7 Chapter 7 The Darkened Living Room 7 Chapter 7 The Darkened Living Room Zain's POV At 1:30 pm , I was deep in a board meeting when my phone started buzzing . My first instinct was to ignore it - probably Blanche calling- but the caller ID made my blood run cold . East Street Preschool . Something was wrong with Carry . I immediately called a break and stepped into the hallway to answer . " Is this Carry's parent ? " A woman's voice cut straight to the point . " Family Fun Day began thirty minutes ago . We've been expecting you . I understand busy parents might not prioritize these events , but your daughter is currently the only child sitting by herself in the corner . " My chest tightened . I wasn't some negligent father who forgot important dates . I'd sent Blanche that message assuming she'd handle it . The possibility that she simply wouldn't show up had never crossed my mind . No time to track Blanche down now . " I'm on my way ," I said , ending the call . I turned to my assistant immediately . " Cancel everything for the rest of the day . " ***** The school event wrapped up at 4:30 pm . Carry had stayed withdrawn and sullen the entire afternoon . Walking her to the car afterward , I helped her into the backseat and slid in beside her . Her dejected expression told me everything . " How are you feeling today ? " I asked , studying her downcast face . Tears welled up in her eyes . " Where was Mom ? I specifically asked her to come early . Every other kid had their mom there , and I only had Dad . " She brushed at her eyes . " If Miss Joanna wasn't performing , I wouldn't have even wanted Mom to come . " I took her small hand in mine . " This was Dad's fault . It won't happen again . " But Carry's mood didn't lift . Every other child had brought their mother . She was the only one with just her father . Sure , having Dad gave her advantages in some of the games - she loved winning- but not when it felt unfair . Seeing her still upset , I was about to offer more reassurance when my phone rang . Ophelia's name flashed on the screen . I picked up . " Your father's birthday is tomorrow , " Ophelia's voice came through crisp and direct . " We're having family friends over for dinner tonight . Bring Carry and meet me at Aleena Mall . " I paused , suddenly remembering that tomorrow was indeed Dad's birthday . " Understood ," I replied before hanging up . Turning back to Carry's still - troubled face , I gently touched her cheek . " Grandpa's birthday is tomorrow , sweetheart . That's why Mom couldn't make it today . She's been busy preparing everything at Jacob Manor . You know how she always makes those incredible spreads for occasions like this . " Carry considered this and seemed to find it reasonable . Her expression brightened slightly as she lifted her chin . " Well , that makes sense then . Otherwise the other kids would've made fun of me for having a mom who doesn't care . " 7 Chapter 7 The Darkened Living Room I couldn't suppress a chuckle . " Next time there's a school event , I'll bring Miss Joanna along with you . " At those words , Carry's face transformed with pure joy , her earlier disappointment vanishing instantly . She practically glowed as she looked at me , bouncing with excitement . I ruffled her hair playfully . " Ready to go see Grandpa ? " Her smile dimmed . " Will Mom be there ? " she asked softly . She still hadn't forgiven Blanche for today's absence or for that incident with Miss Joanna . The prospect of facing Mom made her stomach twist . Plus , Mom would smother her with those suffocating hugs and kisses , always carrying that lingering scent from the kitchen . Nothing like Miss Joanna , whose gentle touch always carried the fragrance of flowers . I watched Carry's conflicted expression and nodded honestly . Carry knew we had to attend tonight . With tears threatening , she looked up at me . " Can I ignore Mom when I see her ? I'm still mad at her , and I don't want to speak to her unless she apologizes to Miss Joanna . " I secured her seatbelt and agreed to her request . After settling Carry's nerves , I drove us to Aleena Mall . We collected Ophelia at 5:30 pm , and by 6:00 pm , we'd arrived back at Jacob Manor . Throughout the drive , Ophelia had been making call after call , confirming dinner guests . Holding Carry's hand , I stepped into the living room . What we found left us stunned . The entire house sat in complete darkness . Not one light had been turned on . The dining table remained bare , and the kitchen looked untouched - no evidence that any meal preparation had begun . Ophelia stared in disbelief . Since Blanche became my wife , she'd never needed reminders about this annual tradition . Every single year , Blanche had everything flawlessly arranged without being prompted . Even seasoned socialites were consistently amazed by her preparations. Ophelia took immense pride in showcasing Blanche's capabilities to her circle . But the barren kitchen and darkened living room sent Ophelia into a rage . " What is Blanche thinking ? Has she completely lost track of what day this is ? " Grumbling furiously , she grabbed her phone and dialed Blanche . No response . She tried repeatedly , getting the same result each time . In her fury , she hurled the phone down , shattering it completely . I remained surprisingly calm , instinctively pulling Carry closer protectively. With one arm around my daughter , I suggested evenly , " We'll take everyone to a restaurant . I'll book the best place in Oakwood . " Ophelia whirled on me with blazing eyes . " We've always hosted this at home . I already told everyone we were having dinner here this year , and now this ? " Her voice grew more cutting . " Has Blanche lost her mind ? She seems to have forgotten what being Mrs. Jacob means . Absolutely no sense of responsibility ! " From the start , Ophelia had opposed my marriage to Blanche . Without Grandfather's insistence on the match , she never would have welcomed Blanche into the family . Carry , scared by her grandmother's explosion , pressed against me silently . I ignored Ophelia's tirade , my thoughts racing . ' Had something happened to Blanche ? I couldn't reach her yesterday either . She missed Carry's school event and failed to prepare dinner . This behavior isn't like her . But she's a grown woman . What could possibly be wrong ? " 73 < 7 Chapter 7 The Darkened Living Room Curled in my arms , Carry whispered , " Mom didn't cook dinner and skipped school today on purpose . She wanted to embarrass me in front of everyone . She's not a good mom . Miss Joanna would never hurt my feelings like this . I don't want Mom anymore " Comment 0 15:50