Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 817

Camila Davis snapped back to reality, shaking her head. “No, it’s just—I’m surprised, that’s all. I didn’t expect Audrey to invite Walter Wilson herself. Do you think she might be… interested in him?”

Otherwise, she honestly couldn’t figure out how the two of them had suddenly become so close.

Dennis Williams nearly laughed out loud at that. Walter had been carrying a torch for Camila for ages, but she’d never noticed. Yet the moment Audrey took an interest in Walter, Camila spotted it instantly.

He couldn’t help feeling a touch of sympathy for Walter.

Still, Dennis kept those thoughts to himself. Instead, he answered her, “Yeah, this is definitely the first time Camila’s been this forward.”

Camila’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “But they’ve only met, what, twice?”

“Probably,” Dennis replied. “Could be a couple more times, though. This circle isn’t exactly huge. Wouldn’t be surprising if they’d run into each other at some event. Besides, it’s not about how many times you meet someone—it’s about the impression they make. And the first time they met, Walter kind of saved her. I imagine that stuck with her.”

Camila nodded, unable to stop herself from sneaking a few more glances at the pair.

Walter and Audrey were already moving gracefully across the dance floor. Walter, as ever, looked sharp and quietly reserved, a touch of roguish charm about him. Audrey, bright and vivacious, chatted nonstop, clearly trying to draw him out. The contrast—her energy beside his calm—was oddly perfect.

What surprised Camila most was Walter’s demeanor. Maybe he was worried about Audrey’s health, but whenever he glanced down at her, there was a gentle concern in his eyes, and more than once, Camila saw him quietly check how she was holding up.

Audrey beamed up at him, her smile infectious.

While Camila watched them, Dennis finally got fed up. He slipped an arm around her waist and drew her close.

Only then did Camila snap out of it, looking up in confusion. “Hey, what’s up?”

Dennis’s eyes narrowed playfully, a hint of jealousy in his voice. “Your dance partner’s right in front of you. Why are you looking everywhere but at me, hmm? Camila?”

There was a teasing edge to his words, but underneath, a touch of genuine possessiveness.

Realizing she’d been neglecting him, Camila quickly tried to make amends. She looped her arms around his neck and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “I’m sorry! I was just curious, that’s all. It’s just, I’ve known Walter for years and I’ve never seen him with another woman. So, seeing him with Audrey tonight—it’s hard not to stare. I promise, I’ll stop. From now on, my eyes are only on you!”

Dennis caught the dreamy look in her eyes. His gaze darkened, deep and unreadable.

They swayed together, moving in time with the music, wrapped in their own intimate bubble. The world outside faded away, and only their soft, lingering sweetness remained.

Nearby, Sarah Brown and Larry Adams, along with Jarvis Peters and his partner, watched them with smiles, hearts full of genuine happiness for their friends.

Walter Wilson noticed them too, their closeness stirring a pang of loss in his chest, a twist of bittersweet longing. He looked away, suddenly distracted.

His dance partner, Audrey, picked up on his shift in mood immediately. She moved in a little closer—misjudging the distance and accidentally bumping into his chest.

Walter stiffened, startled back to the present. “You okay?”

Audrey looked up at him with a dazzling smile. “I’m fine! Just noticed you were getting a little distracted—you almost stepped on my foot, you know. Mr. Wilson, if you agreed to be my partner tonight, you’re going to have to focus. If I fall, you’re responsible!”

Her teasing tone made Walter smile in spite of himself. “Honestly, you’d be better off with someone else. I’m not much of a dancer.”