Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 222

Larry Adams didn’t notice a thing.

He put his phone away after sending the message and got busy with work.

Dennis Williams didn’t reply either—probably caught up with something.

When Camila Davis buckled Lillian into her car seat, Sarah Brown got the news and immediately started showering Lillian with praise. “Our Lillian! You’re just amazing, sweetheart—a real little genius! First art contest ever and you walk away with the big prize? That’s incredible! I’m so proud I could burst!”

Camila’s own heart swelled with pride.

She ruffled her little girl’s hair and said, “How about we celebrate tonight, Lillian? Let’s invite Grandma and Grandpa and go out for something delicious.”

Lillian’s cheeks turned pink from all the compliments. When she heard about the celebration, she nodded excitedly and piped up in her tiny voice, “We have to bring Lightning too!”

“Of course!” Camila promised. “Lightning’s family, too.”

At dinner, Camila’s parents were over the moon when they heard the news.

Melissa George even got teary-eyed. “Our Lillian… to see her come this far, it’s just amazing. And Dr. Williams—what a miracle worker! He saw her talent for art!”

Jerry Davis nodded, clearly moved. “You know, I’ve heard about that award—it’s a big deal here. Our Lillian could really become a little artist. That’s wonderful.”

Lillian looked at her grandparents with big, serious eyes. “Don’t cry, Grandma. Lillian will work even harder on her drawings, promise!”

Her grandparents couldn’t have been happier.

The family dinner that night was full of laughter and warmth.

The next morning, after breakfast, Camila took Lillian to school.

The awards ceremony itself was simple, but the energy in the room was electric. Other parents turned out in full force, eager to witness the big day.

Sure, the kids’ artwork wasn’t exactly gallery material, but every piece reflected a bit of their little hearts and minds. For the parents, it was a window into how their children were growing and healing.

“No wonder she won. That drawing is incredible…”

Camila stood by the side of the stage, eyes stinging. All the hurt, all the sideways glances and cold shoulders from the Smith family, every moment of worry and heartbreak—right now, it all seemed to melt away.

Her Lillian really was extraordinary.

All the hope and patience, all the love—none of it had been for nothing.

Her family had always believed Lillian would get better. All except for that one man… the one who never had faith.

Lillian came running down from the stage, trophy and certificate in hand. She dashed straight to Camila, grinning up at her. “Mommy, this trophy is for you!”

Camila blinked in surprise. “For me? Why?”

Lillian replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, “Because I want you to be happy, not sad! And someday, I’ll win even more trophies!”