The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 322

Chapter 322: Worry for Another Woman

Blanche’s Perspective

The following morning, I quietly made my way downstairs, only to find that Heidi had already taken Carry off to preschool, just as she did every day without fail. I had arranged it that way on purpose—there was no need to make my morning more difficult by running into Carry.

Zain was nowhere to be seen either. He must have left early for wherever he needed to be. The house felt unusually empty and still, so I prepared a simple breakfast: a bowl of mixed nuts with milk and a boiled egg. It was a modest meal, but enough to keep me going.

Just as I was about to clear the dishes, my phone buzzed on the table. I glanced at the screen and saw Amber’s name flashing. I settled back into my chair and answered, “Amber?”

Instead of Amber’s voice, a sweet, cheerful tone greeted me. “Aunt Blanche, it’s Camila!” It was that adorable little voice that immediately warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face.

“I knew it was you right away, sweetheart. What’s going on?” I asked, my mood lifting instantly.

Camila sounded thrilled. “Aunt Blanche, my school is having a New Year’s Day celebration! Can you and Mommy come watch me perform?”

My heart leapt at the invitation, and my first instinct was to say yes without hesitation. But then I caught myself and paused before replying softly, “Oh honey, I have to work on New Year’s Eve and won’t finish until late afternoon. By the time I’m done, your party will be over, so I won’t be able to make it.”

There was a faint drop in Camila’s voice as she responded, “Oh… okay…”

Hearing her disappointment tugged at my heartstrings, so I quickly added, “How about this? Ask Mommy to record your performance, and I’ll watch it as soon as I get some free time, alright?”

Immediately, her voice brightened again. “Really? Thank you, Aunt Blanche! You’re the best! I love you so much!”

Feeling her joy return, I lowered my voice and encouraged her, “Make sure you give it your all, okay? If you perform beautifully, Aunt Blanche will have a special surprise for you. Deal?”

Camila practically bounced with excitement. “Yes! Deal! I promise I will!”

Then I heard Amber’s voice softly in the background, “Camila, let Mommy talk to Aunt Blanche for a minute, alright?”

Camila handed the phone over. “Okay.”

Amber’s tone was gentle as she spoke, “Blanche, are you planning to join us for New Year’s Eve?”

I hesitated, Zain’s warning echoing in my mind. “Amber, I’m not sure yet. Let me see how my shift goes, and I’ll get back to you.”

Amber’s voice was understanding but longing. “When you’re not here, it just doesn’t feel like our family is complete.”

My throat tightened, and I fought back tears, dangerously close to breaking down. I steadied my voice and sighed softly, “You know how it is with us doctors… when we’re on call, holidays just become another day.”

Amber remained compassionate. “I know, Blanche. Just visit when you can manage it.”

“I will,” I promised immediately.

The truth was, I had a mandatory shift scheduled right before New Year’s, making it impossible to make it home for the Callum family gathering. Since I couldn’t change the situation, I had no choice but to accept it.

Before I knew it, New Year’s Eve had arrived. After finishing my patient documentation and wrapping up my duties, I noticed it was nearly one in the afternoon. I stretched my tired muscles and glanced out the window. Zain’s car was parked in the hospital’s outdoor lot, and he stood beside it, a cigarette loosely held between his fingers.

The afternoon sun was particularly bright, bathing everything in a warm golden glow that made Zain’s silhouette almost shimmer. He must have sensed my gaze because he looked up. For a brief moment, our eyes met across the distance. He smiled at me, a slow, knowing smile that held so much unspoken meaning.

I quickly looked away, pretending not to have noticed him at all.

After organizing my charts, I washed my hands thoroughly and headed downstairs. The pediatric surgery ward was on the second floor, and I always took the stairs—it was quicker and more convenient.

Stepping out into the bright sunlight on the ground floor, I was intercepted by Zain.

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