Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 888

Of everyone present, perhaps only Nathan Gates could clearly see how ugly Mr. Smith’s expression had become the moment the little girl threw herself into Dennis Williams’s arms. Lillian’s attitude toward Dennis was something Jordan hadn’t witnessed a single time all day. Anyone who didn’t know better would have thought Dennis was her biological father. He had been the one to spend the entire day with her, yet he hadn’t received so much as a single smile. Before Dennis showed up, Jordan could still console himself by thinking that perhaps Lillian just wasn't as bubbly or smiley as other children. But Dennis’s arrival shattered that self-deception. His own daughter had run, full of excitement, to call another man ‘Daddy.’ Right in front of him. It was a slap in the face, a public humiliation. He had to force himself not to lash out, managing only to say those last few words to save some semblance of dignity. But it had little effect. Camila and her daughter offered no response, and Dennis hadn't spared him a single glance. Watching their retreating figures, Nathan felt a sigh building in his chest. His boss had truly lost, and badly at that. The comparison was brutal. He was certain his boss felt it too—the vast difference in how he and Dennis Williams weighed in the hearts of the mother and daughter. They weren't even on the same level. As the sun set, the crimson sky cast a warm glow on the trio, bathing them in soft light. The man carried the child, his steps steady, his back tall and reassuring. The lovely woman beside him held his arm in an intimate gesture, occasionally tilting her head up to chat with the child. Judging by their joyful smiles, they must have been talking about something amusing. The picture of the family of three couldn't have been more heartwarming. Then Nathan looked back inside the car at Mr. Smith… He could hardly bear to watch. ‘Desolate’ and ‘lonely’ were the only words that came to mind. Jordan’s mood, already soured by Lillian’s behavior, plummeted to rock bottom as he watched the scene unfold. All of this should have been his. That was his wife and his daughter. But somewhere along the way, he had lost them. Now, someone else stood by Camila's side. The image was so beautiful, yet so grating. It was at this moment that Jordan Smith had to admit it: he couldn't stand seeing another man next to Camila. Even less could he tolerate the undisguised love and tenderness in her eyes. A wild sense of possessiveness began to swell within him, threatening to spin out of control. Camila was oblivious to all of this. Her heart and mind were completely focused on the big and little person in front of her. No one else could stir even the slightest ripple within her anymore. The three of them chatted and laughed as they quickly arrived home. The moment they stepped inside, Melissa George and Jerry Davis rushed to greet them. The couple had been waiting anxiously all day, worried something might have happened to their precious granddaughter. Seeing her return safely, they hurried over. “Lillian, you’re back! How was your day out?” Melissa, especially, was fraught with worry. “Did Smith say anything he shouldn’t have? Or do anything he shouldn’t have? Was he mean to you like before? Did he bully you?”