The Plane Tickets He Hoarded The Wife He Hid novel Chapter 98

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98 Chapter 98 The Real Other Woman

98 Chapter 98 The Real Other Woman

Blanche’s POV 1

After Zain carried me upstairs, he placed me gently on the bed and pulled the covers over me.

He fetched fever medication and a glass of warm water, then settled beside me while I took the pills.

When I finished, he took the empty glass and said, “We need to talk.”

My head still throbbed. I leaned back against the headboard, meeting his gaze. “About what?”

“I have a business trip this weekend,” Zain announced.

His meaning was crystal clear. He wanted me to watch Carry.

Even though I understood perfectly, I decided to play ignorant.

“Zain, you don’t need to inform me of your schedule. I’ve never tried to monitor your movements,” I said.

There was a time I craved that kind of intimacy, even knowing it was pure fantasy.

But I’d stopped torturing myself with those dreams long ago.

I thought, ‘Zain barely comes home anyway. Why would he keep me in the loop about his activities?‘

“I need you here this weekend to look after Carry. I’ll return by early next week,” Zain said bluntly.

Given his directness, I didn’t read anything into it. I figured he genuinely had business to handle.

After all, running the Jacob Group meant constant demands on his time.

Travel came with the territory.

As for the weekend, I had both days free with no work obligations or emergency calls.

I hesitated briefly, then nodded. “Fine.”

With Zain traveling and Joanna away, Carry would need someone.

I thought to myself, ‘I’ll just fulfill my duties. That’s all I can do!

My agreement seemed to ease his tension. “Rest now. I’ll check on Carry.”

I didn’t respond, just pulled the blanket up.

Once I settled in, Zain tucked the covers around me and smoothed my hair.

I closed my eyes instinctively. His unexpected tenderness felt surreal.

But the lingering warmth where he’d touched me proved this wasn’t some fever dream.

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+2

Zain’s POV

When I entered Carry’s room, she was stretched across her bed on a video call with Joanna.

They weren’t really talking–each focused on their own activities.

Joanna was caring for her sick mother on her end while Carry had a second tablet running cartoons.

My entrance caught Carry’s attention immediately. “Dad.”

She stretched both arms toward me, seeking an embrace.

My heart melted. I crossed the room quickly, scooping her onto my lap.

On the video screen, Joanna chatted with her mother, but I paid little attention. I leaned down to Carry. “Sweetheart, I’m traveling to the

neighboring state this weekend to see Mrs. Vins.”

Carry peered up at me. “Dad, can I come?”

I caressed her small cheek. “You’re still recovering. Let’s wait until you’re completely well, alright?”

Carry’s expression crumpled. She jutted out her lower lip, radiating disappointment.

I softened my voice, attempting to lift her spirits. “Your mom will stay with you at Blissfield Villa this weekend. Once

settles and you feel stronger, I’ll take you somewhere special.”

Carry remained silent, head bowed, clearly sulking.

I coaxed gently. “If you behave, I’ll grant you one special request.”

Carry’s eyes sparkled as she looked up. “Anything?”

I nodded. “Absolutely.”

Carry brightened instantly, clutching my arm.

“Can I ask now?”

I adopted a mock–serious expression. “Let’s see your behavior first. Good girls earn their wishes.”

Carry looked slightly deflated but knew exactly what she’d request.

“Dad, I’ll be perfect, so you and Miss Joanna have to return quickly, okay?” Carry whispered hopefully.

“Deal,” I agreed.

your stomach

Blanche’s POV

Zain left Blissfield Villa that evening.

That night, despite my lingering weakness, I slept on Carry’s couch to monitor her condition.

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98 Chapter 98 The Real Other Woman

By morning, my fever had broken and I felt somewhat human again.

After sharing breakfast with Carry, I suggested we venture outside.

With everything that had happened recently, Carry’s feelings toward me kept shifting unpredictably.

When I proposed our outing, she didn’t protest, but her enthusiasm was nonexistent. She tagged along like she was enduring some tedious obligation.

Whatever was running through Carry’s mind, I refused to let it affect me. I’d simply do what was required.

After spending quite a while at the park, I took Carry to the supermarket.

We returned to Blissfield Villa later that morning.

Wanting to prepare something nutritious for Carry, I headed straight to the kitchen.

Before noon, my phone buzzed.

The caller ID showed Patty, a college friend.

Patty had been the doctor who’d handled my procedure when I was pregnant the second time.

Seeing her name brought back memories of the baby who never had a chance.

Back then, I’d actually believed a second child might convince Zain to stay.

Looking back at that version of myself, I could only laugh at my foolishness.

I answered, and Patty said, “Blanche, I’m flying into Oakwood this afternoon. Want to grab dinner?”

I agreed immediately. “Absolutely, I’ll arrange something.”

Normally, that would’ve ended our conversation.

But Patty kept hesitating, like she was wrestling with something. I finally asked, “What’s wrong?”

Patty sighed. “Blanche, I was at the gynecology ward earlier, and I think I spotted Zain.”

I paused briefly but kept my voice neutral, “Okay”

Patty couldn’t contain herself any longer. “He was with a woman, and they seemed incredibly close. Laughing, talking, acting like a married couple.

I knew instantly who she meant, but I maintained my indifferent facade. “Yeah, I’m aware, Patty.”

Patty sensed my calm exterior but pressed on. “Blanche, are you truly okay?”

I replied, “Her name’s Joanna. She’s the woman Zain actually loves. Patty, ultimately, it’s those who aren’t loved who lose everything.”

Patty snorted. “But you’re his wife. Regardless of everything else, how is she anything but the other woman?”

I laughed bitterly. “Honestly, in Zain’s mind, I’m probably the real other woman.”

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98 Chapter 98 The Real Other Woman

Patty fell completely silent, apparently speechless.

After a long pause, she asked, “Are you really managing? Have you healed?”

I smiled. “Yeah, I’m mostly recovered.”

Patty sounded relieved. “Good. It wouldn’t be worth damaging your health over someone like him.”

I smiled faintly without responding.

After lunch, I made sure Carry napped properly.

When she woke, I took her to the playground for some activity.

Later that afternoon, Patty called to say she’d nearly reached Oakwood.

Once I brought Carry home to Blissfield Villa, I quickly changed clothes and left to meet Patty.

After connecting with Patty, I treated her to dinner at an elegant restaurant.

Throughout the meal, Patty kept criticizing Zain, but I offered only polite smiles and stayed quiet, clearly uninterested in participating.

Following dinner, we headed to the shopping center together.

After helping Patty select a few outfits, I found myself wandering into the children’s section without thinking.

All those precious little dresses and long–sleeved shirts caught my attention. I felt an almost irresistible urge to buy them for Carry.

Even though Carry practically despised me these days, I still found myself walking deeper into the section, unable to stop myself.

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