Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 10

She clutched her phone, thinking, Finally, I can breathe again. For a moment there, she’d been terrified he might scroll through her messages, maybe even open her email–what if he saw the notification about her IELTS exam?

But if that was the only thing she had to worry about…

She paused, and realized she didn’t even want to be mad anymore.

She just wanted to get as far away from here as possible.

That feeling only grew stronger seeing him again now.

When she stayed silent, he assumed she was still sulking. With a sigh, he said, “Emma, you’ve always been so mature. Why would you refuse to come home over something like this?”

Emma swore she genuinely didn’t want to be angry about it anymore. But when Theodore said that–honestly, even a saint would lose their patience.

“So, all of yesterday was my fault, is that it? I’m the immature one? Should I have just walked in and congratulated Jared–‘Great job, you really nailed it, you’re practically his clone‘?” The words slipped out, sharp and tired.

Theodore’s face stiffened. “That’s not what I meant. I’m just saying you can’t control what other people say. You shouldn’t—”

“I can’t control them, but you can, can’t you?” she shot back, locking eyes with him. “So what were you doing at the time? You were there laughing with your precious Cici, with your arm around her.”

“Emma!” For the first time, anger flashed across his face.

And just like that, Emma understood.

“Cici” was his untouchable nerve, the one boundary she wasn’t allowed to cross.

What else was there to say?

She hugged her purse to her chest and brushed past him, heading down the hall.

But before she could get far, his arm shot out, pulling her back against him.

“I’m sorry, Emma. I shouldn’t have raised my voice,” he murmured, voice low. “I just don’t want you to misunderstand about Cici. We’re just friends, nothing more. I treat her like one of the guys. She’s not married yet, and you talking about her like that isn’t

1/3

11:48

Chapter 10

fair to her.”

Emma just couldn’t see it. If nothing was going on, why did Cecilia cling to him so shamelessly? If they could do it, why be so afraid of people talking?

She only answered with a flat, “Okay.”

“Emma…” He heard the chill in her voice. “Why are you still upset? You checked into a hotel by yourself, didn’t even come home, and I never said a word to you. Yet you’re still angry?”

Right. As always, it was all her fault.

“Emma, come on, let’s not fight. Let’s go get some lunch, then I’ll take you shopping, alright?”

She hesitated, then nodded. Fine. She had things she needed to say.

Theodore led her to a nearby restaurant.

As they entered, the hostess glanced their way. Out of habit, Emma instinctively wanted to tug her collar higher and shuffle behind Theodore, hoping to hide her limp and keep her awkward gait out of sight.

But then, just as quickly, she let it go.

So what if she didn’t fit in? She wasn’t planning to try anymore.

They sat down.

Theodore ordered for both of them.

When the food arrived, Theodore handed her a fork with the same gentle tone as always. “Emma, eat. I ordered all your favorites.”

Emma glanced at the dishes–everything was spicy.

She couldn’t help but let out a bitter little laugh.

He didn’t even know she couldn’t handle spicy food. Every dinner at home was loaded with heat, but that was only because he loved it.

“Theodore, I’m not hungry,” she said, not touching the fork. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“What is it?” He forced a small smile. “Anywhere you want to go, I’ll take you. I’m free all day. This afternoon we can go out together, and tonight we’ll have dinner at my parents‘ place.”

2/3

11:48

Chapter 10

She stared at that faint, almost invisible smile on his lips, her heart aching with everything she was about to say.

Chapter 11