“Guys, is it not obvious yet? Mr. Smith is hellbent on protecting his first love…”
“Oh my god, a mistress? Was he really that into her? How gorgeous must she be?”
“Well, to be fair, she is stunning. Plus, she’s got that old-money, high-society vibe—way classier than half the celebs out there. No contest.”
As the gossip heated up, someone posted a photo of Sandra Taylor.
“My mom always says she can spot trouble a mile away. She took one look at this woman and said, ‘That’s a homewrecker right there. She just oozes trouble. Probably flirts with every guy in town.’”
“Really? She actually looks kinda innocent to me.”
“Oh, please. Only a clueless guy would fall for that act. She’s totally playing you all. Us girls can tell with one glance—she’s a top-tier good girl on the surface, but with a hidden wild side.”
“Truth! Look at her eyes, that’s a practiced look. She’s got seduction down to a science. No way she’s as sweet as she pretends.”
“Ha! I bet Sandra Taylor’s slept with half the men in Manhattan… and Jordan Smith actually likes someone who’s basically public property?”
“…”
Right as Camila Davis was scrolling through these vicious comments, her phone buzzed with a screenshot from her friend, Sarah Brown.
“Hey Cam, what do you think about people calling her public property?” Sarah texted.
Camila didn’t think much of it. “Online trolls. People say all sorts of crazy stuff.”
Sarah didn’t bother texting back—a second later, she was calling, words tumbling out fast. “But what if there’s some truth to it? I checked this girl’s profile—she lives in the capital, comes from a super rich family. Her feed is all mansions, fancy cars, designer bags, babies in Burberry, you name it!”
“And Sandra Taylor’s from there, too, isn’t she?”
“Exactly! Knowing Sandra, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was running in some wild circles back when she was abroad. For all we know, this girl might have inside info.”
Camila hesitated, doubt creeping in. “But Sandra Taylor was married, right?”
Sarah snorted. “Yeah, and she still came back to screw up your marriage! You really think she wouldn’t do worse?”
“And think about it—she didn’t come back until after her divorce. Ever wonder why? Maybe she cheated, got caught, and her husband kicked her to the curb.”
Sarah’s voice suddenly turned gleeful. “Just imagine if that’s true—how hilarious would that be? Jordan Smith thinks his precious first love is some perfect angel, but she’s actually slept with half the city. He’d totally lose it!”
She did try to set up lunch with Dr. Dennis Williams, hoping to talk over Lillian’s next stage of treatment. But Dennis called her first. “Sorry, Camila, I just got called away on a last-minute trip. I won’t be back until after Valentine’s Day. Rain check?”
Camila was a bit disappointed, but agreed. “No worries, just let me know when you’re back.”
No sooner had she hung up than her phone rang again. This time, it was Mr. Harris, her old mentor from the medical board.
“Ms. Davis, I’ve been asked to see if you’re available for a special assignment. Could you spare a few days? There’s a group of special forces soldiers down south who need urgent medical attention.”
Hearing the urgency in Mr. Harris’s voice, Camila knew it must be serious—something beyond what the army doctors could handle.
She had plenty on her plate, but when lives were at stake, she didn’t hesitate. “When do I leave? I’ll pack tonight.”
Mr. Harris sounded relieved. “As soon as you can, please. If you pack now, I’ll send a car to pick you up and get you on a plane tonight. We’ve arranged a private flight.”
Camila nodded, already grabbing her bag. “I’ll be ready in fifteen!”
---

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start