Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 852

Dennis gently stroked her little head, his voice patient and warm. “Of course you can. Where else would you go if not with Mommy and Daddy?”

Hearing this, the little girl leaned her head against his chest. Her small hands clutched his shirt as she said tearfully, “They… they want to take me away. I don’t want to go. I want Mommy and Daddy, and Grandpa and Grandma. I don’t want to go anywhere else!”

Dennis patted her back soothingly. “Okay. Like I said, if you’re brave and tell me what you want, I’ll grant your wish. I promise you, that is your wish, and I will make it happen. But I might need your help. Are you willing to help me?”

Lillian blinked and nodded without a second thought. “Yes!”

Dennis wiped away her tears, speaking slowly and clearly. “Then you have to listen very carefully to what I’m about to tell you, okay?”

“Okay!” she chirped.

Dennis didn’t offer empty reassurances. He laid out his entire plan for her. Determined to stay with her parents, the little girl listened with intense focus, nodding obediently to show she understood. At times, a hesitant look would cross her face, but with Dennis’s gentle encouragement, she would quickly nod in agreement again.

They talked like this for half an hour.

By the time Dennis finished explaining, Lillian’s worries had finally melted away. Overwhelming sleepiness washed over her. She let out a big yawn and, a moment later, fell into a deep, hazy sleep against his chest.

Dennis waited until she was sound asleep before gently lifting her and carefully placing her back in bed. With her mind at ease, she slept soundly this time, not stirring again.

After tucking her in, he quietly left the room.

She would die before she let the Smiths take Lillian away from her.

Dennis knew her emotions were too raw to be soothed with words alone. He nodded to Susan. “Could you please keep an eye on Lillian tonight?”

Susan understood immediately. “Of course. Don’t worry, I’ll stay with her. I’ll call you if anything happens.”

With a knowing glance, she slipped into the room.

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