Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 819

If this were any other day, Natalie, as Cynthia Lee’s close friend, would’ve rushed to comfort her or at least offered a few kind words.

But tonight, Natalie just couldn’t bring herself to care.

After all, just moments ago, her boyfriend of several years had finished the opening dance with Cynthia Lee—and for reasons Natalie couldn’t fathom, he kept glancing at Cynthia throughout the night.

It was as if he’d forgotten that Natalie was the one he was actually dating!

Still simmering with jealousy, Natalie grabbed her boyfriend by the arm and dragged him away, ignoring Cynthia Lee completely.

The ball still had hours left to go.

Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Davis, who never felt at ease at these sorts of events—and with Mr. Morris and the others looking visibly tired—decided to call it a night.

They had someone let Camila Davis and her group know, and Camila, together with Dennis Williams, personally came to see them off.

Out in front of the hotel, Melissa George held her daughter’s hand, fussing over her, “Don’t stay out too late, alright?”

Her gaze softened as she turned to Dennis. “Dennis, keep an eye on Camila for me. Make sure she doesn’t drink, and please, bring her home safely.”

Dennis was taken aback for a moment, surprised at the change in how she addressed him. Up until tonight, Camila’s parents had always called him Mr. Williams, making it clear they didn’t approve of his relationship with their daughter.

Apparently, whatever happened this evening had finally started to change their minds.

A genuine smile broke across Dennis’s face as he promised, “I will. You have my word, Mrs. George.”

Melissa and Jerry Davis didn’t linger; they got into their car and drove off.

Mr. Morris stayed behind—Mrs. Molly had come alone and didn’t drive, so he offered to see her home.

The remaining guests each got into their own cars and slipped away into the night.

Once everyone had left, Camila and Dennis didn’t intend to stick around much longer either.

She turned to Dennis. “Let’s say goodbye to Larry and Sarah, then head home. I can’t help worrying about leaving our little one home alone tonight. Who knows what sort of mischief she’s getting up to.”

Dennis’s eyes softened. “Lillian’s a good kid—she won’t cause trouble. Still, you’re right. There’s not much left to do here. Let’s call it a night.”

“Agreed,” Camila said, nodding. She started to make her way back to find their friends.

But when she stepped into the ballroom, neither Audrey Williams nor Walter Wilson were anywhere to be seen.

She asked around, and Larry Adams replied, “Audrey? She already left—Walter gave her a ride home.”

Camila and Dennis exchanged surprised glances.

“Walter actually agreed to that?” Camila asked, astonished.

Larry grinned. “Audrey always knows how to get her way!”

Camila shook her head in exasperation, dropping the subject. “What about Sarah?”

Just then, a familiar voice sounded behind her.

“Camila.”

She turned, frowning, and came face to face with Jordan Smith, sitting in his wheelchair. Instantly, her expression hardened.

Why hadn’t he left yet?

“Did you need something?” she asked coolly.

Jordan’s eyes were shadowed, his gaze lingering on her. The Camila standing before him felt like a stranger compared to the woman he remembered. She’d been by his side for so many years—yet he’d always overlooked her, never realizing how remarkable she truly was.

Until tonight, when he finally understood just how wrong he’d been.

Before coming to Cabinda, he’d been confident—certain he could win Camila back.

But this evening, he could feel that certainty slipping away. For the first time, he was rattled, desperate, as if the treasure he thought belonged to him was about to slip through his fingers.

That fear drove him to seek her out the moment he saw her leave.

“I want to talk,” he said. It wasn’t the first time he’d made that request.

But Camila’s tone was as cold as ever. “I don’t think we have anything left to say.”

Jordan’s voice turned low, almost pleading. “Camila, this world—Cabinda—it's not as simple as you think. Even if you’ve found someone to stand by you tonight, you and Dennis Williams… it’s not going to be easy for the two of you to stay together.”