The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 197

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197 Chapter 197 Just Background Static

Blanche’s POV

With Amara’s company, I didn’t get lost in dark thoughts. My spirits lifted considerably.

During our conversation, I found myself asking about Marquis.

Amara told me Marquis kept trying new tactics to reach her, but she blocked every attempt.

Years together–cutting him from her life felt like tearing away part of herself.

The love had been genuine, but the betrayal ran just as deep.

Marquis hadn’t just cheated and turned violent—he’d treated Amara like his personal toy.

I felt genuinely happy seeing Amara finally find the strength to leave that toxic mess behind.

A bewildered voice interrupted from behind us. “Mrs.

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Jacob?”

I spun around to find Heidi approaching.

I offered her a polite smile.

Heidi entered the gazebo and positioned herself next

to me. Her tone carried confusion. “Mrs. Jacob, Mr. Jacob was just searching for you. You didn’t run into

him?”

I blinked, genuinely puzzled, then shook my head. “No,

I haven’t seen him.”

Heidi seemed ready to elaborate, but I redirected the conversation. “Actually, how’s Carry recovering?”

“Mrs. Jacob, Miss Carry’s been transferred to a standard room. She’s bounced back completely—full of life again,” Heidi responded.

Relief washed over me. “Thank goodness.”

I could sense Heidi had more to say, but I jumped in first. “Heidi, you should return to your duties. Amara and I plan to stroll around a bit.”

I grabbed Amara’s hand and quickly guided her from the gazebo.

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Every time Heidi attempted to speak, I cut her off before she could get started.

Recognizing defeat, Heidi had no option but to contact

Zain.

The hospital’s garden stretched wide, and despite early winter’s arrival, osmanthus blossoms still perfumed the air.

After some time, Amara shot me a pointed look, gesturing for me to check behind us.

I turned and caught sight of Zain walking toward us

from a distance.

Morning mist clouded the air. Zain moved through it deliberately, his black coat hanging open, wet hair pressed against his forehead, the coat’s edge rippling with each step through the haze.

The moment I recognized Zain, my body reacted automatically–I started moving away.

But he moved faster. He closed the distance quickly and addressed Amara. “Miss Jerry, would

you mind giving us some privacy? I need to have a word with my

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wife.”

Amara ignored Zain completely–her eyes stayed locked on me, waiting for my decision.

If I wanted to bolt, Amara would’ve had me out of

there in seconds.

Finally, I squeezed Amara’s hand and spoke quietly. “Take a walk for a few minutes?”

Concern flickered across Amara’s face, but I gave her a reassuring smile and a look that said ‘I’ll be fine.’ That convinced her to go, though reluctance was written all over her expression.

Zain’s eyebrows drew together sharply when he noticed me standing there in nothing but thin, fluffy pajamas. “It’s freezing–why are you outside dressed like that?”

I slowly faced him and met his gaze. With fluid movements, he slipped off his long black coat and moved to drape it over my shoulders from behind.

Just as the fabric was about to settle, I jerked away instinctively. “Zain, you don’t need to–I don’t need you

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acting this way.”

Zain used his height and reach to trap me directly in front of him, eliminating any escape route.

He pressed the coat firmly onto my shoulders, giving me no choice but to accept it.

After securing his coat around me, he kept his hands planted on my shoulders, stopping me from removing it. He leaned closer and said quietly, “Keep it on. We need to talk.”

The coat was so oversized it practically swallowed me whole.

I probably looked ridiculous, like I’d been stuffed into a garbage bag.

I pretended not to hear his words. Instead, I shifted topics. “The air quality’s much better out here. Carry’s been cooped up in that stuffy hospital room since her fever started–you might consider bringing her outside for fresh air occasionally.”

Only when Zain noticed I wasn’t fighting the coat anymore did he finally release my shoulders.

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He answered simply, “Alright.”

I looked directly at Zain. “What did you want to discuss?”

Zain studied my face intently. “Are you feeling better?”

I didn’t bother responding, my voice carrying impatience. “Just say what you came to say.”

Zain paused briefly, then continued with an unusual hint of regret. “I crossed the line the other day. Don’t take it to heart.”

I honestly couldn’t recall which incident he meant, and I didn’t care enough to ask.

None of it mattered anymore–it was all just background static.

I shrugged carelessly. “Don’t worry about it. I’m used to this kind of thing by now.”

Seeing my complete indifference, Zain attempted to justify himself. “I wasn’t aware you had a fever that day, so I…”

But I interrupted without hesitation. “Yeah, I get it.”

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My detachment made Zain’s chest tighten. He couldn’t stop himself from saying quietly, “Why don’t you move into Carry’s room? It would be easier for me to care for both of you.”

I hadn’t anticipated that suggestion.

I blinked, momentarily surprised, but recovered quickly and rejected him outright. “No thanks.”

Zain started to speak again, but I cut him off. I fixed him with a steady stare. “Zain, soon we need to go to the courthouse and finalize the divorce papers.”

My words functioned as both reminder and warning.

Seeing the coldness in my eyes, Zain just gave a brief, noncommittal “Mm.”

I offered him a slight smile, slipping off the coat and extending it toward him. “If that’s everything, I’m leaving.”

Zain didn’t immediately accept the coat. “Really, it’s bitter cold–just wear it so you don’t get sick again.”

I smiled, but my tone remained resolute. “I really don’t need it.”

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I kept insisting, so Zain finally accepted it back.

Once he’d taken it, I didn’t hesitate–I turned and walked away without a backward glance.

Zain’s POV

I watched Blanche’s retreating form and found myself remembering the Blanche from before.

Back then, when I returned home, she’d take my briefcase and coat. When I left, she’d adjust my tie. If I worked late, she’d bring me steaming tea. When I was ready to relax, she’d prepare my bath…

We hadn’t cohabitated long, but during those times, she’d attended to my every need.

She used to crave even the smallest kindness from me.

I even recalled when she’d burned her hand and came to me tearfully, saying, “Zain, can you kiss my finger better?”

Back then, I would just give her a cold look and say flatly, “I’m not a doctor. Have Cherry get some ice.”

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Maybe I’d noticed that flash of hurt in Blanche’s eyes, but honestly, back then I’d never bothered caring.

Just like now–I could feel that uncomfortable tightness in my chest, but Blanche was completely indifferent.

As Blanche moved further away, I couldn’t restrain myself and called out, “Blanche, hold on.”

Blanche paused and looked back. “Something else?”

I said, “Heidi’s bringing lunch at noon. Would you like to eat together?”

Blanche shook her head. “No thanks, I’m getting food delivered.”

With that, she turned and continued walking.

I remained frozen, watching her disappearing figure.

Something strange twisted in my chest–a feeling I couldn’t identify, not quite pain, not jealousy, just confusion I didn’t know how to handle.

So she had someone delivering her meals now, I thought. Was it Vincent? Demetrius? Or… someone

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else entirely? The question ate at me, despite my

attempts to dismiss it.