The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 29

29 Chapter 29 What Else Do You Want

Blanche’s POV 1

After eight grueling hours locked in that cell, a cop finally opens the door. “Bail’s been posted, Ms. Callum. You’re free to leave.”

Someone paid my bail – Zain? My family?

I don’t bother asking. Just nod my thanks and walk into the lobby.

Under the harsh fluorescent lights, a familiar silhouette waits.

Zain.

That perfectly tailored suit, those long legs – same packaging, same cold exterior.

And yet in bed, he’d never once left me truly satisfied.

No doubt his nights with Joanna overflow with everything I never experienced.

Zain hears my footsteps, notices my hesitation. He turns, his voice flat. “Let’s go.”

His face gives away nothing.

I couldn’t care less what’s running through his head. Sure, punching Marquis was rash – but I don’t regret it.

Those days when I’d have killed to walk beside him, to slip my hand into his? Long gone.

Those days when I’d have killed to walk beside him, to slip my hand into his? Long gone.

Now we’re strangers – him on one side, me on the other.

His Rolls–Royce idles at the curb, but I don’t move toward it.

I’m raising my hand for a taxi when Zain opens the passenger door. “Get in. We need to discuss something.”

I drop my arm – but bypass the front seat entirely, opening the back door and sliding in.

Zain blinks, clearly caught off guard. He knows damn well the old me would’ve died for this kind of gesture.

But now that he’s actually making the effort? I couldn’t be more indifferent.

For a moment he just stares, then climbs into the back beside me.

My eyebrows pull together slightly when he settles next to me.

The familiar closeness hits like a punch – his cologne mixed with cigarette smoke, that scent I once craved now making my throat tight,

Suffocating silence fills the car. Neither of us speaks, the tension thickening with each passing second.

Zain cracks his window and lights up.

The smoke drifts my way, triggering a coughing fit.

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29 Chapter 29 What Else Do You Want

I can’t stand it – I reach for the door handle, but Zain suddenly grabs my wrist.

His touch is gentle, yet I don’t pull away. I sink back into the leather seat.

“Do you have to smoke? It’s revolting.” My voice cuts sharp.

–

Even as the words leave my mouth, I know if Joanna sat here instead, that cigarette would never have appeared.

Especially not when they’re supposedly trying for baby number two.

Zain stays silent. After what feels like forever, he flicks the cigarette out and waits for the air to clear before closing the window.

Minutes crawl by before he finally speaks. “Why did you do it?”

I offer no excuses. “I followed my conscience. I regret nothing.”

His face hardens. “Your impulsiveness has repercussions. But did you think about Carry?”

–

A blemish on Carry’s record could destroy her future – even Jacob money can’t wash away certain stains.

I’d tortured myself with this exact thought in that cell. Zain has every right to be furious, though thankfully the cops didn’t press

charges.

The fear still tastes bitter. “It won’t happen again.”

Another endless pause. Then he delivers the killing blow, “The truth is, you’re not suitable to be Carry’s mother.”

One sentence, delivered like a weather report, obliterates years of bedtime stories and middle–of–the–night vigils.

I laugh – until it splinters into tears. “Tell me then – what else do you want from me?”

I’ve already surrendered the house, the child, the husband.

Zain watches my breakdown with perfect composure while I’m practically shaking with rage.

We’ve always existed in different universes. Even now, with tension crackling between us, he remains untouchable.

“You’ve never once driven Carry to school,” he states.

I clench my teeth, refusing to let him see me crack.

“There’s always someone else to handle it.”

“But you’re her mother.”

I nearly do a double–take. Is he actually serious?

One look at his expression confirms it.

“Now you remember I’m her mother?” I laugh bitterly. “Do I even register as one in your eyes?”

I hold his gaze, waiting for an answer I know he won’t give.

Predictably, he sidesteps. “Whatever issues you’re dealing with, you’re still Carry’s mother. Start acting like it.”

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29 Chapter 29 What Else Do You Want

The Jacobs have endless resources. Zain could raise Carry alone, but he believes our daughter needs maternal love too.

Lately I’ve been impossible skipping kindergarten events without explanation.

To my own surprise, I don’t fight back. “Carry is my daughter,” I say evenly. “I understand my responsibilities.”

Then I drop the bombshell. “If that’s everything, I’m leaving.”

No pleading to stay like before. No yearning glances.

Zain looks like I’ve slapped him. As I reach for the handle, he blurts, “There’s a Thanksgiving event at school. Take Carry – I have business

meetings.”

I pause. I’ve already committed to taking Camila. “I’m unavailable. Find someone else.”

Before he can respond, I’m out of the car, frantically waving down a cab. “Callum Mansion,” I tell the driver.

Zain watched the taxi disappear into traffic, massaging his temples.

When had Blanche – who once lived and breathed for their daughter – become so detached?

And toward him…

He had to be imagining things.

His phone rang. Joanna’s name flashed on the screen. “Zain, did you speak with Blanche?”

Carry had practically begged Joanna to attend the celebration the moment she’d heard about it.

But Joanna had zero interest in spending time with screaming children when she had rehearsals and recitals to focus on.

“She’s unavailable,” Zain replied curtly.

Joanna sighed with theatrical disappointment. “I suppose I could rearrange my schedule…” Her voice oozed fake sacrifice.

The prospect of wasting an afternoon surrounded by shrieking toddlers made her stomach turn. She’d much rather command attention

on stage.

She expected Zain to say “Don’t trouble yourself.”

Instead, he agreed. “Fine”

Joanna’s smile faltered. “Right. I’ll take her then.”

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