Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 125

Camila Davis frowned, shooting a reminder over her shoulder. “I won’t be your wife for much longer, so stop acting like I am. Once tonight’s done, let’s get those papers signed, alright? I want nothing more to do with the Smith family after this.”

Jordan Smith’s face went stone cold as he glared at her, but Camila refused to so much as glance his way.

Tonight had been messy enough. She was exhausted.

“Let’s go,” she said, turning away. It was late, and they still needed to celebrate Lillian’s birthday properly—no point in wasting any more time here.

But before she could leave, Walter Wilson spoke up. “Hold on, now! Lillian’s birthday hasn’t even started yet. We put a lot of work into this. Let’s at least finish the party before you take off.”

Camila eyed him warily. Was he seriously suggesting they stay for whatever Jordan had planned? She had zero interest in that.

But Walter just smiled and called out, “Aiden!”

Aiden appeared almost instantly, holding a beautifully wrapped gift box. Walter took it and crouched down beside Lillian, his tone warm and gentle. “Lillian, I heard you love drawing. This is a birthday present from your Uncle Walter. Why don’t you open it and see if you like it?”

Lillian, who’d been glum all evening, immediately perked up at the thought of a gift picked just for her. She glanced at her mom, silently asking permission.

Camila’s heart ached for her little girl, but she managed a gentle smile. “Go ahead, sweetie. Open it.”

Lillian nodded and eagerly tore into the wrapping.

Inside was an abstract oil painting.

A sharp-eyed guest gasped. “Isn’t that the same painting from the Kaston Gallery auction last week? That artist is famous—the piece must be worth a million dollars!”

“Seriously? Walter’s really going all out. Isn’t that a bit much for a kid?”

“Yeah, can she even appreciate something like that?”

As the adults murmured in amazement, Lillian’s face lit up with pure delight. She clutched the frame close, eyes shining. The painting’s playful style matched her own doodles and crayon masterpieces. Her little face came alive, her lips curling into a wide grin and her eyes sparkling like she’d just caught a shooting star.

“Thank you, Uncle Walter! I… I love it!”

Her soft, sweet voice melted hearts all around.

Walter grinned. “Glad you like it! Want to see something even better?”

Lillian tilted her head, curious.

Lillian squealed with delight, hugging it tight and refusing to let go.

Jordan Smith watched all this, his eyes dark with jealousy and frustration. It was obvious Walter had planned the whole thing to show him up, and it stung.

But Camila felt nothing but gratitude. Walter’s efforts were obvious—he’d gone above and beyond to make Lillian happy. The difference between him and Jordan couldn’t be more clear.

She swallowed her emotions and turned to Walter. “How… how did you even know when Lillian’s birthday was?”

Walter just shrugged, casual as ever. “I’ve always known. Marked it down the day she was born.”

Camila was quiet, overwhelmed. After a long moment, she simply said, “Thank you.”

Walter waved it off. “Hey, this is just the beginning. There’s another surprise coming up…”

Camila blinked. “Who is it?”

Before Walter could answer, there was another commotion at the door.

He grinned. “See for yourself—they’re here!”