Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1188

Audrey looked at him with those big, innocent eyes. “No, really, I just saw how hard you were working to teach me. So I peeled you an orange as a little reward.”

Walter raised an eyebrow. “You honestly think I’m buying that?”

He couldn’t help feeling like Audrey’s sweet act was covering up a mischievous side. Something about her just spelled trouble.

Across the table, Harden finally had enough. He groaned and rolled his eyes. “Alright, you two, come on. Can we just play the game? Stop flirting in front of us. Otherwise, we’re going to take all your chips!”

At that, Audrey’s playful look vanished. She straightened up and turned to Walter. “Did you hear that? Focus, please. If we lose, it’s all on you.”

Walter opened his mouth to explain that they weren’t flirting, but before he could, Harden slammed his cards down with so much energy that Walter had no choice but to concentrate. He didn’t want Audrey to lose her very first round.

Meanwhile, Iris sat at the next table, completely distracted. Ever since she walked in and saw Walter and Audrey together, she’d lost any interest in playing. Watching them interact so naturally, seeing the way Walter looked at Audrey, it felt like her heart was soaking in jealousy. Especially when Audrey struggled with her water bottle and Walter just reached over, opened it for her, and told her gently, “Drink slowly. Don’t choke.”

That wasn’t how you treated a regular friend. He was acting like a caring boyfriend. In all the years Iris had known him, she’d never seen him act like this with anyone. She could barely stay seated. But despite everything, her rational side kept her from doing anything. She wasn’t special to Walter. She had no right to interfere.

The jealousy was eating her alive.

But the truth was, Iris was reading too much into it. Walter wasn’t treating Audrey like a girlfriend. He just knew she had some health issues, so he was being extra careful with her. That was it.

Still, with how attentive Walter was and how easy Audrey was to like, everyone at the table quickly warmed up to her. They treated her with genuine kindness and respect. Audrey picked things up fast, too. Before long, she was playing like a pro, barely needing any tips from Walter. Even he was surprised by how quickly she caught on.

But, against these seasoned players, she was still a rookie. Knowing the rules was one thing, actually playing the game was something else. Harden and the others were sharp. More than once, Audrey thought she had a sure win, only to get tricked at the last second. The hand she was so confident about ended up losing to everyone else. Her chips nearly disappeared.

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