Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 711

Camila’s cheeks burned red as she quickly straightened her clothes, tugging the collar up to hide that glaring mark. Embarrassed, she buried her face in Dennis’s chest, her voice muffled with mock reproach. “Dennis Williams, you’re such a bully!”

Dennis’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice a deep, magnetic rumble. “Yeah, I guess I am. Maybe you’ll remember this next time. If you don’t, I’ll have to remind you again.”

Just listening to his tone made Camila’s legs go weak. Thankfully, things had stopped before getting completely out of hand.

But next time… What kind of “punishment” would he serve up? She shivered at the thought. Honestly, she didn’t dare test his limits again.

Blushing furiously, she promised, “There won’t be a next time. I’ll be stronger—I won’t sell myself short, I swear!”

Her sincerity finally earned a satisfied look from Dennis. “I’ll hold you to that,” he said, pulling her into his arms and carrying her back to the bedroom.

It was already late. Camila grabbed her things and slipped into the bathroom to wash up. When she caught sight of the vivid red marks in the mirror, her face flamed all over again.

God, that was reckless.

She couldn’t bear to look any longer. Hurrying through her routine, she wrapped herself tightly in her pajamas, feeling both embarrassed and oddly surprised. After all that, Dennis had actually managed to stop himself. The corners of her mouth tugged up. His self-control was honestly remarkable.

What she didn’t know was that Dennis, after leaving her room, had spent a good half hour under a freezing cold shower.

That night, Camila slept soundly and woke up naturally, feeling well-rested for the first time in ages. She freshened up, changed into a new outfit, and was about to head downstairs—only to find that the marks from last night had grown even more obvious overnight, a cluster of deep bruises and faint purple streaks. Anyone could spot them at a glance.

How was she supposed to go out looking like this?

Mortified, she studied herself more closely and realized Dennis had actually been careful. The worst marks stopped right at her collarbone, while any redness on her neck had mostly faded. Only the area below still looked… well, tragic.

The dress she’d planned to wear was now out of the question. To avoid being a laughingstock, she rummaged through her closet and picked out a turtleneck that would hide everything.

Only once she was safely covered did she finally head downstairs.

Dennis had already finished his morning run in the garden with Lillian. The two of them came in from outside, both sweating and breathless. Lillian’s cheeks were rosy, her whole face glowing with health.

In this city, there wasn’t an event Dennis Williams couldn’t get into. Two invitations were nothing; in fact, he’d even donated funds to support the conference in past years. Technically, he was one of the organizers. Not that Camila knew all that—she could have gone on her own through the medical school’s annual invitations. But Dennis didn’t mention any of this.

Knowing she could attend, Camila brightened, then hesitated. “I finally have a day off and haven’t spent much time with you two. Dragging you to something like this… you sure you don’t mind?”

Dennis reached out, pinching her cheek with a playful smile. “Why would I mind? Anything I do with you is time well spent. Don’t overthink it. I’m off to shower.”

“Okay,” Camila replied, her worries dissolving. She beamed as he headed upstairs, and Lillian was whisked away by the nanny for her own bath.

After breakfast, Larry Adams and Audrey Williams stopped by Eagle’s Peak Estate to pick up Lillian. Before leaving, Audrey waved cheerfully. “You two enjoy your day together! We’ll take care of Lillian—promise not to interrupt your alone time!”

Camila handed her daughter over without worry. “Thank you. She’s all yours today.”

She had no intention of bringing Lillian to the conference—a crowded event full of strangers was no place for a little girl. Better to let her have a fun day with family, away from the bustle.