Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 135

Camila Davis could read her daughter’s mind in a heartbeat. She quickly reassured her, “Don’t worry, honey, we’ll bring Lightning along, and your favorite pink fox plushie, your art supplies, and of course, your harmonica with the sheet music.”

As soon as Lillian heard this, she immediately agreed.

Camila breathed a sigh of relief and wasted no time calling her best friend to explain the situation.

Sarah Brown didn’t hesitate for a second. “Hang tight, I’ll be there in a flash,” she said.

Camila was quick with the packing. She left behind most of what her grandmother had given her, taking only a few changes of clothes for herself. The rest was for Lillian.

Once she finished, she hauled the suitcase downstairs, then went back up to carry Lillian.

On their way out, the housekeeper noticed the commotion.

“Mrs. Smith, where are you going at this hour?” Susan, the nanny, asked with concern.

Camila answered, “We’re moving out, Susan. Thank you for looking after Lillian all these years.”

Susan was clearly surprised, but not entirely shocked. After all, she’d witnessed how Jordan Smith had neglected Camila and her daughter over the years. Still, she worried—leaving so late at night, with a child in tow, didn’t seem safe.

Susan was about to say something when Jordan Smith came out of his study, his face stormy as he strode over. “Camila Davis, enough is enough. It’s the middle of the night and you’re dragging Lillian out? Have you even thought about her safety?”

Camila shot back, sarcasm dripping from her voice, “Oh, now you care? Where was this concern when you kept bringing Sandra Taylor’s son around to torment her? Did her safety not matter then?”

Jordan’s face darkened. “What does Daniel have to do with anything? You’re being ridiculous! Try stepping out that door tonight, I dare you.”

Camila didn’t bother responding. Her actions spoke louder than words. She scooped up Lillian with one arm, grabbed the suitcase, and headed for the door.

But as soon as she opened it, Jordan’s hand slammed it shut.

“Camila Davis, are you done yet?” His voice was icy.

Just then, Sarah Brown arrived—security had finally let her through. She saw what was happening and immediately wedged herself between them, protectively shielding Camila and Lillian. “Jordan Smith, you’re the one who needs to get over yourself! You run around with your mistress, ignore your own wife, and now you want to keep them here? Really? Do you even hear yourself?”

He glared at her, voice cold as steel. “Since when do outsiders get a say in Smith family business? Get out.”

She flopped onto the couch next to her friend, clinking glasses.

Sarah beamed. “My place isn’t a mansion, but it’s cozy, right? Not too bad?”

Camila nodded, genuinely smiling. “It’s a thousand times better.”

Sarah made a face. “Honestly, I used to have a big house, you know—until I argued with my dad and he froze my accounts and the deed. Otherwise, I’d be putting you and Lillian up in style! But hey, don’t worry. Someday I’ll swipe that deed back and we’ll all move in together.”

Camila laughed, warmed by her friend’s loyalty. “No need, Sarah. I’m not looking for a free ride. And actually, I was thinking—I kind of like this neighborhood. Are there any other apartments available? Maybe Lillian and I could settle here, be your neighbors.”

Sarah’s eyes lit up. “That would be amazing! You’re a great cook—I wouldn’t mind sharing dinner every night. And I can help with Lillian when you’re working late.”

They high-fived, and with Sarah’s connections to the property manager, she immediately took charge of finding a place for them.

It wasn’t the life Camila had imagined, but for the first time in a long time, it felt like the start of something better.