Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 761

Camila Davis knew this conversation with her parents was inevitable. The prospect made her nervous, but she forced herself to stay calm.

She poured her parents each a glass of water, then sat beside them on the couch, hands folded in her lap.

Melissa George wasted no time with small talk. She got straight to the point. “What’s going on between you and Mr. Williams?”

Camila hadn’t planned to hide anything. Seeing her mother take the initiative, she answered honestly, “We’re seeing each other.”

As expected, Melissa and her husband exchanged a loaded glance. Both their brows furrowed.

Jerry Davis spoke first. “When did this start? Was it back in Harrisburg?”

Camila shook her head. “No. Not until we moved to Cabinda did things become official.”

Her parents fell into a heavy silence. The quiet made Camila’s anxiety spike.

Tentatively, she asked, “You don’t like him?”

She hurried to defend Dennis before they could answer. “He’s a good man, Mom, Dad. He treats me well, and he’s always cared for Lillian like she was his own. Honestly, Lillian wouldn’t be where she is today if not for him. He’s never treated her differently just because she isn’t his biological daughter. He’s patient and gentle, always raising her as if she were his own.”

Camila’s earnestness shone clear on her face.

Melissa noticed. She might not know Dennis Williams well, but she understood her daughter’s sincerity.

She sighed. “Of course I know he’s a good man. We don’t dislike him, Camila.” She hesitated, then added softly, “It’s just… precisely because he’s so good.”

Melissa’s voice grew quieter, laden with worry. “Mr. Williams comes from one of the wealthiest families in Cabinda. That kind of background—we’re afraid…”

She thought back to Camila’s previous marriage. “When you married into the Smith family, you endured so much. Every time your father and I visited, Jordan Smith’s parents made no effort to hide their disdain. They looked down on us, assumed we were after something, treated you as if you were unworthy. Because our family was ordinary, they felt free to trample all over you.”

By now, Melissa was openly crying. Jerry’s eyes shone with unshed tears as well.

Camila’s heart twisted with guilt. She was a grown woman, yet still making her parents worry. She felt like she’d failed them.

Her own eyes rimmed with red. She hugged her mother tightly, trying to comfort her. “Please don’t be upset. I promise, I’ll think this through, carefully. I know you’re worried, but I’m not with Dennis because of some impulse, or to escape the pain of my last marriage.”

She drew a shaky breath. “Truth is, I’ve considered all the things you’re worried about—maybe even more than you have. I’ve wanted to turn Dennis down, I was scared to take that step. But Dennis gave me the courage I needed. He’s nothing like Jordan Smith.”

She met their eyes, voice steady. “I know you might not believe me right now. But please, just give me a chance. Watch what Dennis does, judge him for yourself. If he lets me down, I’ll walk away. I won’t lose myself again. I won’t give up everything for love like I did before.”

Her resolve was unmistakable.

Melissa and Jerry looked at her, torn between worry and reluctant hope.