The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 89

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89 Chapter 89 A Simple Tedious Chore

89 Chapter 89 A Simple Tedious Chore

Zain’s POV

Drew and Joanna stood behind me when I spoke those words.

The moment I mentioned “my wife,” Drew’s gaze darted toward Joanna, catching her eye in return.

They locked eyes briefly, but neither said a word.

Drew couldn’t wrap his head around why I had suddenly brought Blanche into the conversation. The man clearly didn’t love his wife, yet

the casual way I acknowledged her left Drew genuinely puzzled.

Joanna’s eyes dropped, her lips forming a tight line. Drew read her thoughts perfectly.

His decision was already made–he’d chosen her side. He would back her bid to become my future wife.

I kept quiet about everything else except the gifts.

Drew escorted them from the Stewart residence, watching their car disappear before returning inside.

The driver sat up front while Joanna and I occupied the back seat in silence.

My attention stayed glued to my phone, my thumb sliding across the screen without purpose.

Joanna noticed my distraction and finally spoke up. “Zain.”

My eyes shifted to her. “Yeah?”

Joanna couldn’t bring herself to mention Drew’s mother’s earlier comments. “I won’t stay at Blissfield Villa tonight. Need to spend a few

days at home.”

She offered no explanation, and I didn’t press for one. A simple nod. “Alright.”

Joanna caught my mood and wondered if the earlier conversation had gotten under my skin. She tested the waters carefully. “Zain, will

you pick me up when I come back?”

I studied her face, my lips curving into a slight smile.

“Yeah.

My words came few and my tone stayed neutral, but Joanna got the message. My promise to pick her up meant no anger lingered.

Truth was, I probably hadn’t given it much thought at all.

And not overthinking it was acceptance enough.

While she processed this, I suddenly asked, “When are you heading out?”

Joanna hesitated briefly. “Tomorrow morning”

I considered this. “I’ll see you off.”

< 89 Chapter 89 A Simple Tedious Chore

Her face lit up with a broad smile. “Thanks, Zain.”

I smiled back, my expression warm and patient.

Joanna looked down shyly, her remaining concerns dissolving.

She’d worried I might be upset, but she’d been reading too much into things.

After dropping Joanna off, the driver brought me back to Blissfield Villa.

Late when we arrived.

Pulling into the driveway, I spotted the living room lights still burning. Carry’s small figure was visible playing with her toys.

The sight of my daughter brought a smile to my face.

Heidi, who’d been watching Carry, noticed me first as I entered the foyer. “Mr. Jacob, welcome back.”

I kicked off my shoes, hung my coat up, and loosened my tie while walking toward Carry.

“Has my wife stopped by?” I asked Heidi.

Heidi’s forehead creased as she shook her head. “No, Mrs. Jacob hasn’t been back in quite some time.”

Blanche hadn’t visited since Drew’s mother’s surgery.

My brow tightened. After a moment, I tried again. “Not even this morning?”

Heidi met my gaze and shook her head. “No.”

Carry set down her toys and looked up at me. “Daddy.”

“Hey, sweetheart,” I said, settling in front of her.

I wrapped my hands around her small ones. “Did Mommy call you?”

Carry cocked her head, thinking hard before shaking it. “Nope.”

My frown deepened. “Did you call her?”

Carry shook her head and looked down, picking up on my irritation.

I held back from scolding her or badmouthing Blanche in front of our daughter, I softened my voice instead. “Don’t you miss your mom?”

Carry said, “Yeah, but it’s okay”

I brushed her cheek gently. “How about having your mom take you to school tomorrow?”

Carry’s face scrunched up. “Why, Daddy?”

Before I could respond, she quickly added, “What about Miss Joanna? How come she didn’t come home with you?”

“Miss Joanna’s visiting family” I said matter–of–factly. “She’ll be gone for a few days.”

Carry looked shocked and slightly let down. “Oh.”

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89 Chapter 89 A Simple Tedious Chore

Then she perked up. “Can we visit too?”

“Maybe this weekend,” I said. “School comes first.”

“Okay,” Carry mumbled.

I checked the time. Getting late. I said to Carry, “Let Heidi help you wash up. Time for bed. I’ll call your mom and have her look after you

for the next few days.”

Carry clearly wasn’t thrilled but didn’t have much choice. “Fine, I guess.”

With Miss Joanna away, her mom was the only option left.

After Heidi took Carry upstairs, I dialed Blanche.

Blanche’s POV

The phone buzzed for multiple rings before I finally answered. My voice came out ice–cold. “What do

All warmth had drained away, replaced by the distant tone I’d use with a complete stranger.

Zain cut straight to the point. “Be here tomorrow morning to take Carry to school.”

I wanted to refuse, but I remembered my promise to him and agreed. “Fine.”

Carry was still my daughter, and I’d promised Zain I’d handle my motherly responsibilities.

The next day, I showed up right on schedule.

you

want?”

Carry had specifically told me not to come early to make breakfast since it would disturb Joanna’s sleep.

Since my own daughter didn’t want the gesture, I wasn’t about to waste my effort.

When I arrived, Heidi had already set breakfast on the table.

I took a seat at the dining table, scrolling through news on my phone.

Zain and Carry were still upstairs–probably still asleep.

Still early, so I figured I’d wait.

I hadn’t been reading long when Zain came down the stairs.

He wore nothing but his bathrobe,

Hearing his footsteps, I glanced up to see him walking straight toward me.

Before I could process what was happening, he stood directly in front of me. The robe hung slightly open, revealing the hard planes of

his muscular chest.

I remembered exactly how that muscle felt under my hands, and my throat tightened involuntarily,

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89 Chapter 89 A Simple Tedious Chore

I quickly looked away, not wanting him to catch the effect he had on me.

After what felt like forever, Zain finally spoke. “Iron my shirt.”

I was confused. I looked around the dining room. Just the two of us here.

Was he talking to me?

I looked up at him. “Heidi’s in the kitchen. Ask her to do it.”

I knew he’d never ask his precious Joanna to handle such a tedious chore.

In the past, I would’ve jumped at the chance, seeing it as a gift–a tiny scrap of his attention.

But not anymore. I was done being his personal servant.

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