Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 599

Dennis Williams’ words hit Camila Davis in a way she hadn’t expected.

All these years, not once had anyone told her that she could just be herself—do whatever she wanted—without worrying about what others might think.

Even her mentor, or her parents, always had these expectations for her, whether they said them out loud or not.

Camila loved her freedom, but deep down, she was always scared of letting them down.

Now, looking at Dennis with his kind eyes and gentle smile, she hesitated for a moment before finally saying, “Honestly... you don’t have to do all this for me. I can take care of myself. I can work for what I want.”

She added, half-joking, “Aren’t you... you know, wasting too much on me?”

Dennis chuckled. “Trying to save me some money already?”

Camila’s cheeks flushed pink. She shook her head quickly. “No, I just... I don’t want you to go overboard, that’s all.”

His eyes softened, full of warmth.

“It’s not a waste," Dennis said gently. "If it helps make things go smoothly—especially if it’s for you—then it’s worth it.”

Camila realized then: ever since they'd admitted their feelings, Dennis had changed. He wasn’t so reserved anymore. He no longer kept his distance, choosing his words so carefully.

Now, when he spoke to her, it felt different. There was warmth and closeness where there used to be walls.

Camila had wanted to talk to him about their engagement—just to get everything out in the open. But before she could say anything, Susan, the housekeeper, poked her head in and called, “Ms. Davis, Mr. Williams, dinner’s ready!”

That snapped Camila out of her thoughts. She glanced at the clock and realized how late it was. She smiled at Dennis and said, “Let’s go eat first. We can talk after.”

“Sure,” Dennis replied, nodding.

They walked over to the dining room and sat down together.

Dinner was a comforting spread of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans—familiar, homey food. Lillian, as always, stuck close to her dad, making the whole meal feel extra cozy.

After dinner, Lillian seemed to sense that her dad would have to leave again soon. She clung to him, begging him to stay and draw with her.

Dennis could never resist her. He was always happy to spoil his little girl.

So the two of them went off to the art room. Dennis helped Lillian with her doodles while also sneaking in a bit of work on his laptop, catching up on emails he’d missed during the day.

Camila didn’t have much to do, so she just sat with them, enjoying the quiet.

But as time passed, she noticed Dennis rubbing his forehead, looking more tired than usual.

She got up, walked over, and asked softly, “Did you not sleep well last night?”

Dennis put his hand down and gave her a reassuring look. “I’m fine. Just a lot going on at work. It’ll settle down soon.”

She nodded at the bed. “Sit down, will you?”

Dennis arched a brow, but did as she said.

She stood in front of him and began to gently massage his temples. “You look exhausted. Have you been sleeping badly lately? And that wristband I gave you—has the scent faded already?”

Dennis let her work, his voice rumbling low. “I don’t know. Forgot to check. Maybe you should look for me?”

She smiled at the way he lifted his wrist, almost teasing.

“Can’t get the clasp open again?” she asked.

Dennis grinned. “It’s tricky.”

Camila rolled her eyes but didn’t call him out. She unfastened it herself and checked the inside. Sure enough, the scent had faded.

“That was faster than I thought. Next time I’ll make a formula that lasts longer,” she murmured. “If it runs out, your sleep suffers.”

Dennis didn’t seem too worried. “Doesn’t matter. Now that you’re here, you can just refill it for me whenever.”

He said it as if it was the most natural thing in the world—as if to remind her that from now on, they’d be seeing a lot more of each other.

And maybe she’d have to get used to that.