Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 577

Camila Davis heard every word.

But her face stayed perfectly composed, like she was watching some second-rate soap opera she wasn’t invested in.

Up on stage, Sandra Taylor was oblivious to the snide comments below. She only heard the envy and admiration swirling around her.

With a blissful, self-satisfied smile and her chin held high, Sandra radiated pride. After today, her life was about to change.

She’d soon be Mrs. Smith—married into the powerful Smith family. Who would dare give her a hard time now?

All those people who used to look down on her would have to swallow their pride and cozy up, just to save face.

The thought made Sandra practically giddy.

Romantic music began to play, cueing the start of the engagement party.

The emcee—an old friend of the Smiths, decked out in a three-piece suit—went through the usual routine: heartfelt blessings, a few jokes, plenty of praise for the happy couple.

The Smiths had really gone all out for Sandra. The engagement gifts were jaw-dropping: diamond jewelry, rare art pieces, even a couple of vacation homes in the Hamptons. There was a brand-new Tesla parked out front, plus a check with enough zeros to make anyone’s eyes water.

The Taylors, for once, could hold their heads high.

As the guests glanced over the gift list, Sandra’s reputation seemed to shift before their very eyes. Sure, she’d had her scandals, but it was clear she was now the Smiths’ favorite.

And no one underestimated Jordan Smith. With his connections and ambition, the Smiths’ future only looked brighter.

If Sandra was going to be Mrs. Smith, everyone knew they’d better treat her right. No one wanted to risk falling out with the Smiths.

Everyone was quietly recalculating their social math.

Once the formalities wrapped up and the couple started making the rounds with champagne, even the folks who had snubbed Sandra before were suddenly all smiles and sweet words.

“Congratulations, Mr. Smith, Ms. Taylor! After everything, you two really made it.”

“That’s right! Mr. Smith’s a real catch, and you two are just perfect together.”

“Hey, shouldn’t we be calling her Mrs. Smith now?”

Laughter bubbled up. “You’re right, my mistake—cheers to Mrs. Smith!”

Even Sandra’s son, Daniel, was suddenly being called “Albert,” as if presenting him as part of the new, upgraded package.

Daniel behaved like a perfect gentleman, earning endless compliments from the guests.

Sarah Brown and Walter Wilson were the same way. Both sat stiffly at the table, their drinks untouched, as if having one would bring them bad luck.

But sometimes, trouble comes looking for you, no matter how quietly you sit.

Sandra, with Daniel in tow, strutted over.

Spotting their untouched glasses, she put on a puzzled smile. “What’s this, guys? Not enjoying the champagne? Did the bartender mess up your order?”

Camila just glanced up, cool and silent, clearly not in the mood for small talk.

Sarah rolled her eyes, not about to spar with Sandra’s fake politeness.

Walter kept his head down, fiddling with his phone, as if whatever was on the screen was more fascinating than anything else happening.

Sandra’s smile faltered. She’d come over hoping to savor Camila’s heartbreak, but Camila looked totally unfazed.

Didn’t Camila used to be head-over-heels for Jordan? Wasn’t she supposed to be devastated that Sandra had taken her place?

Gritting her teeth, Sandra leaned in and hissed under her breath, “Nothing to say? I’m with Jordan now—and I’m carrying his child. You really don’t feel anything? You’re just going to sit there and wish us well?”

Camila might have been over Jordan, but she certainly wasn’t about to offer congratulations to the two people who had hurt her—and Lillian—the most.