The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 11

11 Chapter 11 The Same Old Trick

Zain’s POV 1

Late that night, Ophelia Barth waved goodbye to the final guests and sank into the sofa.

She grabbed her phone, scrolling through Facebook, when Blanche Callum’s nine–photo post caught her eye.

The cozy family gathering made Ophelia’s blood boil.

Today marked Donovan Jacob’s birthday, yet Blanche–his daughter–in–law–hadn’t bothered coming home. Not even a text.

For years, Blanche had slaved in the kitchen, cooking for everyone. This year? She’d run home to mommy and daddy.

Ophelia’s anger spiked. Too restless to sit, she marched upstairs, skipping the courtesy knock and barging into my study.

She slammed her phone beside me. “Explain this to me.”

I glanced at it, my brow creasing. “What’s wrong?”

Ophelia planted both hands on my desk, leaning over me. “Your father’s birthday was today. She didn’t say a word–just disappeared to

her parents‘ place.

She married into this family. Every meal she eats, every piece of clothing she wears–the Jacobs provide it all.

Instead of taking care of her in–laws, she runs home to wait on them. Has she completely lost it?”

I had zero interest in family drama.

I slid the phone back to her. “You visit your parents all the time too.”

In my view, Blanche visiting her family was perfectly normal.

Ophelia’s fury exploded. “How’s that the same thing? When you two got married, not one Callum showed up. Clear message–they’d

written her off. Now they see the Jacob name riding high, so they welcome her back to butter you up. That’s the only reason.”

My jaw tightened, but I stayed silent through her tirade.

“They want something from you. I’m warning you–don’t lift a finger to help. They’re a bunch of ungrateful leeches.

If they need your help, fine–but they better get on their knees and beg twice.

Otherwise, forget it.”

I had heard enough. I leaned back. “The Callum run a small operation. They’ve got nothing to ask me for. Ophelia, you can leave.”

“Maybe not business. What if they need money?”

My expression darkened, and Ophelia wisely shut her mouth.

She stormed out, leaving me unable to focus on work.

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I rubbed my temples, leaning back in my chair.

I’d just noticed the caption on Blanche’s post–realizing for the first time that today was also her father’s birthday.

Years married, and I’d never known,

Come to think of it, I knew almost nothing about her–not even her college major.

One accident led to a night together. She got pregnant. My grandfather insisted I “make it right.” So I married her.

This marriage could swing either way. I didn’t give a damn.

With her or without her, my life stayed exactly the same.

Past, present, future–nothing she did or didn’t do would ever mean anything to me.

Blanche’s POV

Monday morning, I returned to the small–town school.

The moment I stepped into the infirmary, Principal Castro Dixon burst in. “Dr. Callum–thank God you’re here! I’ve been waiting.”

Sweat dotted his forehead, anxiety written across his face.

I frowned. “What happened? Is one of the children hurt?”

I reached for the first–aid kit, but Castro grabbed my arm. “No–it’s just, we have a charity event this afternoon. Some big–shot

businessman from Oakwood is coming.

One of our second–grade teachers just started maternity leave, and we’re stretched thin. Could you watch her class? Just walk the kids

to the playground, stay with them during the event, then bring them back.”

Relief washed over me. “That’s it? Of course, I’ll handle them this afternoon.”

In the afternoon, the school gathered for assembly. I led the second–graders to the playground as promised.

After lining them up, I positioned myself at the back, waiting for things to begin.

Autumn had settled over the small town, the air crisp and pleasant.

Wind stirred through the orange leaves, sending them dancing across the ground.

Castro announced the event’s start, and amid warm applause, a tall figure emerged from behind the academic building.

When my view cleared, I recognized him–Zain Jacob.

I remembered Castro mentioning a prominent businessman. Zain fit that description perfectly.

My heartbeat stayed even, but my gaze lingered on him.

Today he’d ditched his usual suit for casual clothes. The relaxed look softened his sharp features–still exactly as I remembered.

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11 Chapter 11 The Same Old Trick

Zain proved generous–four million for new school buildings, scholarships for struggling students, plus additional cash bonuses.

Setting aside our marriage, he was–objectively–a decent man.

He treated everyone well. Everyone except me,

When the event wrapped up, Zain and his assistant headed toward the academic building.

After returning my class to their room, I made my way to the infirmary.

Zain’s POV

In the staff office, I waited for Castro to finish his tasks. Standing by the window, I glanced outside and spotted Blanche walking past—

freezing in surprise.

Blanche didn’t even look my way, continuing as if I didn’t exist.

Desmond Grey noticed my pause and asked with concern, “Mr. Jacob, is something wrong?”

I tracked her until she vanished into another building.

“Desmond, weren’t my movements supposed to stay confidential these past few days?”

“Yes, sir.”

My brow furrowed. “Then how did Blanche end up here?”

In the early years, she’d pulled stunts like this–digging up my schedule, arranging “accidental” meetings.

Eventually, I’d ordered Desmond to keep my itinerary strictly classified.

I hadn’t expected her to try the same trick again after all this time.

Desmond considered this, then suggested, “Could Ms. Callum have… followed your car?”

My expression hardened, but before I could respond, Castro rushed in. “Mr. Jacob, sorry to keep you waiting. We’re short–staffed–had to

see the students off safely.”

“No problem. Now that you’re here, I—”

Before I could finish, Castro gripped my hand. “Mr. Jacob, this town has plenty of kids, but families keep moving away and we’re barely hanging on. Without you, these children wouldn’t have much hope. So–just to show our gratitude–I’ve arranged a simple country dinner for you here in town. Hope you don’t mind humble food. Let us treat you to a proper meal tonight.”

I started to decline, but Castro’s enthusiasm was overwhelming. The refusal died on my lips as Castro declared, “Then it’s settled.”

Blanche’s POV

By evening, I’d been dragged into it too.

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11 Chapter 11 The Same Old Trick

I tried to excuse myself, but Castro insisted someone “sophisticated” like me should help entertain the guest.

Against such determination, I could only agree.

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