The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 57

57 Chapter 57 I Will Rise Above

Blanche’s POV 1

Even after we stepped outside the bar, Vincent’s hand remained firmly around my waist. Lost in my own thoughts, I barely registered his

touch.,

Only when Vincent pulled open the car door did I snap back to the present. I stepped away from him. “Mr. Aarav, thank you for tonight.”

Vincent sensed my distraction but didn’t press. He moved closer, his eyes finding mine, a subtle smile playing on his lips. “You keep

thanking me. Doesn’t that feel a little cold between us?”

I retreated another step, my back hitting the car. My pulse quickened under his intense gaze. “What are you getting at?”

Vincent straightened, his expression deadly serious. “Sleep with me tonight.” No hint of playfulness in his voice.

Heat flooded my cheeks. “I’ll agree to anything except that,” I said, the words tumbling out.

Vincent’s eyes never left mine. “Then have dinner with me.”

Knowing I was in his debt, I nodded. “Fine.”

A low chuckle escaped him, mischief dancing in his dark eyes. “Kingsley was spot–on–ask for the impossible first, and she’ll say yes to

anything else.”

The realization hit me like ice water. I’d been completely manipulated. “Vincent, you—”

He dipped his head until we were eye level, that infuriating smile still there. “Mad at me?”

I turned away, refusing to answer.

His laughter was warm, tender, “You’re irresistible when you pout. Makes me want to steal that kiss.” He leaned in, closing the space

between us.

My heart hammered against my ribs. I jerked my head away, creating distance. “Vincent, can we please just go back?”

The plea in my voice seemed to affect him. He straightened, giving me breathing room. “Let me drive you home,” he said, his tone gentler

now.

I shook my head. “No, I’ll catch a cab.”

Without waiting for his response, I flagged down a taxi. The car pulled away, leaving him behind.

In the back seat, I pressed my face to the window, watching the city’s towering buildings and endless crowds blur past.

A massive screen on the nearby mall caught my attention. Joanna filled the display, her fingers dancing across piano keys.

Her auburn curls spilled down her back, makeup flawless, the crimson dress hugging every curve. Her smile was perfectly calculated— grace and beauty incarnate.

Pedestrians stopped mid–stride, their faces filled with admiration and longing.

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57 Chapter 57 I Will Rise Above

I had to admit it–Joanna was breathtaking. She commanded attention wherever she went. Elegant, refined, blessed with stunning looks.

The kind of woman others could only dream of being.

I knew I couldn’t compete with that, but the knowledge still cut deep. My marriage to Zain had been such a battle to win, only to lose it

all in the end. Even my daughter had slipped through my fingers.

The pain crashed over me, and tears started falling before I could stop them. I’d loved Zain for so many years–letting go felt impossible.

Back at the Callum Mansion, the entire family was still up waiting. I sat with them briefly before escaping upstairs.

As I was getting ready for bed, my phone buzzed. Unknown number.

I answered anyway. “Blanche?” The voice was familiar.

“Hi, Professor Reese. This is Blanche.”

Aiden sounded delighted. “Finally got through to you. I wanted to ask–are you considering graduate school?”

I hesitated. Part of me wanted to say no, but I couldn’t lie to myself. “Yes,” I admitted.

“Have you thought about pursuing your PhD under my supervision?”

“Professor Reese, I’d be honored to study under you, but I’m worried I might-” I trailed off, afraid of disappointing him.

He chuckled. “The fact that you’re even considering it tells me everything. As long as you’re thinking about it, there’s hope. The

application deadline is under three months away–how confident are you feeling?”

Back in college, I’d graduated at the top of my class.

“Professor Reese, I am confident. I’ll give it everything I have.”

“Perfect, I’ll be waiting for your good news. I’ll hold a spot for you.”

“Thank you so much, Professor Reese.”

After hanging up, I realized my face was soaked with tears.

If it hadn’t been for Zain, I would have pursued graduate school without question. Instead, I’d chosen marriage. Looking back now, I regretted that choice completely.

With my decision made, I called Demetrius. “Demetrius, I’ve decided to go for graduate school.”

His surprise and joy came through clearly. “Congratulations, Blanche. I’m so happy for you.”

My nose was red from crying. “I’m going to work hard to rise above this, to fight against all the injustice.”

“Just be yourself, Demetrius replied. “You’re already exceptional. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks.”

My voice cracked. “Thank you, Demetrius.”

The next morning, I arrived at Blissfield Villa early. I’d already prepared breakfast before Carry woke up.

As I finished setting the table, Heidi’s voice carried from the entrance. “Mr. Jacob, Ms. Vins, you’re back.”

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57 Chapter 57 I Will Rise Above

I turned to see Zain and Joanna walking in together, both in matching workout gear. Joanna’s hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, her toned midriff and subtle abs on display. Zain looked equally fit, his sweat–dampened shirt clinging to his muscled chest and arms.

They entered the living room like something out of a fitness magazine–devastatingly attractive and perfectly matched.

When Zain spotted me, he said nothing, heading straight for the stairs. “Zain, I need to speak with you,” I called out.

He stopped, his tone softening as he faced me. “Go ahead.”

Joanna moved to his side, using a towel to dab the perspiration from his neck and arms. Zain didn’t pull away–instead, he gave her a

tender smile. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting them both in a golden, ethereal glow.

I walked directly to Zain, completely ignoring Joanna’s presence. “From now on, I’ll only come in the mornings. I won’t be here evenings

anymore–I have my own priorities to focus on.”

By priorities, I meant my studies. I was determined to pursue both my master’s and doctorate, planning to make my mark in medicine

and climb to the very top.

Zain didn’t argue with my decision. He simply said, “Do whatever works best for you. But when Carry needs you, you need to be

available.”

I hadn’t expected him to agree so readily. “Understood.”

Zain turned to Joanna. “Go ahead and shower. I’ll be right up.”

Joanna was makeup–free but still stunning. A blush colored her cheeks as she responded, “Okay.”

As their conversation registered, my mind began to wander. Was Zain planning to join Joanna in the shower? I could picture them

exploring every position, indulging in pleasures together–nothing like the hurried, mechanical encounters Zain and I used to have.

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