Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 877

Dennis held her close, gently brushing his nose against her cold one. “The heater is on in the car. Let’s get in,” he said in his warm, deep voice. “We promised Lillian we’d follow her.” “Okay,” Camila nodded, obediently getting into the car with him. The atmosphere between them was warm and sweet as Aaron quickly started the engine and drove off. In the other car, however, silence reigned. Since getting in, Lillian had been sitting quietly in her corner, not speaking to anyone, just gazing out the window at the passing scenery. Jordan Smith studied the soft, chubby profile of his daughter’s face, a slight frown creasing his brow. He’d been told Lillian’s condition had improved, that she was just like any other child now. So why did she still seem as withdrawn as an autistic child? Or was this Camila’s doing? Had she secretly told Lillian to ignore him, hoping he’d give up? The suspicion lingered in his mind, but he kept his expression neutral and decided to break the silence. “Lillian.” At the sound of her name, the little girl instinctively turned to look at him. The tiny bells on her pigtails made a faint, tinkling sound, bringing the cherubic child to life. Her eyes were clear, bright, and expressive—not at all like the dull, vacant gaze he remembered. She didn’t speak, but her eyes were fixed on his face, waiting for him to continue. Seeing this change in her, the resentment in his heart seemed to dissipate. He softened his tone and asked gently, “Where would you like to go play? You can tell Daddy. I’ll take you anywhere you want, okay?” Lillian seemed to genuinely consider his question. After a moment, her sweet, childish voice replied, “Let’s go to the museum.” Jordan was thrilled to get a response. “Okay,” he said, his mood lifting. “Daddy will take you to the museum.” He was so pleased that she was communicating with him that he pressed on. “Why the museum, though? I thought you’d prefer an amusement park.” In his mind, a child as young as Lillian wouldn't understand anything in a museum. But he didn’t say that out loud. Lillian shook her head. “The museum is good. Looking at things gives me inspiration for my drawings.” Then, she glanced at his legs, hesitated for a second, and added, “I don’t want to go to the amusement park. It’s too crowded, and you could get pushed. It’s not convenient for you, and you might get hurt.” She didn't explicitly mention his wheelchair, but her meaning was clear. Jordan was stunned. He never expected her to say something like that. She wasn’t going to the amusement park because she was worried about his safety? She wasn't disgusted by his disabled legs; she was considerate. Yet, while her words suggested care, the formal tone she used created a clear, unbridgeable distance. It was polite, but far from intimate. Jordan couldn't quite process his feelings. He suddenly remembered how, back in Harrisburg, even when she was lost in her own world, she would have moments of clarity. She would softly approach him for a cuddle, and though she rarely spoke, she would follow him like a little shadow whenever he came home from work, tugging on his clothes and whispering “Daddy” in a voice that was incredibly sweet and soft. Now, all of that was gone. A wave of melancholy washed over him. It was a lie to say he didn't miss the past. But time couldn't be turned back. All he could do was tell himself it was okay. Lillian was growing up, she was healthy now, and that was why she was more composed and less clingy. This was how his daughter should be—growing up the way she wanted. He decided not to dwell on her lack of affection. Instead, he reached out and ruffled her hair. “Lillian, you’ve become even more sensible than before. To the museum it is.” Lillian just nodded and turned back to the window. Soon, they arrived at the museum. After parking, Nathan Gates lifted Lillian out of the car. Bodyguards helped Jordan from the vehicle and into his wheelchair. Once on her feet, Lillian clutched her water bottle and thanked Nathan in her sweet voice. “Thank you, Nathan!” The adorable little girl could melt anyone’s heart. Nathan smiled back. “You’re welcome, Lillian.” He couldn’t help but marvel at how well her mother had raised her. He had expected the child to be resentful and difficult, given their history. But she was nothing of the sort—she was polite, answered every question, and was perfectly behaved. Yet, he also noticed the distinct lack of intimacy between her and Mr. Smith. A stranger would never guess they were father and daughter. But Nathan understood. Jordan’s past actions had been inexcusable. The child who once craved her father's attention had been met with nothing but coldness and criticism.