The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 14

14 Chapter 14 A Stranger To Her Child

Blanche’s POV 1

The next day marked the time since I’d arrived in that small town–and the day I could finally head back to Oakwood.

Mr. Dixon threw a small farewell party at the school to thank me.

I hated goodbyes, but that’s how life works–every chapter ends so another can begin.

I drove back to Oakwood and stopped by Blissfield Villa to collect what still had meaning, then packed everything up and had it sent to

the Callum Mansion.

I’d lived in Blissfield Villa for years–enough to fill a moving truck–but I only took what truly counted.

At least leaving the Jacob family didn’t leave me homeless.

The next morning, I arrived at the hospital early.

The director had surgery on his schedule and asked if I’d assist.

I was scrubbing in, hands under the rushing water, when a surprised voice came from beside me. “Blanche?”

I was in scrubs with my mask and cap on, only my eyes showing. I turned toward the voice, blinking once before recognition hit.

“Demetrius?”

Demetrius Jake’s eyes crinkled with a smile above his mask. “Yeah, it’s me.”

“You work here?” I asked, still catching up.

“Just consulting today,” Demetrius said. “Free for lunch? Let’s catch up.”

I didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. My treat.”

He grinned under the mask. “I’ll find you after surgery.”

At noon, I chose a hotpot restaurant.

I remembered Demetrius couldn’t handle spice and ordered mild options.

When the food came, I ladled him a bowl of broth. “It’s been too long, Demetrius.”

He accepted it with a grateful nod. “Way too long. How have you been?”

I didn’t dive into the messy details–just kept it simple. “Good.”

His eyes caught the pale line on my ring finger.

He hesitated. “Married?”

“Mm.” I didn’t dodge the question. “And I have a sweet little girl”

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14 Chapter 14 A Stranger To Her Child

Demetrius’s voice warmed. “Congratulations. But why didn’t we get invitations?”

I looked down. “We never had a ceremony. No guests to invite.”

Sensing I didn’t want to dig into my personal life, Demetrius let it slide.

Halfway through the meal, he couldn’t resist asking, “What’s your specialty now?”

I sipped my soup slowly before answering, “Pediatric surgery.”

After graduation, I hadn’t pursued advanced training, choosing marriage and motherhood instead.

Most of our classmates had continued–master’s degrees, PhDs, some even studying abroad.

Back then, I’d graduated at the top of our class. Now I was the one who’d fallen furthest behind.

Demetrius had earned both his master’s and doctorate, specializing in neurosurgery. He was now a recognized expert in primary brain

tumors–his name appeared across medical journals, his successful surgeries too numerous to count.

With his current reputation, he was easily among the field’s elite.

I could have walked that path with him. I’d had the opportunity, the invitation.

Instead, I’d chosen a different route–marriage–and the years had proven it led nowhere.

Demetrius had caught fragments from classmates about my choices–skipping further education, getting married.

“Pediatrics takes real patience,” he said gently. “Especially pediatric surgery.”

My lips curved, but shadows flickered in my expression. “I just made attending. Still basically a community doctor.”

He studied me, the quiet self–doubt in my eyes tugging at something in his chest. “If you’re ready to begin again, it’s never too late. With

your talent, I know you’ll rise higher than anyone.”

I just smiled, letting his words pass without comment.

When we finished, I went to pay–only to have the server tell me, “The gentleman already took care of it.”

I blinked, turning to Demetrius. “We agreed this was my treat. How could you pay behind my back?”

He was grinning at me, about to respond, when a surprised female voice called from behind. “Demetrius?”

We both turned–and there stood Joanna, with Zain right behind her and Carry in tow.

Demetrius recognized Joanna, but the man and little girl were strangers to him. He didn’t give it much thought.

“Joanna, what are the odds,” Demetrius said with an easy smile.

Joanna’s gaze swept over me like I was invisible.

“Such a coincidence. Have you eaten, Demetrius? Join us,” Joanna said, her tone dripping sweetness.

Demetrius didn’t understand the connection between the man and child behind her and me, but he caught the sharp dismissiveness in

Joanna’s glance.

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14 Chapter 14 A Stranger To Her Child

So he stepped closer, positioning himself beside me. “Already finished,” he said with the same pleasant smile. “Wouldn’t want to impose.”

That small movement made Joanna’s stomach clench. She shot me a quick, involuntary look before turning to loop her arm through

Zain’s. “Zain, this is the brilliant senior I mentioned.”

The moment Zain walked through the door with Carry’s hand in his, he spotted me.

I’d clearly put effort into my appearance–skin glowing, lips softly colored, even my lashes curling upward in delicate crescents.

I looked different today, striking in a way that made his memories seem pale.

But what struck him more was this: Carry stood right in front of me, and I didn’t spare her a single glance, as if we were complete

strangers.

Zain pulled his attention back and nodded at Demetrius. “Hello.”

“Hey,” Demetrius replied politely, then turned to Joanna. “I’ve already eaten, Joanna. Let’s catch up another time.”

Joanna couldn’t push without seeming desperate, so she backed off with a slightly disappointed smile.

Demetrius gave Zain a courteous nod goodbye, then held the curtain open for me, his eyes following me out.

As I headed toward the exit, my heart gave a small, traitorous flutter when I passed Carry.

But I kept walking, didn’t pause, didn’t look back–not even when I walked right past her.

Carry’s heart jumped a little as Blanche started toward the door.

She still hadn’t gotten over the fact that her mother had hit Miss Joanna. In her mind, Mom was in the wrong—and she hadn’t

apologized. So forgiveness wasn’t on the table.

Carry prided herself on having principles: no apology, no deal.

She’d been waiting for her mom to crack first, to come crawling back with an explanation and maybe some tears. After all, she figured

Mom would crack soon enough.

Maybe, just maybe, Mommy would sweep her up, and she’d get to lecture her in her most grown–up voice about how wrong it was to hit

Miss Joanna that day.

But before the fantasy could finish playing in her head, Joanna’s hand was waving in front of her face, pulling her back to reality.

Joanna crouched down, palm checking Carry’s forehead. “Carry, what’s wrong?”

Carry glanced back instinctively–just in time to see her mother walking away with Demetrius, already halfway to the door.

Not a glance. Not a pause. Not even when she’d passed right by her.

Heat flooded her little face. She stamped her foot, her pout sharpening like a tiny weapon. Bad Mommy.

If you don’t want me, I’ll tell Daddy not to want you either!

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