Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 101

Theodore started driving again, but he still wasn’t heading toward Grandma’s house.

“I’m taking you to see a house,” he said with a sigh. “Yesterday, when I took your ID, it was actually to buy a place for you.”

Emma frowned. “Buy a house?”

“My parents want to buy Jonathan a place for his wedding, remember?” he explained.

“They talked to you again?” Emma asked, her voice wary.

Theodore didn’t respond.

His silence was answer enough.

“When did this happen? How come I never heard about it?”

He glanced sideways at her, an amused glint in his eyes. “You’re so fierce. Do you think they’d dare tell you?”

Emma had no idea why he was looking at her like that–half smiling, half exasperated. All she felt was frustration. Her family always managed to hold her back, to embarrass her in front of Theodore!

“Theodore, could you please not hand out houses like party favors? Other people’s families treat their kids like cash machines. What are you, a slot machine for houses? Just pull the lever and a house pops out for everyone who asks!”

He acted as if he hadn’t heard. “Honestly, I didn’t realize you could be so intimidating. That day at your parents‘ place, you nearly scared me.”

Who cares about that!

“Theodore! You-”

“Alright, alright. I can’t just conjure houses for anyone. It’s only for you that I’m willing to do this.” He sounded resigned. “I know how you are–tough on the outside, soft on the inside. Weren’t you planning to help your brother buy a place yesterday? And with what money? All those little savings are just the pocket money I gave you over the years. It wasn’t easy for you to save up–keep it for yourself.”

He actually thought he knew her so well?

And he believed the lie she’d told yesterday about needing money for a house?

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She’d just made that up on the spot!

“I…” She wanted to say that saving up hadn’t been all that hard, and besides, over the last five years, he’d given her more than “a little” pocket money. But then she thought, no need to broadcast that–better to keep quiet about her finances.

“So I’m wrong? You even sold your watch and jewelry to help Jonathan buy a house–why bother? If you need money, just ask me.”

Emma: ????

She’d sold her watch for Jonathan’s house? Theodore, are you even listening to yourself?

“Emma, I’m going to buy this place, but I’m putting it in your name. I remember your parents put their house under Jonathan’s name. If they want to add you to the title or transfer it, they’ll have to deal with that. But this one? This one is yours. You can let anyone live there, or keep it for yourself.”

At that, all the retorts Emma had lined up got stuck in her throat.

After a moment, she swallowed them back down.

Fine. If he wanted to buy her a house, she wasn’t about to object.

Who turns down free real estate?

She was his lawful wife. If they ever divorced, she’d get half of everything anyway. She’d never planned on taking more than her share, but she wasn’t stupid enough to refuse what fell into her lap.

When she finally fell silent, Theodore looked relieved, even a little pleased, as if a heavy burden had just been lifted.

Emma understood exactly what he meant. If yesterday he’d bought the house for Jonathan’s wedding, today it had another purpose–it was compensation, a peace offering. He hoped this would stop her from going after Cecilia.

Sorry, Theodore, but I’ll take the house–and the lawsuit stays.

Theodore had clearly arranged everything with the realtor ahead of time. The place he’d picked out was a detached villa in an excellent neighborhood–spacious, luxurious, and worth a fortune.

“It’s three stories, with an elevator,” Theodore said, holding her hand as they toured the house together. “No matter who ends up living here, it’ll be easy for you to visit. The view’s fantastic–no buildings blocking it front or back. It’s the best spot in the

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neighborhood, right across from the lake. The terrace has an amazing view.”

Emma followed him through each floor, up and down, the sunlight pouring through the windows, and for a brief moment, she let herself imagine what it would be like to call this place home.

Chapter 102