The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 118

118 Chapter 118 The Real Outsider Here

Zain’s POV 1

After I left Blissfield Villa, I called Drew to get the address and drove straight there.

I parked outside and stepped out, catching sight of the Callum family through the wide window. Blanche sat at the table with Vincent

next to her, placing a birthday hat on her head.

Amber slid a cake across to her while Quinton lit the candles.

Camila sat on Irene’s lap, clapping and singing the birthday song.

Blanche pressed her palms together, shut her eyes, and made a silent wish before the cake. After blowing out the candles, Amber passed

her a knife to cut it.

The entire family shared a cozy, happy moment. Vincent stood nearby–though not family, he blended in naturally, wearing a gentle smile

and looking content.

I remained outside, watching the scene unfold.

Only then did it hit me–today was Blanche’s birthday. Years of marriage, and she’d never mentioned it. I’d never asked either.

Drew approached from behind, tapping my shoulder lightly. “Blanche and Vincent look pretty tight,” he said quietly.

I responded with a flat “Yeah.”

Drew frowned. “That doesn’t bug you?”

I replied icily, “Doesn’t prove anything.”

Drew grew frustrated. “Zain, do you need her to cheat before you’ll give a damn?”

I remained unshakeable. “She won’t.”

Without warning, I marched straight into the restaurant.

Blanche’s POV

I was slicing the cake when heads started turning. Someone had walked in who clearly didn’t belong, but I stayed focused on my task,

back to the entrance.

Irene and Roger spotted him first, their faces instantly hardening.

Vincent, always sharp about reading rooms, caught their mood shift and glanced back. When he saw Zain, his brows drew together slightly.

Zain didn’t really know my family, but he could obviously figure out who was who. He approached our table, greeting each person. “Irene,

Roger, Quinton, Amber…

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118 Chapter 118 The Real Outsider Here

Hearing his voice made me spin around, shock written all over my face. I said nothing.

Zain smiled warmly, his eyes soft as he asked, “Why didn’t you mention your birthday?” His tone carried a hint of accusation.

My family knew exactly how Zain had treated me, and none bothered hiding their distaste.

I found his question almost funny, but before I could respond, Vincent jumped in with a mocking tone. “Can’t even remember your wife’s

birthday, Mr. Jacob. Even if she’d warned you, what difference would that make?”

Zain fixed Vincent with an empty stare. “Family matter. Outsiders don’t need to concern themselves.”

Vincent laughed–sharp and mocking. “I’d say you’re the real outsider here, Mr. Jacob.”

Zain’s expression darkened as he glared at Vincent. Vincent held his gaze steadily. I stood between them, feeling the hostility radiating

from both sides.

Zain’s phone suddenly rang, cutting through the tension. He checked the screen, stepped away, and answered.

Joanna’s panicked voice carried through. “Zain, my mom’s surgical wound reopened and she’s bleeding heavily.”

Zain’s face tightened. “Alright, I’m coming back now,” he said, voice controlled but urgent.

After hanging up, he returned to our table and looked apologetically at Roger and Irene. “Roger, Irene, something urgent came up. Please

enjoy your meal–I’ll cover everything today.””

None of my family met his eyes. Despite his politeness, everyone ignored him completely.

Zain didn’t push it. He turned to me and said gently, “I’ll make this up to you. We’ll celebrate your birthday properly later. I have to go.

I looked up at him. “Don’t bother.”

Zain frowned, his voice dropping. “Just listen to me.”

I kept looking at him, wanting to say more, but Zain headed toward the register, clearly planning to pay.

Vincent called after him. “Mr. Jacob, wait.”

Zain stopped, and Vincent grinned. “I just bought this place. No payment needed. Dinner’s my treat.”

Zain didn’t reply. He simply walked out of the restaurant.

I continued serving cake and handed out forks.

Irene asked with worried, reddened eyes, “Blanche, you okay?”

I just shrugged casually, “I’m really used to it by now.” I knew my family worried, but honestly, it barely affected me anymore.

Not wanting everyone concerned, I tried lightening the mood. “Let’s eat some cake.”

Camila, frosting smeared across her face, looked up at me with innocent eyes. “Aunt Blanche, you’re so sweet. You’ll definitely find a

good man. Someday, I’ll have the coolest uncle ever.”

Her words made me smile.

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118 Chapter 118 The Real Outsider Here

Vincent, overhearing, leaned toward Camila seriously. “Hey, Camila, what about me? Think I’d be good?”

Camila chewed her fork thoughtfully. “You’re handsome, but sometimes handsome guys cause problems.”

Vincent smiled. “I’m different though.”

Camila beamed. “Then go for it.”

I listened to Camila and Vincent’s exchange, practically feeling Quinton’s irritation beside me.

After considering it, I turned to Camila. “Camila, Vincent and I are just friends.”

Camila sighed disappointedly. “Okay.”

Vincent glanced at me, lowering his voice as he leaned closer. “But who knows what the future holds.”

Only I heard him, but with my family present, I stayed quiet and let it pass.

After everyone finished their cake, dinner ended.

Camila fell asleep in Quinton’s arms as my family prepared to leave, Vincent walking with us to say goodbye.

Amber and I were the only sober ones, so we handled the driving.

Amber left first, and as I was about to get in my car, Vincent suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me against him.

I tried pushing him away. “Vincent, what are you doing?”

Vincent pressed me against the car, trapping me with his body. He leaned close to my ear, his voice rough and husky from the alcohol.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart.”

I shoved him back. “Vincent, stop. Quit the act.”

Vincent leaned in again, his breath warm against my skin. “Sweetheart, I left a surprise in your room. Hope you’ll love it.”

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