14 Chapter 14 A Stranger To Her Child Blanche's POV 1 The next day marked the time since I'd arrived in that small town - and the day I could finally head back to Oakwood . Mr. Dixon threw a small farewell party at the school to thank me . I hated goodbyes , but that's how life works - every chapter ends so another can begin . I drove back to Oakwood and stopped by Blissfield Villa to collect what still had meaning , then packed everything up and had it sent to the Callum Mansion . I'd lived in Blissfield Villa for years - enough to fill a moving truck - but I only took what truly counted . At least leaving the Jacob family didn't leave me homeless . The next morning , I arrived at the hospital early . The director had surgery on his schedule and asked if I'd assist . I was scrubbing in , hands under the rushing water , when a surprised voice came from beside me . " Blanche ? " I was in scrubs with my mask and cap on , only my eyes showing . I turned toward the voice , blinking once before recognition hit . " Demetrius ? " Demetrius Jake's eyes crinkled with a smile above his mask . " Yeah , it's me ." " You work here ? " I asked , still catching up . " Just consulting today , " Demetrius said . " Free for lunch ? Let's catch up . " I didn't hesitate . " Absolutely . My treat . " He grinned under the mask . " I'll find you after surgery . " At noon , I chose a hotpot restaurant . I remembered Demetrius couldn't handle spice and ordered mild options . When the food came , I ladled him a bowl of broth . " It's been too long , Demetrius . " He accepted it with a grateful nod . " Way too long . How have you been ? " I didn't dive into the messy details - just kept it simple . " Good . " His eyes caught the pale line on my ring finger . He hesitated . " Married ? " " Mm . " I didn't dodge the question . " And I have a sweet little girl " 85 . < 14 Chapter 14 A Stranger To Her Child Demetrius's voice warmed . " Congratulations . But why didn't we get invitations ? " I looked down . " We never had a ceremony . No guests to invite ." Sensing I didn't want to dig into my personal life , Demetrius let it slide . Halfway through the meal , he couldn't resist asking , " What's your specialty now ? " I sipped my soup slowly before answering , " Pediatric surgery ." After graduation , I hadn't pursued advanced training , choosing marriage and motherhood instead . Most of our classmates had continued - master's degrees , PhDs , some even studying abroad . Back then , I'd graduated at the top of our class . Now I was the one who'd fallen furthest behind . Demetrius had earned both his master's and doctorate , specializing in neurosurgery . He was now a recognized expert in primary brain tumors - his name appeared across medical journals , his successful surgeries too numerous to count . With his current reputation , he was easily among the field's elite . I could have walked that path with him . I'd had the opportunity , the invitation . Instead , I'd chosen a different route - marriage - and the years had proven it led nowhere . Demetrius had caught fragments from classmates about my choices - skipping further education , getting married . " Pediatrics takes real patience ," he said gently . " Especially pediatric surgery ." My lips curved , but shadows flickered in my expression . " I just made attending . Still basically a community doctor . " He studied me , the quiet self - doubt in my eyes tugging at something in his chest . " If you're ready to begin again , it's never too late . With your talent , I know you'll rise higher than anyone . " I just smiled , letting his words pass without comment . When we finished , I went to pay - only to have the server tell me , " The gentleman already took care of it ." I blinked , turning to Demetrius . " We agreed this was my treat . How could you pay behind my back ? " He was grinning at me , about to respond , when a surprised female voice called from behind . " Demetrius ? " We both turned - and there stood Joanna , with Zain right behind her and Carry in tow . Demetrius recognized Joanna , but the man and little girl were strangers to him . He didn't give it much thought . " Joanna , what are the odds , " Demetrius said with an easy smile . Joanna's gaze swept over me like I was invisible . " Such a coincidence . Have you eaten , Demetrius ? Join us , " Joanna said , her tone dripping sweetness . Demetrius didn't understand the connection between the man and child behind her and me , but he caught the sharp dismissiveness in Joanna's glance . 10.00 < 14 Chapter 14 A Stranger To Her Child So he stepped closer , positioning himself beside me . " Already finished , " he said with the same pleasant smile . " Wouldn't want to impose ." That small movement made Joanna's stomach clench . She shot me a quick , involuntary look before turning to loop her arm through Zain's . " Zain , this is the brilliant senior I mentioned . " The moment Zain walked through the door with Carry's hand in his , he spotted me . I'd clearly put effort into my appearance - skin glowing , lips softly colored , even my lashes curling upward in delicate crescents . I looked different today , striking in a way that made his memories seem pale . But what struck him more was this : Carry stood right in front of me , and I didn't spare her a single glance , as if we were complete strangers . Zain pulled his attention back and nodded at Demetrius . " Hello . " " Hey , " Demetrius replied politely , then turned to Joanna . " I've already eaten , Joanna . Let's catch up another time ." Joanna couldn't push without seeming desperate , so she backed off with a slightly disappointed smile . Demetrius gave Zain a courteous nod goodbye , then held the curtain open for me , his eyes following me out . As I headed toward the exit , my heart gave a small , traitorous flutter when I passed Carry . But I kept walking , didn't pause , didn't look back - not even when I walked right past her . Carry's heart jumped a little as Blanche started toward the door . She still hadn't gotten over the fact that her mother had hit Miss Joanna . In her mind , Mom was in the wrong - and she hadn't apologized . So forgiveness wasn't on the table . Carry prided herself on having principles : no apology , no deal . She'd been waiting for her mom to crack first, to come crawling back with an explanation and maybe some tears . After all , she figured Mom would crack soon enough . Maybe , just maybe , Mommy would sweep her up , and she'd get to lecture her in her most grown - up voice about how wrong it was to hit Miss Joanna that day . But before the fantasy could finish playing in her head , Joanna's hand was waving in front of her face , pulling her back to reality . Joanna crouched down , palm checking Carry's forehead . " Carry , what's wrong ? " Carry glanced back instinctively - just in time to see her mother walking away with Demetrius , already halfway to the door . Not a glance . Not a pause . Not even when she'd passed right by her . Heat flooded her little face . She stamped her foot , her pout sharpening like a tiny weapon . Bad Mommy . If you don't want me , I'll tell Daddy not to want you either ! 16:00 374