Zain's POV
I pushed through the door and hit the light switch without a second thought. Darkness swallowed the room instantly. Loosening my robe, I spoke into the shadows. "You're late. Let's get started—I have other matters to handle tonight." Hallway light filtered through the doorway, casting a faint outline of the figure standing there.
Cherry went rigid at my words. "Mr. Jacob, it's only me," she murmured, hovering uncertainly at the threshold.
The mistake hit me like a slap. I flicked the lights back on and stared at Cherry, bewilderment creeping into my voice. "She's still not back?"
Sweat beaded across Cherry's forehead as she gave a small shake of her head. "No sir, not yet." The air grew thick and suffocating. Reading my irritation clearly, Cherry hurried to add, "Mrs. Jacob usually returns by six. Perhaps she encountered a delay this evening?" Her words faded into uncertainty.
I caught her attempt at reassurance but managed only a clipped, "Understood." Cherry opened her mouth to suggest I rest early, but I bolted upright, cutting off whatever she planned to say.
Within five minutes, I'd changed clothes and was leaving Alexander Villa. Cherry watched from downstairs as I departed, something nagging at the back of her mind.
Only after my car vanished did she recall Blanche mentioning something about the study.
My phone buzzed with Joanna's incoming call just as I cleared the villa gates. "What is it?" I answered, the dashboard lighting softening my expression in ways that felt foreign.
Joanna's voice drifted through the speaker, gentle and apologetic. "Zain, I have a crucial performance tomorrow, but Carry's school is hosting Family Fun Day. I don't think I can attend."
I didn't waste time considering Blanche's schedule first. "Blanche will handle it," I stated, making the decision as I always did.
"Thank you," Joanna breathed, relief evident in her tone. "I've already spoken with Carry about it. Could you relay the details to Ms. Callum when you have a moment?"
"Don't stress about it. Concentrate on your performance," I assured her before ending the call and pulling to the roadside.
I scrolled through my call history for what felt like forever, searching for Blanche's number. That's when it dawned on me—she hadn't called in months.
For years while Blanche stayed home caring for Carry, she'd ring daily asking if I'd be home for dinner. I'd return occasionally, mainly to see our daughter.
Even after we discussed expanding our family, she continued calling regularly to check my dinner plans. I frequently dismissed her calls, either hanging up or letting them go unanswered. Yet whenever I needed to contact her, her number was always readily accessible in my phone.
But now, scrolling endlessly through my call log, Blanche's number had disappeared entirely.
When I finally located it, the timestamp showed three months ago. I couldn't even recall if I'd answered that final call.
I dialed immediately, only to hear an automated message stating the call couldn't connect. This had never occurred before. Startled, I tried again with identical results. After multiple failed attempts, I abandoned the effort.
I considered video-calling Blanche through WhatsApp but couldn't locate her contact there either. Left with no alternatives, I typed a message: [Carry has Family Fun Day at school tomorrow. She needs you there. East Street Preschool, 2 pm.] After sending it, I drove off.
I figured Blanche must be occupied, explaining the missed connections. I felt certain she'd see the message and escort Carry to the event.
Satisfied with this reasoning, I dismissed my concerns.
——
Blanche's POV
At nine PM, I completed my evening shift at the village school. Bone-tired, I dragged myself back to the teacher's dormitory, cleaned up, and fell into bed.
My silenced phone sat ignored beside me. I never checked it before sleep claimed me.
Morning arrived with a sound from my phone. Still drowsy, I grabbed it expecting an alarm, but found a calendar notification about my father-in-law's birthday tomorrow instead.
Previous years meant rising early for market trips, then spending entire days preparing elaborate dishes for the birthday celebration.
This year felt different. I'd decided against that routine. After dismissing the reminder, I set the phone aside and dozed longer.
Friday meant finishing work at two PM.
Earlier, I'd only remembered my father-in-law's birthday, completely forgetting it was also my dad's special day.
This year, I'd return to my parents' home tonight and prepare a proper meal for my own family tomorrow. Zain's text had long since disappeared beneath a mountain of other notifications.
I reached my parents' house at six PM, perfectly timed for dinner. Entering the living room, I found the entire family gathered.
Camila Callum, absorbed in her puzzle, startled when a figure appeared in the doorway. Squinting for clarity, she suddenly recognized her long-missing aunt. Puzzle pieces flew everywhere as she raced across the room and wrapped herself around my legs.
"Aunt Blanche, you're back!"
I dropped to my knees and pulled Camila into a crushing embrace, planting a kiss on her cheek. Emotion clogged my throat, my eyes burning as I battled tears.
Camila wrapped her arms around my neck, delivering a noisy kiss to my cheek. Then she shouted toward the kitchen, "Dad! Mom! Aunt Blanche's home!"
Hearing her cry, Quinton Callum and Amber Brain appeared from the kitchen.
Quinton's face brightened immediately upon seeing me, but the happiness vanished just as quickly. Catching his stern look, Amber nudged him discreetly before approaching me with a genuine smile. "Perfect timing. We're about to serve dinner."
Camila bounced toward Amber, pulling at her mother's sleeve. "Mom, Aunt Blanche loves prosciutto best. You said we had to wait until she visited. Can we have some now?"
Amber booped Camila's nose playfully. "Such a little glutton. Fine, we'll enjoy some tonight."
Camila shrieked with joy, tiny hands clapping as her pigtails bounced with each leap.
Quinton avoided looking at me directly, directing his displeasure toward Camila instead. "Don't waste your love on people who don't value it," he muttered quietly.
My family had always cherished me. But I'd thrown myself into serving the Jacobs, never receiving even basic gratitude. They'd taken me for granted while my real family suffered. Honestly, I felt too ashamed to return tonight.
But I understood the love from my family remained constant. My brother and father might act stern, but they cared deeply. My mother never stopped hoping for my return. My sister-in-law stayed consistently kind and understanding. And my niece was absolutely precious.
It was time to cling to those who truly loved me.
The coldness of the past deserved only to be abandoned.