Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 182

After the auction, Camila Davis headed straight home.

As soon as she walked in, she went to check on Lillian.

The little one had just had her bath and was playing in her room with Lightning, her favorite stuffed animal.

She was bundled up in a fluffy pink fox onesie, looking and smelling sweet as freshly baked cupcakes, her rosy, delicate face simply melting Camila’s heart.

“Who’s this adorable little munchkin? Honestly, you’re too cute for your own good!” Camila couldn’t resist scooping her up, showering her with kisses and nuzzling her soft cheeks.

Lillian giggled, her voice as sweet as marshmallows. “It’s Mommy’s baby, duh~”

Camila laughed, her heart overflowing. “That’s right, you’re mine! Mommy loves you so much, Lillian.”

Lillian wrapped her arms around Camila’s neck, still in that sugary little voice. “I love Mommy the most, too~”

Watching this, Susan felt a warmth in her chest. What a perfect, loving moment, she thought wistfully. If only Mr. Smith had valued this family… Things could have been so different.

After playing with her daughter for a while, Camila headed to her own room to wash up.

Before she did, she texted Aaron: “I’ve won the ingredients Mr. Williams requested at the auction. Could you let him know?”

Aaron called back almost immediately.

But when she picked up, it was Dennis Williams’s deep, slightly tired voice on the other end. “You got the ingredients?”

“Yep, all set!” Camila felt a strange little tingle in her ear, as if someone had run a current through her. She rubbed at it absently. “Aren’t you busy, Mr. Williams?”

Dennis sounded even more worn out than usual, his voice softer, raspier. “Just wrapped up. About to head home. Glad you got the stuff… I’ll have Aaron send you the formula. You’ll need to mix it with some other compounds to get the full effect. As for making it, I’d really appreciate it if you could handle it yourself, Ms. Davis. You’re the expert. I’ll send you the dosages, too.”

Camila had no problem with that. If it was something Lillian would be taking, she preferred to make it herself, anyway. Mr. Williams really had thought of everything!

“Of course! I’ll head to the lab first thing tomorrow morning,” she promised.

“All right. I’ll let you get back to your evening. Talk soon,” Dennis said, his tone almost lazy.

That tingle shot through her ear again. Camila found herself touching it, and stammered, “Okay, talk soon!”

She hung up, set her phone down, and headed for her shower.

By the time she was out, Aaron had sent over the formula.

Camila, always the professional, went through each ingredient carefully. It didn’t take her long to analyze the combination—pretty much everything was designed for psychological and mental well-being. The compounds were gentle, the ratios spot-on, and even mixed together, there was no risk.

She saved the list, shot Aaron a thank-you text, finished her skincare routine, and crawled into bed.

Lillian went along happily, letting him carry her away.

Camila kicked off her shoes, feeling lighter than she had in weeks.

Melissa took a moment to study her daughter’s face. Ever since she and Jerry had last visited, they’d worried about Camila—her divorce, moving out, raising a child alone. Seeing her in this beautiful, spacious home made them proud, but Melissa couldn’t help noticing how much thinner Camila looked.

One woman, juggling a career and single motherhood after a messy split—no wonder she was looking a little drawn.

Camila caught her mom’s worried look as she hung up her coat and cracked a smile. “Mom, what’s that face? Aren’t you happy to see me?”

Melissa shook her head, but her voice was warm. “Of course I’m happy! Your dad and I have been missing you every day. Now go wash up, we cooked all your and Lillian’s favorites tonight. You need to eat a little extra.”

“No arguments here,” Camila said, heading to the sink.

Just then, Sarah Brown—her best friend and notorious dinner crasher—peeked in, nose in the air, sniffing. “Mmm, what’s cooking? Smells amazing!”

She spotted Melissa by the entryway. “Hi, Mrs. George! Hi, Mr. Davis!”

Melissa grinned back, recognizing Sarah. “Sarah! Of course you’re here—come wash up, and I’ll bring out the soup.”

It was shaping up to be one of those rare, perfect family evenings—something Camila hadn’t had in a long time.