The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 23

23 Chapter 23 Another Womans Permission

Blanche’s POV 1

I pulled up

outside the Jacob Group building and settled in to wait. Minutes dragged by as waves of employees streamed out, but Zain

was nowhere to be seen.

My patience wearing thin, I grabbed my phone to call him.

The screen lit up, revealing Zain’s morning text–a request for me to drive Carry to school.

I’d been too swamped to notice it earlier. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut.

My daughter hated being late. She was a perfectionist who demanded excellence from herself. Missing school on time would’ve sent her

into tears of pure frustration.

The image twisted something deep in my chest. I hadn’t taken Miss Carry to school. She probably despised me even more now, maybe

thinking Joanna would make a better mother.

But why should I torture myself over this? I wasn’t the one who walked away. They were the ones who abandoned me.

Finally, Jacob Group’s doors swung open. Zain emerged with his assistant Desmond at his side.

His custom suit hugged his tall frame perfectly, turning heads without him even trying.

A sleek black Rolls Royce waited at the curb. Instead of sliding into the passenger seat, Zain moved to the driver’s side, one hand

protecting the roof while extending the other toward someone inside.

I barely glanced at the car until I saw who stepped out. Joanna.

She floated out like some untouchable goddess in flowing white. Her effortless grace only made Zain look more magnificent.

From my spot across the street, I watched my husband with his first love.

Even the dying sunlight seemed mesmerized, stretching their silhouettes into one seamless shadow.

Joanna threaded her arm through Zain’s like it was the most natural thing in the world.

He dipped his head toward her, that tender smile I rarely saw anymore lighting up his face.

Desmond caught the intimate moment and melted into the background.

Zain was speaking to Joanna, but the distance swallowed his words.

I sat frozen in my car, every muscle locked in place.

But my parents‘ hopes for their granddaughter finally pushed me into motion. I forced myself out onto the pavement.

As I crept closer, Zain’s voice reached me. “Skip the concert rehearsals if you’re exhausted. Concentrate on your studies instead. Wasn’t

becoming a doctor always your dream?”

20

1/4

< 23 Chapter 23 Another Womans Permission

Joanna’s head tilted playfully. “Medicine is my passion, but so is piano. I can’t abandon either one”

“Then follow your heart, Zain said, his voice warm as honey.

“I’ll tell you if it becomes too much. Please don’t stress about it.”

Zain gave a small nod and moved toward the car, then spotted me lurking nearby.

My outfit screamed casual–jeans, sneakers, a basic tee, and my tiny crossbody bag. My hair hung loose down my back.

I stood bathed in golden light, my expression blank–no smile, no tears.

Zain looked genuinely startled. Joanna turned my way too.

I locked eyes with Zain. “We need to talk,” I said without preamble.

His jaw tightened–a clear warning sign.

“About what?”

“My parents are dying to see Carry. I want to take her for an overnight visit, drop her at preschool tomorrow morning, and you can

collect her after.”

Five years of marriage, and Zain had never even met my family. Still, I knew he understood the special connection between grandparents

and grandchildren.

“Fine by me,” he said coldly, “but Carry…”

I knew exactly what he meant–Carry still held her grudge and would fight tooth and nail against staying at my parents‘ place.

“That’s why I’m here,” I said bluntly. “She actually listens to you.”

Joanna remained silent, a perfect statue.

“I might not have that kind of influence either,” Zain admitted.

Carry was already developing her own stubborn streak. She feared him more than she respected him.

Then Zain continued, “Let Joanna handle the conversation instead. We’re picking her up from preschool regardless.”

His casual tone sliced through me like a blade.

My gaze flicked to Joanna, who stood there radiating quiet confidence and natural authority that made me feel microscopic.

Something cracked inside my chest, my throat burning as tears fought to surface. But I swallowed them down,

“Forget it” I spun away, desperate to salvage what little pride I had left.

The irony was suffocating. My own flesh and blood needed another woman’s permission to visit her mother’s parents.

I didn’t want a daughter like that.

But my parents‘ endless pleas echoed in my head, and I stopped dead, my fists clenched so tight my nails drew blood from my palms.

2043

<

23 Chapter 23 Another Womans Permission

A few heartbeats later, I faced Zain again. “I’ll follow in my own car.”

Zain noticed my bloodshot eyes but kept his mouth shut.

“Fine.”

Joanna finally addressed me directly. “Ms. Callum, try not to worry. I’ll do everything I can to convince Carry. She’s really a well–behaved

child.“,

I caught the subtle dig in Joanna’s words, but I couldn’t summon the energy to call her out.

I just choked back my emotions.

I climbed into my car and watched Zain fasten Joanna’s seatbelt, then close her door with a gentleness he’d never shown me.

That kind of devotion, I realized bitterly, was Joanna’s exclusive privilege.

I didn’t turn the key immediately. Instead, I sank back against my seat, staring through my windshield.

Everything looked fuzzy and distorted.

My heart felt like it was being ripped into pieces.

The pain came from watching Zain worship Joanna, and from knowing Carry would obey Joanna over me.

I’d never betrayed them, yet this was my reward.

I sat there paralyzed until my phone’s shrill ring snapped me back to reality.

Zain’s name flashed on the screen.

“Yeah?” My voice came out like sandpaper.

“You’re not following yet?” Zain asked.

For once, he almost sounded concerned.

But I knew better. It wasn’t really about me.

“On my way now,” I replied.

At the preschool, teachers were already leading children outside. Carry stood at the front of her group.

Her face brightened when she spotted Joanna, then immediately clouded over with something darker.

I caught the shift instantly and felt my heart clench. I couldn’t stop myself from calling out, “Carry.”

I was terrified someone had hurt her at school.

Carry looked up at me, ready to wave excitedly, but the resentment came flooding back.

After all, it was my absence that made her late and cost her the reward she’d earned.

30