Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 686

“At least give someone a heads-up next time. It would’ve been nice to have a moment to prepare myself,” Camila said, her voice a mix of nervousness and reproach. “Meeting for the first time like this, so abruptly—I was honestly at a loss for words.”

Dennis Williams met her gaze, unruffled as ever. “You’re right. I should have let you know beforehand,” he replied, though his expression betrayed little real remorse.

Watching the exchange, Audrey Williams grinned, her tone light and cheerful. “Oh, I wasn’t uncomfortable at all! I’d just woken up, and when I saw Camila, I felt an instant connection. That’s why I called her ‘sister’ instead of using her name—I didn’t want to startle her.”

Camila felt her mind spinning, struggling to piece together what was happening. Was this really the Williams family she’d heard about? She’d been told, again and again, that his family would never accept her—that they were dead set against her relationship with Dennis. She’d braced herself for cold stares or outright rejection, ready to be shut out.

But instead, the three of them were… warm. Almost welcoming. It was so far from what she’d expected that it felt surreal, as if they’d already accepted her into their inner circle. Camila couldn’t help but wonder: Was this genuine, or were they just putting on a show? If they were faking it, their performance was flawless—she searched for cracks in their façade, but found none.

And yet, if this was true acceptance, she couldn’t wrap her head around it. Why would they welcome her so easily after everything?

For once, Camila—usually sharp and quick-witted—felt like her thoughts were tangled beyond repair.

Dennis seemed to sense the storm raging inside her. He turned to the older couple and said, “Uncle Douglas, Aunt Charlotte, the guests are still waiting back in the hall. Today’s meeting was a bit rushed, so let’s not keep everyone waiting. Why don’t you take Audrey and head back? I’ll stay and talk with Camila for a while. We’ll join you soon.”

Douglas Williams and Charlotte Kelly exchanged a glance, then nodded in agreement. Tonight’s party was their responsibility, after all; it wouldn’t do to leave the guests unattended—especially when Audrey was the guest of honor. Besides, they’d already been gone a while; if they stayed away much longer, the elder Mr. Williams would start to wonder. He was the one truly opposed to Dennis and Camila being together. If he found out what had nearly happened to Audrey tonight, and that Camila was here as well, there was no telling how angry he might become.

Walter’s expression had lost its usual easy charm. A chill had settled over his features, and there was a heaviness in his eyes—a deep, unmistakable loneliness.

The Williams family noticed, but chose not to mention it.

Trying to be polite, Audrey turned to Walter and asked, “Mr. Wilson, would you like to join us for my welcome party?”

Walter tore his gaze away from where Camila had disappeared. He shook his head, voice distant. “Thank you, but I’ve got something else to take care of. Maybe next time.”