Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 418

Lillian had been trying her best to stay awake, but Dennis Williams had already started telling her a story, and it wasn’t long before she was completely drawn in by his words.

At first, Camila Davis felt awkward lying on the same bed with them, but soon enough, she forgot all about it as she got caught up in the story too.

Honestly, Dennis Williams probably wasn’t that experienced at storytelling. His voice was calm and a little monotone, almost as if he was just reading straight out of the book. But with a voice like his—deep, warm, just a little rough around the edges—it didn’t really matter. There was something almost magical about it, soothing and hypnotic.

As Camila waited for Lillian to fall asleep, she found herself leaning back against the pillows, and, before she knew it, she started drifting off too.

Dennis didn’t notice at first. It wasn’t until half an hour later, when Lillian’s breathing became slow and even, that he closed the storybook and realized Camila had dozed off as well, her head tipped gently against the headboard.

Under the soft glow of the bedside lamp, she looked peaceful and sweet, just like Lillian beside her.

Dennis raised his eyebrows, then let out a quiet laugh.

Guess I really do have a knack for putting people to sleep, he thought.

He set the storybook aside and got up, but felt a little tug at his shirt. Looking down, he saw Lillian’s tiny hand clutching his sleeve, holding on for dear life.

He gently pried her fingers loose. Lillian gave a sleepy little whimper, clearly not happy about it.

Almost as if she was on autopilot, Camila reached out, still half-asleep, and patted Lillian’s back to comfort her. She shifted closer, her body leaning almost entirely over Lillian.

Dennis reacted quickly, reaching out to steady her as she nearly toppled over. Half her weight ended up against his chest, her soft, steady breath brushing along his neck.

He tensed up, glancing down at the woman in his arms.

Clearly uncomfortable, Camila snuggled in a bit, searching for a more comfortable spot, completely unaware of the effect she was having on him.

Dennis held his breath for a second, his eyes darkening. He stayed like that for a few moments before quietly exhaling and carefully laying Camila down on the bed.

She curled up protectively around Lillian, even in her sleep.

Standing by the bed, Dennis gazed at the two of them—one big, one small—and a gentle warmth filled his eyes.

He didn’t have the heart to wake Camila. Instead, he switched off the main light, leaving only the little nightlight glowing softly by the bed, and quietly slipped out of the room.

Susan was still up when he came out alone, looking a little confused. “Mr. Williams, where’s Ms. Davis?”

He’d seen the three of them leave the gallery together and had been so distracted he forgot to buy the painting he’d come for. He rushed out after them.

Sandra Taylor, seeing him bolt, grabbed Daniel and hurried after him, calling out, “Jordan, are we really just leaving like this?”

But what Sandra feared most was that Jordan was chasing after Camila and Lillian.

Jordan stopped, but didn’t answer Sandra. Instead, he turned on her with a look of pure fury. “Was what Lillian said true? Did you actually call her stupid?!”

Sandra’s heart skipped a beat—his expression was terrifying.

Of course, she couldn’t admit to anything like that.

She put on her most innocent face. “Jordan, how could you even think that? Lillian must’ve gotten that from Camila. You know how I am with Lillian—why would I ever say something so awful to her? Daniel loves her like his own little sister. Why would we ever treat her badly? You know me, Jordan. You can’t just believe what Lillian says and doubt us like that.

Besides, you saw how cozy Camila was with her new boyfriend at the gallery. He’s a therapist, for God’s sake. Do you really think he’s a good influence? Camila’s always held a grudge about us, and you know it. I bet they were just putting on a show to stir up trouble between us!”

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