Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 815

Cynthia Lee hadn’t expected that the faster she tried to recover, the more awkward and forced her smile became. “You’re right about that. So, Dennis…” she trailed off, turning to Dennis Williams with a gaze full of soft affection. Her voice grew gentle as she pleaded, “We’ve known each other for so many years. Can’t you do me this one little favor? Please?”

She pressed her hands together, her eyes pleading, her tone unmistakably coquettish—the kind that would have most men wrapped around her finger in seconds.

After all, Cynthia Lee was strikingly beautiful, and plenty of people in Cabinda wanted to win her over.

But that same charm only made Dennis Williams feel an unexplainable sense of irritation. If it had been Camila Davis acting sweet with him like that, he’d probably give her the moon. But Cynthia Lee? She couldn’t stir a single emotion in him.

Dennis cut straight to the point. “I promised Camila I’d only ever dance with her from now on. Ms. Lee, I think you should ask someone else.”

His refusal was blunt and left no room for argument. Even in front of his grandfather, he’d shown Cynthia a measure of courtesy. But she just wouldn’t take the hint. Instead, she put on a wounded, lost expression and said, “Dennis, I really… It’s just a favor, nothing more. Do you have to say no so quickly? Can’t you just help me out, for old times’ sake?”

Her eyes shimmered as if she were about to cry, and she glanced helplessly at the elder Mr. Williams beside her. She looked so fragile and pitiful, it seemed like she might burst into tears at any moment.

The elder Mr. Williams had always hoped his grandson would end up with Cynthia. So, seeing her like this, he naturally took her side. “It’s just a dance. She’s a young lady, and she’s not making a fuss—so what are you so worried about? It’s not like you’re losing anything!”

He said this entirely disregarding Camila Davis’s feelings.

Unsurprisingly, Camila’s family’s expressions soured, and Dennis’s voice dropped, cold and steely. “I don’t like getting close to women who aren’t my girlfriend or family. Simple as that.”

If his grandfather wasn’t going to show him any respect, Dennis saw no reason to keep playing nice either.

Sarah Brown, overhearing this, finally felt vindicated. She tugged Larry Adams’s arm and muttered, “Now that’s how someone with a girlfriend should act! Keep your distance, especially from women like her.”

Not at all like Jordan Smith, who didn’t know where to draw the line.

Larry, who was always up for a bit of drama, chimed in, “Grandpa Williams, there are plenty of eligible men at this party tonight. I’m sure any one of them would be happy to help Ms. Lee out. But for some reason, she only has eyes for Dennis, who’s already taken—makes you wonder what her intentions are, doesn’t it? Maybe she’s up to no good?”

Walter Wilson didn’t bother hiding his sarcasm. “What’s there to wonder? She’s tried to snatch him away from Camila right in front of everyone, not once but over and over. Who knew Ms. Lee liked playing the homewrecker?”

Jarvis Peters, never missing an opportunity, offered with a grin, “Well, if Ms. Lee doesn’t mind, I suppose I could ‘sacrifice’ myself and be her dance partner. The Harris family shouldn’t be too shabby for the opening dance, right?”

Realizing the situation was hopeless, Cynthia decided to back down while she could. “Well, since Dennis won’t, I won’t insist.”

Then she turned to Natalie and, with an apologetic smile, said, “Would you mind asking your boyfriend to be my partner for the opening dance?”

Natalie’s face instantly darkened. Her reluctance was obvious—who would want their boyfriend to dance with another woman, even if she was a close friend?

But with no way out, Natalie could only grit her teeth and reply, “Of course. No problem.”

As the music started up, Cynthia and Natalie slipped away, their steps stiff and awkward.

Watching them retreat, Sarah Brown couldn’t help but laugh out loud, and soon the rest of the group joined in.

Cynthia Lee really was a piece of work.

Even the elders, though they maintained their manners, couldn’t quite hide their bemused expressions.