Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 102

“Yes, ma’am, this is the best property we have–right on the lakefront. When the weather warms up, swans come gliding in. It’s a wonderful place to relax,” the realtor chimed in enthusiastically.

Theodore led her out onto the terrace, his hand wrapped gently around hers, urging her to take in the sweeping views from the house.

The air by the lake was cool and fresh, laced with the scent of trees and new grass. Emma drew a deep breath, filling her lungs with the earthy fragrance. She had to admit–it really was lovely.

“So, what do you think? Do you like it?” Theodore asked, his fingers still entwined with hers.

She glanced down at his hand, resting on top of her own. Well, for such a perfect house, she could tolerate a little hand–holding.

She nodded.

Seeing her response, Theodore’s satisfaction was obvious. “I think it’s great too. Maybe, once the place is finished, we could even move in ourselves. As for Jonathan’s wedding… we can talk about that later.”

Standing on the terrace, Emma’s mind was already elsewhere, picturing how she’d divide up the garden on the first floor for a vegetable patch. Her grandmother would love it here, pottering in the yard, growing her favorite herbs and tomatoes. She barely registered what Theodore was saying.

“Come on, let’s take another look inside.” Maybe inspired by the idea of living here himself, Theodore wanted to get a better feel for the layout.

“There’s a bedroom on the first floor–perfect for your grandma,” he observed as they walked through the hallway. “It’s easier for her to avoid the stairs at her age.”

Emma nodded in agreement. That made perfect sense.

He glanced over, catching the way she was nodding so emphatically. “So you’re on board with that? We’ll just have to convince her to move in.”

He was already planning it out in his head…

Emma rolled her eyes.

Upstairs on the second floor, Theodore mapped out the master bedroom and a

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nursery. “We could make the whole third floor into a study. There’s also a separate room for the housekeeper. What do you think?”

“That sounds perfect,” Emma replied. “That’s exactly what I had in mind.”

Except, she thought to herself, the master bedroom won’t be for both of us. And as for a nursery… she didn’t see herself remarrying, or ever having children.

Theodore gently squeezed her hand, managing a restrained, satisfied smile. “It’s really nice.”

It really was.

Emma wondered how he’d react when he eventually realized there wasn’t a place for

him in this house after all.

She found herself almost looking forward to it.

“Alright, let’s make it official,” Theodore said, turning to the realtor. “Let’s do the paperwork.”

He didn’t waste any time–signed the contract, paid in full, and wrapped up the formalities in a matter of minutes.

When they were done, he led her back to the car, still holding her hand, and finally headed for her grandmother’s house.

In the passenger seat, Emma glanced down at her hand–red from his grip.

Oh well, she thought, consider it an occupational hazard.

After all, it was a whole villa.

Her mind drifted to how perfect the place would be for her grandmother’s retirement. The gated community had smart security, and if her grandmother ever needed help, she could just press a button to call for assistance. That way, Emma could feel at ease, even when she was abroad.

If they divorced, no matter what, she was going to fight for this villa.

As for the house they lived in now–she didn’t want it. Even though her name was on the deed, everything about it screamed Cecilia. If she got it in the divorce, she’d just sell it anyway.

All the way back, Emma’s thoughts were filled with renovation plans for the new villa. This time, she’d design everything according to her own taste–and her grandmother’s.

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Every now and then, Theodore would offer a suggestion for the remodel as he drove.

He’d make a suggestion, and she’d shoot it down.

She was done living in Cecilia’s shadow.

“Theodore, leave this house alone. I want to do the renovations myself!”

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