The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 30

30 Chapter 30 We’re Just Classmates

30 Chapter 30 We’re Just Classmates

Blanche’s POV 1

When I switched my phone back on, countless missed calls flooded the screen.

Quinton and Amber had called. So had the hospital director. Even Demetrius had tried reaching me.

I’d been scheduled for afternoon clinic duty, but I’d disappeared without explanation.

The hospital would definitely discipline me. I prepared for the worst–getting fired.

From inside the taxi, I called the director back.

“Laird.”

“Blanche, are you all right?” His voice held no anger, just steady calm.

I was caught off guard, speechless for a moment.

Then Director Dominic’s tone grew gentle with worry. “How are you feeling? Any improvement?”

I was even more bewildered. “What do you mean?”

The director sounded apologetic. “I haven’t been looking out for you properly. You had a fever, and I still loaded you with work. Here’s

what we’ll do—take a few days off. Get proper rest at home.”

At first, I didn’t grasp what he meant, thinking he was hinting at something else.

“I understand,” I said softly.

‘So that’s how it works. Officially it’s leave–but really, it’s firing me, I thought.

‘But I did skip work without warning. I earned this!

Just as I was about to end the call, Laird suddenly added, “Don’t forget to return soon.”

“Hold on–what?” I froze, wondering if I’d heard wrong.

Background chatter on his end suggested he was at some event, probably drinking.

“Blanche, I need to run. The drinks are calling. But if you need anything at all, just ask–I’ll take care of it.”

The line went dead,

I stared at my phone, the dial tone humming in my car, my mind completely empty.

Then my phone buzzed again–Demetrius’s name lit up the display.

I picked up instantly, cutting to the point. “Demetrius, did you talk to Laird?”

Rather than answering, Demetrius’s voice was heavy with worry. “What happened? You missed your shift, didn’t pick up all afternoon-

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30 Chapter 30 We’re Just Classmates

are you hurt?”

He’d checked the outpatient clinic earlier, only to find me gone.

Knowing I wasn’t someone who’d abandon responsibilities without cause, he’d filled in while desperately trying to contact me.

Hearing the concern in his voice, I kept it short. “I got in a fight at a restaurant. Police hauled me in. Just got released.”

“You–got in a fight?” Demetrius sounded shocked.

In all our years of friendship, I’d always been composed, mild–mannered–the last person he’d picture throwing punches.

Whatever had driven me to that extreme must have been serious.

“Yeah.” I didn’t elaborate.

“Is it resolved? If not, I can-”

“It’s done,” I cut him off. “Don’t stress about it.”

Only then did his voice relax slightly. “Are you going home now?”

“Yeah. In a taxi.”

“Blanche…” A pause. “Don’t keep everything inside. Sometimes releasing it helps.”

“Thanks. I get it.”

“Message me when you’re home safe.”

“Will do.”

The second the call ended, the floodgates opened. I turned toward the window, tears sliding down silently.

Zain’s words from the car earlier echoed in my head–suffocating, devastating.

I’d handed him Carry. I’d given up everything for the Jacob family. And still, not one gentle word in return.

How pitiful. How ridiculous.

When the taxi stopped at Callum Mansion, Quinton stood waiting by the entrance.

“Quinton, why aren’t you inside?” I rushed over, injecting false cheer into

my

voice.

“You’re running behind today.” His frown deepened as he examined me. “What’s wrong?”

Not wanting to alarm him, I lied smoothly. “I was stuck in surgery this afternoon. Couldn’t answer your calls.”

Quinton’s gaze held mine–the slight moisture in my lashes didn’t go unnoticed. But he stayed quiet.

As we headed inside, he said suddenly, “Leave the hospital. Come work for the company. Choose something light–just for appearances if

you prefer. You’ll earn money regardless.”

The Callum weren’t as influential as the Jacobs, but our family wealth guaranteed comfort.

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30 Chapter 30 We’re Just Classmates

I never had to work another day if I chose not to.

But I shook my head. “Quinton… I love being a doctor.”

Quinton didn’t push when he saw my resolve. He’d always backed my choices.

The following day, when I walked into the hospital, I caught nurses chattering at their station.

“Did you hear? Some big shot is joining the hospital.”

“I heard rumors, but is it real? Would someone like that even consider our place?”

“Absolutely true,” the nurse gushed. “I spotted him this morning–director personally showed him around. Tall, impossibly gorgeous,

going to have every nurse melting in seconds.”

I walked past without engaging. But as I switched into my white coat in the locker room, a thought hit me–‘that must be Demetrius.

No clue why I felt so sure, but I just knew.

The instant I stepped out, someone blocked my way. I nearly jumped out of my skin.

“Just me.” Demetrius’s smooth voice brushed my ear.

I steadied myself and glanced up. There he stood in a fresh white coat, “Oakwood Hospital” stitched across the chest.

“You…” My eyes moved from his collar to his name badge in shock.

Demetrius smiled. “How do I look?”

I pressed my lips shut, refusing to take the bait.

Down the corridor, nurses and residents weren’t even pretending not to gawk.

“Is that the new attending? Good lord, he’s straight out of a medical show.”

“Seems pretty close with Dr. Callum, doesn’t he?”

“Did you catch that grin? I’d let him run any test he wanted.”

My face burned. “What do you need?”

“Lunch?” Before I could answer, he played his ace. “Call it my welcome party.”

Now I had no excuse to refuse. “Fine.”

Demetrius’s face brightened. “I’ll grab you after rounds.”

“Okay,” I replied.

His laugh trailed him into the elevator, leaving me surrounded by curious coworkers.

“Come on. What’s going on with you two?”

“That wasn’t just a collegial smile and you know it.”

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30 Chapter 30 We’re Just Classmates

I faced their stares directly. “Demetrius and I went to med school together. That’s all.”

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