The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 72

72 Chapter 72 His Picture Perfect Family

Blanche’s POV

Carry’s voice came through the phone, “Not yet. Miss Joanna and I are heading to the beach to stargaze later.

I watched Zain settle into the living room chair, lighting a cigarette as he responded casually, “Fine, but don’t stay out all night. Get some sleep when you’re done.”

Carry’s voice carried a hint of hope. “Dad, are you coming? It doesn’t feel right without you, and Miss Joanna seems kind of sad too.”

Zain glanced toward the bathroom where I stood. Oswald had asked him to stay the night, so I heard him decline Carry’s invitation. “Not tonight. Next time, I’ll take you and Joanna out myself.”

“Oh… okay,” Carry sounded deflated.

“Go hang out with Joanna. I’m hanging up now,” Zain said.

Carry perked up at Joanna’s mention. “Alright, I’m going now. Dad, if you do come, make it early.”

“Sure,” Zain replied. After Carry ended the call, he pocketed his phone.

I’d caught every word of their conversation, and disappointment crashed over me. Throughout the entire call, Carry hadn’t mentioned

me once. My chest tightened, but I refused to let the tears come.

I couldn’t let anyone witness my vulnerability, so I shut the bathroom door, pretending I actually needed to use it.

I could sense Zain watching my retreat, but he said nothing.

I lingered in the bathroom until my emotions settled, then opened the door and stepped back into the room.

Zain was already sprawled on the bed, fresh from his shower. He must’ve used the guest bathroom.

He lay on his side, scrolling through videos on his phone. On that massive bed, he occupied only one side, leaving the other half

conspicuously empty–as if he was reserving it for me.

I noticed, but couldn’t be sure of his intentions. Either way, I wasn’t about to share that bed with him.

I headed to the sofa, wrapped myself in a throw blanket, and killed the lights, leaving just a soft glow in the room.

I could feel Zain’s eyes on me when I settled on the couch, and though I couldn’t see his expression clearly in the dim light, something about his posture suggested he was frowning. His pride seemed to prevent him from inviting me to the bed, so he chose silence instead.

Soon, my breathing evened out into sleep.

The next morning, I woke to an empty bed–Zain had vanished. I didn’t dwell on it, just freshened up and headed downstairs,

I spotted Amiya bustling around the kitchen and asked casually, “Seen Zain anywhere?”

Amiya hesitated, then shook her head. “No, Mrs. Jacob, haven’t seen Mr. Jacob.”

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72 Chapter 72 His Picture Perfect Family

I nodded, not giving it much thought.

Since it was still early, I figured I’d share breakfast with Oswald at Jacob Manor before heading to work. I sank into the living room sofa

and started browsing my phone.

Unlike before, I no longer bent over backward to please the Jacobs.

Amiya and the other staff exchanged surprised glances, clearly noticing the change.

While scrolling, I stumbled across a news headline: [CEO of Jacob Group, Zain Jacob, spends midnight under the stars with his wife and

daughter–a truly loving family.]

Curiosity got the better of me, so I clicked through and found extensive media coverage. Countless photos showed Zain, Carry, and

Joanna together, the whole scene radiating warmth and picture–perfect bliss.

The shots only captured their silhouettes, but I could feel the genuine happiness between Zain and Carry.

So he’d gone to be with Joanna and Carry after all.

This revelation didn’t shock me in the slightest.

When Carry called last night, Zain probably wanted to rush right over, but stayed to honor Oswald’s request. In the end, though, Joanna

always took priority.

The comments section was buzzing.

[They’ve got a kid but still sneaking around? Are these rich guys really that scared of commitment? Can’t even have a proper wedding?]

– [Does a wedding really matter that much?]

[Who cares about weddings? I’d happily do his laundry and cook for a man like that for life. That’s the kind of guy we all lose our minds

over.]

[Why is this even news? Does anyone care about ordinary people’s problems?]

[Not interested!]

The reactions ranged from jealousy to criticism, some calling Zain irresponsible while others dismissed it as blown out of proportion.

But regardless of what anyone said, I couldn’t bring myself to care,

Everyone knew Zain had his one true love, but few realized his wife wasn’t the woman they all assumed she was.

Just as I put my phone away, I saw Oswald entering the hall from the backyard.

His face brightened when he spotted me. “Blanche, don’t you have work today?”

Oswald typically ate breakfast alone at Jacob Manor. He would’ve welcomed the company, but his children were always tied up and rarely

visited.

I stood and called out warmly, “Morning, Oswald! It’s still early, so I’ll eat with you before heading to the hospital.” I understood his loneliness and wanted to spend more time with him.

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72 Chapter 72 His Picture Perfect Family

Oswald was genuinely delighted, constantly praising me for being so thoughtful. But when he noticed Zain’s absence, he frowned.”

Where’s Zain?”

1 hesitated, then finally said, “He went to the office. Said he had some crucial meeting.”

Oswald rarely used the internet, so he was unaware of what had happened, which is why I chose to keep the truth hidden.

I was planning to divorce Zain anyway, so there was no point stirring up drama over something so trivial.

After breakfast, Oswald was reluctant to see me go, repeatedly saying, “Visit whenever you can, alright? I’m not getting any younger, and

who knows how much time I have left to spend with you all.”

Each word tugged at my heart, and I kept nodding and agreeing.

After several more reminders, he finally released me, clearly wishing I could stay.

As I was leaving Jacob Manor, I unexpectedly bumped into Ophelia.

She wore a vibrant blue dress, dripping with jewelry, looking ostentatious and over–the–top.

I saw her and immediately felt the hostility radiating from her. Obviously, Ophelia had been lurking outside, waiting for me.

“Well, look who finally decided to show her face,” Ophelia sneered, her voice dripping with mockery.

I had no patience for her drama and replied coldly, “Cut to the chase. Whatever you want to say, just say it.”

After five years married to Zain, I’d endured enough of Ophelia’s verbal attacks. I used to play nice for the sake of family peace, but those

days were over.

Ophelia circled me like a predator, her eyes icy as she hissed, “Don’t think just because Oswald’s got your back, you can push me around.”

Lresponded calmly, “Trust me. I want nothing to do with you.”

Ophelia, accustomed to my previous meek and submissive behavior, was caught off guard by this sharp comeback.

But she quickly regained her composure, dismissing my words. “If you still can’t give him a child, I’ll make sure Zain throws you out.”

Ophelia delivered her threat with total confidence, as if she was already certain Zain would do her bidding.

I smiled coldly. “If you actually pull that off, dinner’s on me.” It made no difference to me–I’d already decided to leave this marriage

behind.