Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 698

Out of the corner of her eye, Camila Davis caught a fleeting glimpse at the end of the hallway—a wheelchair, with someone sitting in it.

She saw a sharp, distant profile. Cold, gaunt. Strangely familiar?

Camila froze, instinctively wanting a closer look.

But the wheelchair turned away.

Before she could get a good look, it was gone. Disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

Camila frowned deeply at herself, half-convinced she was just seeing things.

That person… Why on earth would he show up in Cabinda?

“What are you guys talking about?”

Sarah Brown’s voice from inside the private room snapped Camila’s attention back.

She quickly shoved the strange incident out of her mind and headed inside.

Larry Adams was answering Sarah’s question. “Audrey’s off tomorrow. She said she wants to join us and take Lillian out. We’re thinking a waterpark day.”

The news caught Camila off guard. She instinctively glanced at Dennis Williams.

She’d only met Dennis’s family briefly at the welcome dinner, but it was clear they didn’t object to her and Dennis being together.

And now, they were including Lillian too?

Dennis seemed to sense her hesitation. He chuckled gently. “Audrey’s never been the stay-at-home type. She’s already started getting up to speed at The Smith Group since she got back.

Last time I took Lillian to the office, the two of them ran into each other. Since then, Audrey brings her little snacks and gifts every day.

Honestly, while you weren’t looking, those two have built up quite the ‘friendship’—way more than you’d imagine.”

Hearing Audrey’s name, Lillian piped up in her sweet little voice to tell her mom, “Mommy, Aunt Audrey is so nice! Can we bring Aunt Audrey with us to play, too?”

Camila was speechless for a moment at how naturally her daughter called her “Aunt Audrey.”

But in Camila’s mind, anyone who was kind to her child was welcome.

Besides, this outing was really about spending time with Lillian and Dennis anyway.

If Lillian was happy, Camila had no objections.

An hour later, after everyone had eaten their fill, Dennis asked Aaron to settle the bill. As usual, they parted ways at the entrance.

Sarah Brown wasn’t ready to call it a night—she kept late hours and saw no point in going home so early. With nothing else to do, she decided to keep Larry company and hit up a bar.

Camila watched the two of them, already acting more like brothers than friends, and knew she wouldn’t be able to stop them.

So she just cautioned Larry, “Look after Sarah, okay? Don’t let her go overboard tonight.”

Larry grinned. “Don’t worry, Camila. I’ve got her.”

He waved goodbye and climbed into Sarah’s car.

Camila slid into the back seat of Dennis’s car.

Not knowing what else to say, Camila instinctively leaned toward him, her voice soft. “Yeah, I’m just tired.”

Immediately, Dennis pulled her into his arms, his long fingers gently massaging her brow.

Camila clung to his arm, practically burrowing into his shoulder.

He still smelled of crisp, clean cedarwood—comforting and familiar.

With every breath, the tension eased from her body.

An hour later, they arrived at Eagle’s Peak Estate.

Once inside, Camila and Dennis spent some time playing with Lillian until the little one’s energy was finally spent and she drifted off to sleep.

After tucking her in, Camila slipped out quietly.

Dennis was waiting for her outside and led her to the hot spring.

A gentle mist filled the air.

The moment Camila stepped in, her mind drifted back to the last time they were here—the memory of that night’s passion making her cheeks flush.

But Dennis simply guided her into the water and let her soak, encouraging her to relax.

Tonight, the hot spring had been infused with soothing herbs. The subtle fragrance melted away the knots in her nerves.

Once Camila had adjusted to the warmth, Dennis drew her close, positioning her in front of him. “Lean back. Let me rub your temples. If you get sleepy, just rest against me. I’ll carry you back later.”