Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 413

After stepping out of the art exhibit, Camila Davis couldn’t shake off her worry about Lillian.

Ever since Lillian had spoken those words earlier, her mood had taken a nosedive. Camila had no idea what to do to help. Once they were outside and the crowd had thinned, she glanced helplessly at Dennis Williams, silently pleading for his help.

Dennis caught her look and understood immediately.

With a reassuring nod to Camila, he knelt down beside Lillian, his voice soft and gentle. “Hey, Lillian, do you remember what Uncle Dennis told you before?”

Hearing his voice, Lillian looked up at him, her eyes still clouded with worry.

Dennis continued, “If you’re upset, you need to say it out loud. Don’t keep it bottled up, otherwise your mom’s going to worry.”

Lillian blinked, slowly coming back to herself. She glanced between Dennis and her mom, then bit her lip and hesitated for a few seconds before whispering, “Did I… do something wrong just now? I said… I didn’t want a dad.”

Regret flickered in her big blue eyes. Camila had always taught her to respect her elders, to be polite and well-mannered. But today she’d just blurted it out, and now she was terrified her mom would be disappointed in her.

Dennis gently ruffled Lillian’s soft hair, soothing her. “Lillian, you stood up for your mom today. How could that be wrong? When someone tries to hurt you or your mom, and you’re brave enough to speak up, that’s not a mistake. That shows you know right from wrong. Uncle Dennis is really proud of you—you’re amazing, kiddo!”

Camila, seeing her daughter’s anxiety, knelt down too and pulled her into a hug. “Sweetheart, I agree with Uncle Dennis. I’m proud of you, too. I’m actually really happy. My little girl is learning to stand up for herself—and for me! You were so brave, Lillian.”

She kissed her daughter on the cheek, her voice warm and full of love. “From now on, I want you to keep being brave, okay? If there’s something you don’t like, it’s okay to say ‘no’. Don’t let anyone or anything make you doubt yourself.”

Camila’s heart softened as she scooped Lillian up, holding her close. “You deserve to do what makes you happy, to live with a strong heart. Don’t ever let things that don’t matter mess with your choices… not like I did when I was younger.”

She didn’t say the last part out loud, but she hoped Lillian would understand.

Lillian, half understanding, half reassured, nodded and then melted into her mother’s arms, burying her face in Camila’s sweater.

It was obvious she’d been affected by what happened.

Watching her like this, Camila’s heart ached. She wished she could just erase Jordan Smith and the others from their lives.

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