first time she’d embarrassed herself in front of Mr. Williams. And knowing her luck, it probably wouldn’t be the last.