The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 20

20 Chapter 20 An Unspoken War

Blanche’s POV

I didn’t want to listen to another second of Carry’s complaints about me. I strode straight into the living room.

The second Oswald spotted me, he jumped up and rushed over.

“There you are, Blanche. What kept you so late today?”

1 flashed him a smile and said, “An emergency patient showed up right as I was clocking out. Had to handle that situation, then drove

straight here.”

Behind me, I heard Carry’s body go rigid at the sound of my voice.

She kept up her cold act, refusing to turn around. Just sat there, clearly expecting me to make the first move.

I could practically read her thoughts: ‘This is Mr. Oswald’s house. Mom wouldn’t dare snub me here. Even if it’s fake, she’ll have to

pretend she gives a damn.‘

Except I acted like she didn’t exist. I completely blanked her.

When Oswald got to his feet, I caught Zain glancing my way as I walked in. I didn’t spare him so much as a look. My attention stayed

locked on Oswald.

Oswald linked his arm through mine and guided me toward the couch. Mid–step, he shot Zain a commanding look. “Blanche hasn’t had

dinner yet. Go grab the food we set aside for her in the kitchen.” His voice brooked no argument.

Zain didn’t seem interested in picking a fight with Oswald over something as basic as fetching a meal.

He grunted his agreement, dropped his phone, and hauled himself up.

Walking past the table where Carry sat, he tugged her hood. “You’re coming too,” he said.

I watched Carry spin around and shoot Zain a sulky glare. But with Oswald standing right there, she couldn’t exactly pitch a tantrum.

She just huffed, pushed herself to her feet, grumbled a halfhearted “fine,” and trailed Zain toward the kitchen.

Seeing them trudge off to fetch my food, I could feel their resentment radiating. I wasn’t trying to make anyone’s life harder. “I can grab

it myself, I said.

I started for the kitchen, but Oswald caught my hand and planted me firmly back on the sofa.

He tapped his cane for emphasis and scolded, “You stay put! We brought you into the Jacob family so you could live well, not struggle.

Zain and Carry have two working hands and two working feet. What’s the harm in them doing something for you once? You’ve bent over

backward for them countless times.

“You gave us Carry, and you deserve respect in this family. A man needs to be useful. If you don’t put him to work today, he’ll think he can

push you around tomorrow”

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20 Chapter 20 An Unspoken War

Warmth spread through my chest listening to this.

Oswald had always treated me so well over the years.

When Carry was born, he’d lavished me with priceless jewelry and a fortune in cash.

If I wasn’t holding onto that kindness, I wouldn’t have bothered showing up today to deal with Zain and Carry’s attitudes.

My eyes welled up. I gave him a soft smile. “I get it now, Grandpa.”

Right then, Zain and Carry emerged carrying food that looked amazing–all my favorites.

Carry set down the bowl, then immediately returned to her card game without a word.

Zain handed me my fork and started to drift away when Oswald snapped, “Zain, where exactly do you think you’re going?”

Zain looked up, puzzled. “Grandpa? What’s wrong?”

Oswald raised his cane like he might smack Zain. “Don’t you know you’re supposed to sit down and eat with Blanche?” he barked.

Zain looked down at me. I didn’t meet his eyes, just said coolly, “Grandpa, I can eat alone. I don’t need his company.”

My cold dismissal seemed to catch Zain off guard, stirring up memories of how I used to be.

Back then, whether heading home or going somewhere, if I got the chance to spend time with Zain, I’d practically glue myself to his side.

I’d ask if he wanted food or drinks. I’d ask if he felt like hanging out or picking up fruit. Anything, really.

But now, it felt like I’d done a complete flip. He seemed confused by the change, and I caught a flicker of discomfort cross his face. Just

briefly, though.

I could tell Zain wasn’t about to lose sleep over it.

If I didn’t want him around, he sure wasn’t going to force the issue.

I watched Oswald observe Zain and me together, and he let out a heavy sigh.

All these years now, and the two of us just kept getting worse. Seemed like we were crumbling instead of healing.

I knew Oswald had tried fixing us up more times than he could count, but it never worked. He probably didn’t know what else he could

1. do.

After dinner, when I started gathering dishes to wash them, Oswald shut that down fast. He had the maid take care of it instead.

We all sat in the living room, and the tension was suffocating.

I watched Carry fiddle with her cards, occasionally chatting with Oswald or Zain, but she ignored me completely the entire time.

I only spoke to Oswald, acting like Zain and Carry sitting right beside me were invisible.

Zain barely talked. He just stayed glued to his phone, texting

I knew he was messaging Joanna–probably feeling guilty about not being with her tonight.

Oswald still seemed determined to patch things up between us. But it was getting late, and he looked exhausted. So he stood up, saying

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he was heading to bed, and asked Zain, Carry, and me to stay the night.

Zain was the first on his feet. “Grandpa,” he said, “let me walk you to your room.”

Seeing Zain being considerate like that, I could tell Oswald couldn’t bring himself to say anything harsh.

Just as Zain took Oswald’s arm, I suddenly called out, “Grandpa.”

Oswald turned back, his eyes gentle. “What is it?” he asked.

“I have work tomorrow,” I said. “I should really go home. I’m worried about tomorrow…”

But before I could finish, Oswald put on his wounded act. “Go ahead then. After all, I’m getting old now. Every day matters, and all I want

is for my family to spend a little time with me. But everyone seems to have excuses these days. Well, guess I’m just too old to matter

anymore.”

He kept sighing dramatically as he spoke.

Seeing Oswald like that made my heart clench. I wanted to take back every word I’d just said.

“Grandpa, I’ll stay,” I said quickly. “I’ll have breakfast with you tomorrow.”

I had such a soft heart. I just couldn’t stand up to Oswald when he pulled this guilt trip. I always caved.

As Zain took Oswald’s arm to help him to the bedroom, Oswald didn’t look back at me.

But I caught the satisfied smile that flickered across his face.

I knew Oswald too well–he was always playing the guilt card, and we always fell for it.

Suddenly, it was just Carry and me left in the living room. The silence felt thick and heavy.

Behind me, I could hear the soft shuffling of Carry messing with her cards.

Before, I would’ve scooted over and pulled Carry into a hug, maybe asked about her day at preschool.

But now I didn’t want to do that. After standing there for a moment, I turned and headed straight upstairs.

This wasn’t my first time staying over. I knew the house had a room for me where I could wash up and sleep.

Carry kept playing with her cards, but her eyes kept darting toward Blanche from the corner of her vision.

When she saw Blanche just standing there by the dining table, lost in thought, Carry figured she was working up the courage to

apologize.

And when Blanche finally moved, Carry even imagined running over for a hug. It had been forever since she’d hugged Blanche. She’d

already planned on crawling into bed with Blanche tonight.

But Blanche didn’t walk toward Carry. She went upstairs instead

Seeing that, Carry slammed her cards onto the floor. “Hmph! Mean mom,” she muttered. “I’m never talking to you again.”

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21 Chapter 21 A Child Completely Abandoned

21 Chapter 21 A Child Completely Abandoned