The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 7

7 Chapter 7 The Darkened Living Room

7 Chapter 7 The Darkened Living Room

Zain’s POV

At 1:30 pm, I was deep in a board meeting when my phone started buzzing. My first instinct was to ignore it–probably Blanche calling-

but the caller ID made my blood run cold. East Street Preschool.

Something was wrong with Carry.

I immediately called a break and stepped into the hallway to answer.

“Is this Carry’s parent?” A woman’s voice cut straight to the point. “Family Fun Day began thirty minutes ago. We’ve been expecting you. I

understand busy parents might not prioritize these events, but your daughter is currently the only child sitting by herself in the corner.”

My chest tightened. I wasn’t some negligent father who forgot important dates. I’d sent Blanche that message assuming she’d handle it.

The possibility that she simply wouldn’t show up had never crossed my mind.

No time to track Blanche down now.

“I’m on my way,” I said, ending the call. I turned to my assistant immediately. “Cancel everything for the rest of the day.”

*****

The school event wrapped up at 4:30 pm. Carry had stayed withdrawn and sullen the entire afternoon. Walking her to the car afterward,

I helped her into the backseat and slid in beside her. Her dejected expression told me everything.

“How are you feeling today?” I asked, studying her downcast face.

Tears welled up in her eyes. “Where was Mom? I specifically asked her to come early. Every other kid had their mom there, and I only

had Dad.” She brushed at her eyes. “If Miss Joanna wasn’t performing, I wouldn’t have even wanted Mom to come.”

I took her small hand in mine. “This was Dad’s fault. It won’t happen again.” But Carry’s mood didn’t lift. Every other child had brought

their mother. She was the only one with just her father. Sure, having Dad gave her advantages in some of the games–she loved winning-

but not when it felt unfair.

Seeing her still upset, I was about to offer more reassurance when my phone rang. Ophelia’s name flashed on the screen.

I picked up. “Your father’s birthday is tomorrow,” Ophelia’s voice came through crisp and direct. “We’re having family friends over for

dinner tonight. Bring Carry and meet me at Aleena Mall.”

I paused, suddenly remembering that tomorrow was indeed Dad’s birthday. “Understood,” I replied before hanging up.

Turning back to Carry’s still–troubled face, I gently touched her cheek. “Grandpa’s birthday is tomorrow, sweetheart. That’s why Mom

couldn’t make it today. She’s been busy preparing everything at Jacob Manor. You know how she always makes those incredible spreads

for occasions like this.”

Carry considered this and seemed to find it reasonable. Her expression brightened slightly as she lifted her chin. “Well, that makes sense then. Otherwise the other kids would’ve made fun of me for having a mom who doesn’t care.”

7 Chapter 7 The Darkened Living Room

I couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “Next time there’s a school event, I’ll bring Miss Joanna along with you.”

At those words, Carry’s face transformed with pure joy, her earlier disappointment vanishing instantly. She practically glowed as she

looked at me, bouncing with excitement.

I ruffled her hair playfully. “Ready to go see Grandpa?”

Her smile dimmed. “Will Mom be there?” she asked softly. She still hadn’t forgiven Blanche for today’s absence or for that incident with

Miss Joanna. The prospect of facing Mom made her stomach twist.

Plus, Mom would smother her with those suffocating hugs and kisses, always carrying that lingering scent from the kitchen. Nothing like

Miss Joanna, whose gentle touch always carried the fragrance of flowers.

I watched Carry’s conflicted expression and nodded honestly. Carry knew we had to attend tonight. With tears threatening, she looked

up at me. “Can I ignore Mom when I see her? I’m still mad at her, and I don’t want to speak to her unless she apologizes to Miss Joanna.”

I secured her seatbelt and agreed to her request.

After settling Carry’s nerves, I drove us to Aleena Mall. We collected Ophelia at 5:30 pm, and by 6:00 pm, we’d arrived back at Jacob

Manor. Throughout the drive, Ophelia had been making call after call, confirming dinner guests.

Holding Carry’s hand, I stepped into the living room. What we found left us stunned. The entire house sat in complete darkness. Not one

light had been turned on. The dining table remained bare, and the kitchen looked untouched–no evidence that any meal preparation

had begun. Ophelia stared in disbelief.

Since Blanche became my wife, she’d never needed reminders about this annual tradition. Every single year, Blanche had everything

flawlessly arranged without being prompted. Even seasoned socialites were consistently amazed by her preparations. Ophelia took

immense pride in showcasing Blanche’s capabilities to her circle.

But the barren kitchen and darkened living room sent Ophelia into a rage. “What is Blanche thinking? Has she completely lost track of

what day this is?”

Grumbling furiously, she grabbed her phone and dialed Blanche. No response. She tried repeatedly, getting the same result each time. In

her fury, she hurled the phone down, shattering it completely.

I remained surprisingly calm, instinctively pulling Carry closer protectively. With one arm around my daughter, I suggested evenly, “We’ll

take everyone to a restaurant. I’ll book the best place in Oakwood.”

Ophelia whirled on me with blazing eyes. “We’ve always hosted this at home. I already told everyone we were having dinner here this

year, and now this?” Her voice grew more cutting. “Has Blanche lost her mind? She seems to have forgotten what being Mrs. Jacob

means. Absolutely no sense of responsibility!”

From the start, Ophelia had opposed my marriage to Blanche. Without Grandfather’s insistence on the match, she never would have

welcomed Blanche into the family.

Carry, scared by her grandmother’s explosion, pressed against me silently. I ignored Ophelia’s tirade, my thoughts racing. ‘Had

something happened to Blanche? I couldn’t reach her yesterday either. She missed Carry’s school event and failed to prepare dinner.

This behavior isn’t like her. But she’s a grown woman. What could possibly be wrong?”

73

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7 Chapter 7 The Darkened Living Room

Curled in my arms, Carry whispered, “Mom didn’t cook dinner and skipped school today on purpose. She wanted to embarrass me in

front of everyone. She’s not a good mom. Miss Joanna would never hurt my feelings like this. I don’t want Mom anymore”

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