Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 531

Hearing what her mom said, the little girl’s lips wobbled, her tiny face falling.

She really wanted her dad to stay, but she also knew he was busy. She had to be a good kid.

So, she just swallowed her feelings, pulled her hand back, and whispered, “Okay, Mommy… I get it.”

Once her daughter was calm, the car pulled up outside the hotel.

Camila Davis didn’t hesitate. She gathered her little girl into her arms, stepping out onto the sidewalk. She turned back for a moment, offering Dennis Williams a polite goodbye.

There was a sense of distance between them now.

Was he imagining it?

Dennis furrowed his brow, watching Camila. She looked like she’d recovered, her face back to its usual calm. But Dennis couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at him.

He found himself asking, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Camila shook her head softly. “I’m fine, honestly. The dizziness is gone. Thank you for spending time with us today. And—drive safe on your way back, alright?”

She glanced at him through the rear window. For a heartbeat, something heavy pressed against her chest.

Dennis was staying in Portland for good now. After this, they probably wouldn’t see each other again, at least not often. Even if they did, things would have to stay distant.

But the memories of their time together—every little moment—felt branded into her heart. She could recall them so easily.

It’s impossible not to care about the past, she thought. Not when it’s Dennis.

He was remarkable in every way—kind, smart, dependable. Honestly, he was almost too good to be true.

But no matter how great he was, this was where their story ended.

Lillian nodded, still sniffling. “Like the superheroes on TV?”

“That’s right,” Camila smiled. “Just like Superman or Captain America. Heroes are amazing, but sometimes even they get hurt fighting the bad guys, and they need someone to help them get better.”

She tucked a lock of Lillian’s hair behind her ear. “Your daddy? He’s the doctor who helps those heroes. There are so many people out there who need him right now.”

She squeezed her daughter gently. “I know he wishes he could stay with us, but sometimes heroes are needed elsewhere. You’re such a brave girl, Lillian. I know you understand.”

As she tried to comfort her little girl, Camila’s mind was already racing, wondering what she’d say next time—how she would keep explaining Daddy’s absences.

Lillian depended on Dennis so much. And this time, it was only a month’s separation… but even now, she’d already asked for him so many times.

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