Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 886

“You all bullied Mommy and me. I remember everything…” Lillian’s words trailed off in a quiet murmur, her tone laced with an emotion she tried to hide. She was simply stating facts, but to Jordan Smith, each word was a sharp jab. More than that, they filled him with a gnawing panic. He had never imagined that Lillian, a child, was capable of saying such things. He had underestimated her. Her autism didn’t mean she was oblivious. On the contrary, she had seen his past behavior toward them with perfect clarity, and her words now only conveyed her deep disappointment in him. A wave of anxiety washed over Jordan. He wanted to explain, to defend himself, but the words caught in his throat. What could he say? What was there to explain? Everything Lillian said was true. His neglect, his coldness, his distrust, and the disdain from the Smith family—they were all blades that had wounded them. Though time had passed, the scars remained etched in his child’s mind. Just like her memories, they couldn’t be erased. Trust, once shattered, could never be perfectly whole again. The harm he had caused couldn't be wiped away with a few simple words. Just as his thoughts began to drift, Nathan returned from registering the items. Unaware of what had passed between father and daughter, he broke the silence. “Sir, I’ve finished the registration. We can go now.” The sound shattered the quiet in the classroom. Jordan snapped back to the present. He looked at Lillian, who had already put on her small backpack and picked up her water bottle, and decided against saying anything more. It was clear he had lost her trust, and some things couldn't be proven in an instant. But he would use time to show her what the right choice was. There was still plenty of time. “Let’s go. Time to head back.” At his words, Lillian walked ahead without a glance back. Nathan pushed Jordan’s wheelchair, following the little girl. They left the pottery studio, and Lillian didn’t say another word to Jordan for the entire ride. As it was getting late, Jordan couldn't take her back to his place. He had to honor the agreement and return her to Camila Davis. When the car arrived, Nathan once again lifted Lillian out. “Thank you, Nathan.” The moment her feet touched the ground, the little girl looked up and saw a black Maybach parked nearby. She glanced over, and a moment later, her mommy and daddy got out of the back seat. The little girl, who had been subdued all day, instantly lit up. A radiant, lively smile bloomed across her face. Without a moment’s hesitation, she took off on her little legs, running toward them like a bird returning to its nest. “Daddy, Mommy!” she cried out, her soft, sweet voice filled with joy and a thick layer of affection—an emotion she had never once shown Jordan Smith. Seeing the happy little girl run toward them, Dennis Williams and Camila Davis stood waiting. As Lillian reached him, Dennis bent down with open arms, catching her in a warm embrace. “Lillian’s back,” he said softly.