Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 875

Lillian snuggled happily against her grandmother, her affection quickly cheering up the two elders. Watching them, Camila couldn't help but smile. She whispered to Dennis, who was standing beside her, “Is it just me, or am I starting to see a bit of Audrey in Lillian?” She had the same cheerful, elfin charm that made everyone adore her. Dennis wrapped an arm around her waist and murmured, “It’s because she loves her Aunt Audrey. Besides, little girls who are showered with love learn to share that warmth with others.” His words made Camila realize another similarity between Lillian and Audrey Williams. Lillian had a psychological condition, while Audrey had a heart condition. She knew Audrey’s health had been delicate since childhood, leading her family to dote on her, always mindful of her physical and emotional well-being. Yet, Audrey had grown up not spoiled, but lively, charming, and empathetic. Her Lillian was now becoming more like her Aunt Audrey, and Camila thought that was wonderful. With her parents on board, the matter was settled. Saturday arrived in the blink of an eye. Early that morning, Camila prepared everything Lillian would need for her outing. She packed a small backpack with essentials and hung a pink, fox-shaped water bottle around her neck. As winter had set in, Camila dressed her in a cozy outfit to keep her from catching a chill. She wore a light gray sweater with a fluffy wolf cub print, paired with a skirt, stockings, and short boots. Over it all, she had on a bright red coat. The ensemble was a gift from Audrey Williams, custom-designed by a famous international designer inspired by Little Red Riding Hood. The whimsical, handmade outfit was incredibly cute, and on Lillian, it was utterly adorable. The vibrant red made her delicate features pop, her lips looking rosier and her skin fairer. Melissa had even braided her hair into two cute pigtails, with tiny bells at the ends that jingled with every movement. Looking at her, Camila’s heart melted. “How can a little human be this cute?” she wondered. And to think, she was hers. Melissa and her husband were equally captivated by their granddaughter. They hugged her tightly, reluctant to let go. “What if someone tries to steal our Lillian? She’s just too adorable!” Lillian pursed her lips into a smile and reassured her grandmother, “They won’t! Don’t worry, Grandma, Grandpa. I won’t go with any strangers, and I promise I’ll be home on time tonight!” “Okay, okay,” the couple agreed, their hearts warmed by her innocent words. “You have to be back on time. Don’t get lost, or Grandma, Grandpa, and Mommy will be heartbroken!” Lillian nodded obediently. “I will! Pinky promise!” Melissa hooked her little finger around Lillian’s, sealing the deal before finally letting her go. After breakfast, the doorbell rang. Susan checked and reported, “Mr. Smith is here.” Camila nodded and took Lillian’s hand, leading her outside. Sure enough, Jordan Smith’s car was parked at the curb. He was in the back seat, while Nathan Gates stood outside. Camila’s expression remained neutral as she walked them over. “You’re here,” Jordan said as a greeting. Nathan also offered a polite, “Ms. Davis.” Camila merely nodded at Nathan, completely ignoring Jordan. Before letting Lillian into the car, she knelt down and asked carefully, “Lillian, Mommy has told you all the things to be careful about when you’re out. You remember everything, right?” “Mhm!” Lillian nodded seriously. “I remember. Don’t worry, Mommy.” Camila stroked her head. “Good. Go on, then. Be safe!” Lillian nodded and walked toward the car. A child safety seat had already been installed in the back. Carrying her little backpack, she reached the car door and glanced at Jordan Smith. A polite child would have greeted him. But Lillian’s lips trembled for a moment, and the word ‘Daddy’ simply wouldn’t come out. In the end, she said nothing and used her hands and feet to clamber into the car. Jordan hesitated, wanting to help her, but seeing the distant look in her eyes, he pulled his hand back. Finally, it was Nathan who, worried she might fall, steadied her from behind, helped her into the safety seat, buckled her in, and closed the door. Seeing Lillian settled, Camila turned to go back inside. “Camila!” Jordan called out. She looked back coolly. “Is there something else?” Jordan seemed to have grown accustomed to her icy demeanor. “Don't you have any instructions for me? You’re just handing Lillian over like this?” “There’s nothing you need to know that I haven’t already told Lillian,” Camila replied. “She remembers everything. She knows what she should and shouldn’t do. Mr. Smith, since you wanted to visit your daughter and take her out, please fulfill your fatherly duties and keep her out of harm’s way.”