Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 252

Camila Davis had planned to ignore him, standing quietly by the school gate, waiting for Lillian to come out.

But his relentless stare was impossible to overlook. She turned, her voice icy. “Can I help you?”

Jordan Smith looked annoyed, as if he’d just been brushed off by a stranger. “I’m here to see Lillian.”

Camila gave a sharp, sarcastic laugh. “No need. Lillian’s doing just fine. Mr. Smith already has a godson now—he’s not exactly short on family. If possible, I’d really appreciate it if you just stopped bothering her.”

Jordan’s eyes darkened. He was about to fire back when the school doors swung open for dismissal.

Kids started pouring out, lining up behind their teachers, waiting for their parents to collect them. Lillian appeared, holding her teacher Mr. Adams’s hand.

The little girl froze for a second when she saw Jordan. Normally, she would have run up to him, all giggles and “Daddy!” But tonight, she kept her distance, clearly uncomfortable.

Jordan noticed right away. He forced a smile. “Lillian, aren’t you going to say hello?”

Lillian pressed her lips together, reluctantly mumbling, “Hi, Daddy…”

Jordan raised an eyebrow, only half-pleased. He softened his tone. “It’s been a while, kiddo. I cleared my schedule—how about we hit the amusement park tomorrow? Just you and me.”

Lillian shook her head, inching closer to her mom. “Don’t wanna… I want to stay home and draw tomorrow.”

She clung to Camila’s hand, making it clear she didn’t want to go anywhere with him.

Jordan’s frustration simmered. He glared at Camila. “Look, whatever issues we have, leave Lillian out of it. Could you please stop filling her head with—”

Camila snorted. “Oh, please. Who was it that dragged Lillian into adult drama in the first place? Who was it always putting someone else ahead of her?”

She held her chin high, voice cold. “Jordan, Lillian’s not the lost little girl she once was. She knows now who cares about her and who doesn’t. The way she’s acting? That’s on you. You made this mess—maybe take some time to reflect, instead of blaming everyone else.”

That said, she scooped up Lillian and walked away.

Jordan watched them go, feeling more rattled and empty than ever.

He went home later, his mood a storm cloud that wouldn’t lift.

Sandra Taylor was waiting by the door with Daniel. As soon as Jordan walked in, Daniel dashed over, all enthusiasm. “Hey, Dad Jordan! You’re back! Long day at work? Want a shoulder massage? Mom says you work super hard.”

Sandra smiled warmly, wrapped her arms around Jordan, and kissed him on the cheek. “Rough day, honey? I had the kitchen make your favorite—meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Why don’t you relax a bit? Dinner will be ready soon.”

Jordan felt the warmth from the two of them—one big, one small—and for a moment, it felt… right.

When Lillian was around, it seemed like the whole house was shrouded in tension. Now, Daniel was polite and thoughtful, and Sandra was the perfect, loving partner.

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