Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 169

To everyone’s surprise, Lillian wasn’t hurt at all—except for her tiny hands, now smeared with dirt, she was completely unscathed.

Still, Camila Davis wasn’t convinced. She immediately checked Lillian’s arms and legs, making sure nothing was broken.

No breaks, no bruises.

But something was very wrong.

Lillian’s little body was limp and trembling, her lips quivering as she let out barely audible whimpers. Every now and then, she’d twitch in Camila’s arms, like a frightened puppy—so small, so defenseless.

Camila’s heart nearly shattered. The sight was almost too much to bear.

The Smith family, having watched Lillian fall into the pit, were in complete shock. Mr. Smith called out for someone to grab a ladder.

Once it was set up, Jordan Smith finally spoke to Camila. “Let’s get Lillian out of here first,” he said, reaching out to help.

But Camila clutched Lillian tightly and dodged his hand, shooting him a look that could’ve frozen him solid.

She couldn’t believe how careless Jordan had been. He’d promised—sworn, actually—that he’d watch Lillian. And this is how he kept his promise?

Camila was shaking with anger and worry.

Once they were out of the pit, she didn’t stop to argue. She just cradled Lillian and hurried away, practically running.

“Camila?” Jordan called after her.

She didn’t answer, didn’t even look back.

The moment they made it outside, Camila fumbled for her phone and dialed Dennis Williams. “Mr. Williams, please… you have to help Lillian!”

She knew Lillian wasn’t physically hurt—she was terrified. That deep, dark pit must have been a nightmare for her.

Right now, Dennis was the only person Camila could think to call.

Dennis recognized the fear in Camila’s voice immediately. He’d never heard her sound so shaken.

“What happened?” he demanded, his tone suddenly serious.

Camila’s lips trembled as she quickly explained.

“Come to the base,” Dennis said, his voice steady and reassuring. “Don’t drive yourself, get a cab. It’s safer.”

“Okay,” Camila agreed, not hesitating for a second.

***

Half an hour later, at the military base, Camila finally met up with Dennis. Both she and Lillian were covered in mud, looking more like they’d just crawled out of a swamp than a backyard.

Dennis did a double-take when he saw them.

At first, Lillian didn’t react.

Then, slowly, her eyes focused on the blue gem.

“Imagine you’re on the beach with Lightning,” Dennis murmured, referring to her beloved golden retriever. “You’re chasing each other in the sand, the waves tickling your toes, the sun warm on your face…”

Lillian’s eyes followed the gemstone. Bit by bit, her breathing slowed. Eventually, her eyelids fluttered closed, and she drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

When she finally relaxed, Dennis stopped and looked at Camila.

“Is… is she okay now?” Camila asked, her voice trembling.

Dennis nodded, his eyes gentle behind his glasses. “She’ll be alright. But tell me exactly what happened—what triggered this?”

Camila, still blaming herself, explained everything in a broken voice.

Dennis listened, then spoke quietly. “Besides autism, Lillian has a pretty severe fear of closed spaces. That pit was pitch black, and with the sun going down, it must have been terrifying for her.”

He added, “From now on, make sure she’s never left alone in an enclosed space. Even elevators—she shouldn’t be by herself.”

“I understand,” Camila croaked, nodding fiercely. “Thank you, Mr. Williams. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

She didn’t want to imagine what might have happened if he hadn’t been there tonight.