Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 21

Camila Davis felt her nose sting as she nodded, “Alright.”

Sarah Brown waved goodbye and hurried off down the street.

Camila watched her leave, then finally turned to head inside.

Jordan Smith still hadn’t come home.

By now, Camila was used to his late nights—or, more often, not coming home at all. She didn’t dwell on it. Instead, she went straight to her room to check on Lillian.

Just as she’d expected, her little girl was tossing and turning, not sleeping well at all.

Camila quickly slipped into her pajamas and slid under the covers, pulling Lillian close and gently soothing her back to sleep.

Maybe it was the chilly rain and wind earlier, but Camila felt like she was coming down with something. Her head was heavy and fuzzy, and she was drifting off when she heard familiar footsteps outside the room.

Jordan was finally back.

But he just walked right past their bedroom without even pausing, not even a glance in her direction. It was like he didn’t care whether she’d made it home safely or not.

Camila didn’t have the energy to think about it, let alone get upset. The ache in her body tugged her back into sleep.

She slept deeply, barely stirring.

It was almost mid-morning when the housekeeper woke her. Camila glanced at the clock—already past ten.

Her head still throbbed as she sat up, rubbing her temples.

The housekeeper was helping Lillian get dressed and said, “Mrs. Smith, Mr. Smith asked if you could get ready and bring Lillian downstairs after you wash up.”

Camila frowned. “Is there something he wants?”

Beside him, Sandra Taylor’s son sat quietly playing with a model airplane.

Camila was ready to pretend she didn’t see them, but the boy noticed first, waving eagerly. “Hey Lillian! You’re finally up!”

Camila knew this kid was just like his mother. Always putting on a show.

She had no interest in letting Lillian play with him, so she kept walking, not replying.

Jordan looked up, frowning. “Lillian’s been awake for a while. Why are you only coming down now?”

Camila kept her face neutral, her tone cool. “Is there something you need?”

Jordan’s brow furrowed at her attitude, but he kept his cool. “Daniel’s been waiting ages for her. He was hoping they’d play together.”