Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 622

For the first time in her life, someone had said words like that to her.

Back in Harrisburg, Camila always felt like she was walking on eggshells, constantly second-guessing every move she made.

Her years with the Smith family had only made it worse. She was terrified of saying the wrong thing, of embarrassing them in front of others.

Old habits die hard.

Even later, whenever she accidentally got into a spat with someone—even if it wasn’t her fault—she’d immediately worry about offending them. Because no one ever had her back.

But now, someone was telling her to be herself. To act freely, without worrying about the consequences…

Camila Davis didn’t even know how to describe how she felt in that moment.

She buried her face in his shoulder, her body finally relaxing, and quietly asked, “But the Allen family… aren’t they one of the big names in Cabinda?”

Dennis Williams wrapped his arm around her waist, his tone casual, almost indifferent. “They’re not all that. At least, they’re nothing I’m worried about.

And honestly, after tonight, if anyone should be worried, it’s them. They’re the ones who should figure out how to make things right after what they did to you.”

Hearing the nonchalance in his voice, Camila sniffed and let out a soft laugh. “Guess I really underestimated your influence around here.”

Dennis caught her smile, and his tone softened, too. “So, now you finally see what I’m capable of?”

She nodded. “Yeah, I see it now.”

She meant it. She’d heard everything he’d said.

From now on, she’d try her best to change, to stop being so timid all the time.

Dennis gently cupped her face, his eyes earnest. “So, if something happens again, are you still going to keep it bottled up?”

Camila blinked, her voice soft and obedient. “No. From now on, no matter what happens, I’ll tell you.”

Dennis felt his heart melt at how sweet she was being.

Her eyes were still a bit red from the rush of emotion earlier, and she looked so vulnerable, so heartbreakingly adorable.

He swallowed, his voice growing low and a little rough. “You know, I kind of regret what I said earlier.”

Camila looked up, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“I said I wanted the world to see you—but now I take it back. I don’t want anyone else to see you. I want to keep all the wonderful things about you to myself.”

His words made Camila’s cheeks flush a deep pink.

“I’ve never been the type who likes the spotlight anyway,” she whispered. “I’m not interested in showing off for anyone else. From now on, it’s just for you.”

That was all it took to completely lift Dennis’s mood; his eyes crinkled with pure delight.

The thought that someone like him would reach out to her, offering understanding, acceptance, and a sense of safety…

It filled up every empty space in her heart.

She gazed at his handsome face, then, almost without realizing it, gripped the front of his shirt and leaned in closer, as if drawn by some invisible force.

With her forehead pressed to his, she whispered, “Dennis, I… I really like you. A lot.”

It was the first time she’d ever said it so plainly to anyone.

Her feelings had always been quiet, hidden.

Even though Dennis had guessed she cared for him—from her tiny gestures and his own intuition—this was the first time he’d heard her say the words out loud.

He froze for a second, then, in the depths of his dark eyes, something powerful flickered to life.

“Yeah. I know,” he murmured.

And then, before she could say anything else, he kissed her again—this time, deeper, fiercer, like he was claiming her for himself.

Camila felt herself melting into the fire of it, swept away, as if nothing else in the world existed but the two of them, right there in that car.

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