Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 940

A heavy silence fell over the private dining room. Charlotte Kelly calmly observed the three members of the Lee family. “Hazel,” she said, her voice soft but firm, “this isn’t a question of what you want, but a question of what Dennis is willing to do. If he is unwilling, no one can force him. It’s not that the Williams family is heartless or breaking our word. You’ve seen for yourselves that my father-in-law has tried his best to make this work for Nancy. He has relentlessly tried to bring the two of them together. But after all these years, Dennis still does not have feelings for her. We are being open with you now in hopes that Nancy can cut her losses. A young woman’s youth is precious, and we don’t want her to waste any more of it.”

Nicholas didn’t want to hear it. “Feelings are the most fickle and unreliable things in the world,” he said coldly. He turned to the elder Mr. Williams. “Sir, please don’t mind my bluntness, but Dennis has no experience with relationships, which is why he’s being so easily fooled by an outsider. I’ve had that Camila Davis looked into. She’s not some simple woman. She managed to marry into the Smith family from a lowly status by using underhanded methods to win over the late Mrs. Smith, who then forced the marriage on Jordan Smith. How can a woman like that have genuine feelings for Dennis? She’s likely hiding all sorts of schemes from you! From the perspective of our two families, an alliance is the most logical choice. Besides, how is my Nancy any worse than Camila Davis? How can my pristine daughter lose to a piece of used goods like her?!”

The crudeness of Nicholas’s words displeased the elder Mr. Williams. “That’s not a fair comparison,” he retorted. “Regardless of who Camila has married before, the fact remains that Dennis loves her. That is unchangeable. You either like someone or you don’t. I gave Nancy plenty of opportunities, but she was unable to capture Dennis’s heart.”

Cynthia bit her lip, her voice trembling with frustration. “Grandpa Williams, that’s because you didn’t give me enough time! If I had more time, I’m confident I could make Dennis fall for me!”

Charlotte shook her head at her stubbornness. “Nancy, no amount of time would make Dennis fall for you. Even without Camila Davis, he would not have given you a chance. You’ve known each other for so many years; surely you understand him by now!”

Charlotte paused, then decided to be even more direct. “If you two were truly meant to be, you would have gotten together long ago, and a married woman like Camila Davis never would have had the chance. We’re laying this all out today for your own good. The world is full of wonderful men. Instead of forcing yourself on Dennis only to resent each other in the future, it would be better for everyone if you just let go.”

Cynthia’s temper flared. “How can you be so sure he would never fall for me? I already told you, he doesn’t like me because we haven’t spent enough time together! Besides, this engagement was your family’s idea in the first place. All I want is Dennis Williams; I don’t want anything else. Are you saying all of this now because you intend to break your promise?”