The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 64

64 Chapter 64 My Daughter Protecting Her

64 Chapter 64 My Daughter Protecting Her

Blanche’s POV 1

I stepped out of the hall and positioned myself at the roadside, hoping to catch a taxi. The recent exodus of guests made finding one

nearly impossible.

Minutes dragged by without a single cab in sight. Anxiety crept through me as I repeatedly checked my phone, unsure who I could even

call.

Panic was beginning to set in when Zain’s voice cut through the air behind me. “Blanche.”

His tone carried that familiar chill and distance.

I spun around to find Zain standing with Joanna at his side.

She clung to his arm, and together they formed what could only be described as the perfect couple–words felt inadequate to capture it.

Joanna studied me with a curious, almost calculating gaze while Zain addressed me. “We’re driving back. You should join us.”

I surveyed the deserted street once more. My worry for Carry overwhelmed my hesitation. “Fine.”

Zain’s driver materialized at the curb with the car.

With three of us, squeezing into the back would create an uncomfortable situation.

After a brief pause, I circled around and claimed the passenger seat.

Zain had the rear door open, but when he stood and noticed my position up front, his smile wavered momentarily. He recovered quickly,

turning to Joanna with renewed warmth. “Come on.”

Joanna’s elaborate gown created complications as she settled in, the fabric spilling outside. Zain immediately crouched down, carefully

gathering the material before joining her.

I fixed my attention on the window, watching the landscape blur past. I refused to acknowledge the pair behind me.

But life rarely cooperates with my wishes.

Joanna’s voice drifted forward, soft and deliberately fragile. “Zain, I’m getting a headache.”

The rearview mirror revealed Zain leaning toward her. His hand found her forehead, then touched his own. “No fever. Tonight probably wore you out. Here, let me help.”

Joanna’s smile was sweet as honey. “That would be wonderful, Zain.”

He positioned her with her back to him and began working his fingers through her hair in gentle massage motions.

I absorbed the entire scene through the mirror. Zain’s tenderness toward Joanna had become so routine that numbness had replaced

pain.

He offered her gestures he’d never shown me. In his world, Joanna probably ranked higher than his own well–being.

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64 Chapter 64 My Daughter Protecting Her

The thought still had the power to wound. My eyes burned, but I couldn’t let them see my vulnerability. I buried myself in my phone, maintaining the facade that everything was perfectly fine.

A message notification broke through my distraction. Vincent’s name appeared on the screen.

[Honey, I’ve shipped the bracelet your way. If you don’t want it, just throw it out.]

The words settled like lead in my stomach.

Vincent knew I wouldn’t casually discard something worth a hundred million. If I kept it, returning it would become impossible. But accepting it meant owing him.

With Vincent, gifts were permanent–no takebacks allowed.

Whether his intentions were genuine or part of some elaborate game, I refused to be in his debt. The deeper the obligation, the messier the complications.

The car came to a halt at Blissfield Villa’s entrance before I realized we’d arrived. I bolted from the vehicle and rushed toward the house.

Zain moved to Joanna’s door, extending his hand as she emerged. Her gown made every movement a challenge, so he offered his arm for

support.

His complete focus on Joanna meant he never considered that I was also navigating in formal wear.

I entered the living room to find Carry crouched by the coffee table, absorbed in her toys. The click of my heels made her look up.

“Joanna, you’re finally-”

Her words died mid–sentence. She stared at me in stunned silence, as if seeing a stranger. Carry had never witnessed me looking this

elegant.

“Who… who are you?” Her voice carried pure disbelief.

We locked eyes in mutual silence, the moment stretching endlessly.

Only when Carry’s toy tumbled from her grip and clattered against the table did I find my voice. “Carry.” The word came out rough,

almost broken.

Recognition finally dawned in her eyes–the beautiful woman in the doorway was actually her mother.

She scrambled to her feet, shock coloring her voice. “Mom?”

“Yes,” I managed softly.

My transformed appearance captivated her. She ran over and wrapped her arms around my legs.

Looking up at me with wide eyes, she asked, “Mom, did you go to a party with Dad?”

My hand, which had been reaching to embrace her, froze mid–motion.

I gazed down at my daughter, my heart twisting with bittersweet emotion. “No.”

Confusion crossed her features. “Then why do you look so fancy?”

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64 Chapter 64 My Daughter Protecting Her

I started to explain, then realized the futility. “It’s nothing important.”

Though still curious, Carry didn’t press further. She hugged me tighter, her heart swelling with pride.

*My mom can be this gorgeous too. She’s even prettier than Joanna,* she thought.

After collecting myself, I knelt down and took Carry’s chilled hands in mine. “Are you feeling better now?”

She blinked in confusion. “What do you mean?”

I brushed her hair gently. “If you’re still sick, you should get to bed early. Why are you just sitting down here?”

Carry couldn’t formulate an answer. She certainly couldn’t admit she’d been waiting for Joanna.

When she remained silent, I continued. “Would you like me to come upstairs and help you get ready for bed?”

Just as Carry was about to respond, Zain’s voice boomed from the entrance. “Carry, do what your mother says.”

His authoritative tone crushed any rebellion she might have harbored. She sighed in defeat. “Okay.”

I realized Carry had been waiting in the living room for Joanna, but it no longer mattered. Taking her hand, I guided her toward the

stairs. “Have you gotten cleaned up yet, Carry?”

She shook her head. “Not yet.” Her voice carried obvious disappointment.

I pretended not to notice her mood. “How about I help you get washed up?”

“Alright,” she replied quietly.

In Carry’s room, I headed for the closet to find pajamas but stopped cold when I opened the doors.

Carry noticed my reaction and followed my gaze to several sets of Joanna’s sleepwear hanging inside. “Mom, when you’re not around,

Joanna worries I’ll have bad dreams, so sometimes she sleeps in here with me,” she said quickly, anxiety creeping into her voice.

I stared at the multiple sets of Joanna’s pajamas. Clearly, she was a regular overnight guest. I knew Carry was lying–my daughter was

protecting Joanna.

Pain shot through my chest, but I forced it down.

I gripped the closet door handle to keep myself steady.

Carry approached me tentatively. “Mom, are you staying here tonight?”

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