Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 773

Eric Morris took her along again for another house call, this time to see a patient whose status was anything but ordinary.

Camila Davis only realized where they were headed when they arrived: the Webb family estate—one of Cabinda’s most celebrated literary dynasties.

Their patient today was known simply as Mrs. Molly.

She was a renowned calligrapher, so famous that her works fetched millions at auction, sometimes even tens of millions. Her family history was even more impressive—eighteen generations of scholars and public figures, with ancestors who had served as royal tutors centuries ago.

No one in Cabinda would dare underestimate such a storied literary clan. Their legacy and vast network of connections were enough to leave anyone in awe.

Every prominent family in Brown County dreamed of Mrs. Molly taking their children under her wing as apprentices.

Camila couldn’t hide her surprise. But then again, considering she was here with her mentor, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Eric Morris’s patients included all manner of influential people.

Like Hamlin Sanders before her, Mrs. Molly was troubled by a stubborn illness. After a careful diagnosis, Camila confirmed it was a chronic respiratory condition that would require ongoing acupuncture and medication.

Eric, true to form, left the entire treatment in Camila’s hands, content to sit back and watch with an air of leisure.

Mrs. Molly didn’t question Camila’s abilities, but she couldn’t help taking a playful jab at Eric, “You old rascal, starting to shirk your duties so early? Passing everything off to your apprentice—doesn’t your conscience prick you even a little?”

Eric replied, utterly unabashed, “Why should it? Apprentices are there to help, aren’t they?”

Mrs. Molly shook her head with a sigh. “The older you get, the lazier you become!”

Camila didn’t know Mrs. Molly well, but listening to their banter, she couldn’t help feeling curious. The way they spoke, it almost sounded like they were old friends—maybe even more than that.

She couldn’t resist asking, “Mrs. Molly, did you and my mentor know each other before?”

Mrs. Molly’s eyes softened as she looked at Camila. “I have a good impression of you,” she said, her voice warm. “When I was young, my health was terrible. My family sent me to a medical academy to recuperate, and that’s where I met your mentor. Even back then, he was such a stick-in-the-mud—so stubborn it made me want to scream.”

As she spoke, Mrs. Molly’s smile faded into a look of quiet resignation.

Eric, remembering those days, looked a little embarrassed, forcing a wry smile.

Unable to stop herself, she asked, “So… you haven’t seen each other since then?”

Mrs. Molly shook her head. “I went to see him a few times, but it never changed anything. Eventually, I stopped reaching out.”

Camila nodded, glancing at Mrs. Molly with a hint of sympathy. Everyone knew Mrs. Molly had remained single. Had she been waiting for her mentor all this time? If so, her devotion was truly remarkable.

Mrs. Molly seemed to read her thoughts and smiled. “After I returned from the academy, I did wait for him for a few years. But a woman’s youth doesn’t last forever, and I wasn’t about to let life pass me by. Once I’d gathered enough disappointment, I did what my family asked and married. We kept it simple—no fanfare, no attention. My husband wasn’t in good health, but he was a good man. We treated each other with respect, nothing more or less. He passed away not long after, and I never remarried.”

Camila could tell from her tone that there had been respect in the marriage, but not love. After her husband’s death, Mrs. Molly never looked for Eric again. Perhaps it was her pride that wouldn’t allow her to turn back.

Camila couldn’t help but wonder—if her mentor had gone to Cabinda all those years ago, would things have turned out differently? Would Mrs. Molly now be her mentor’s wife?

But Mrs. Molly was unfazed. “No use dwelling on the past,” she said lightly. “Let’s talk about you. How did he end up taking you on as his apprentice?”

Camila saw she was genuinely interested, so she shared every detail. After all, treating a chronic illness could get tedious, and a good story was the perfect way to pass the time.