Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 109

hapter 109

Chapter 109

Emma didn’t dwell on what he meant by those words. Lately, Theodore had been losing his temper more often, making threats that sounded serious. But honestly, she couldn’t think of anything she was afraid of anymore.

After all, fear–or hesitation–usually comes from love, from caring about someone.

During the first five years of their marriage, her greatest worry was that Theodore would never fall in love with her.

Now, reality had made it painfully clear: he never had.

Strangely enough, facing that truth, she realized it wasn’t the end of the world. She didn’t love him anymore, either.

Who knew? It turns out she could stop loving him, too.

Dinner passed without much incident.

Theodore was in high spirits, finishing two plates of pasta. His grandmother had made spicy garlic shrimp just the way he liked, and he scraped every last bit of sauce onto his plate, mixing it with his food until the dish was spotless. He finished off with a bowl of clear, comforting clam and squash soup, then leaned back in his chair, clearly satisfied.

“No five–star restaurant in the world could ever beat your shrimp, Grandma,” he declared with genuine admiration.

His words might have sounded exaggerated, but one thing was true: he genuinely loved his grandmother’s cooking.

“That’s why, Grandma, you have to agree to move in with us this time. You love gardening–we bought a house with a big yard, two gardens front and back, plenty of space for flowers and vegetables.”

Grandma smiled, shaking her head. “You two spent so much on that beautiful house. If I start planting everywhere, it’ll look a mess. What if you have important guests over? It would be embarrassing.”

“Nonsense! Grandma, you’re worrying too much. You know what they say–having an elder at home is a blessing. Emma and I would love nothing more than to have you with us. And once we have a baby, we’ll be counting on you for help.”

Emma, in the middle of drinking her soup, nearly choked when she heard that.

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Startled, her hand jerked and she spilled some soup, which went down the wrong pipe. She coughed uncontrollably, her face flushed.

Theodore, seated beside her, reached over to pat her back, his eyes full of concern. “Five years married and you still eat like a kid, choking on your food. Grandma, I honestly don’t know what Emma would do without me.”

Emma stiffened. His words sounded like a warning: Without me, how would you survive? With your injured leg, you can’t even take care of yourself.

As for the mention of a baby… What was he thinking?

Grandma glanced at Emma, a sigh echoing silently in her heart.

“Alright, if you’re done eating, you’d better head out,” Emma urged, trying to hurry Theodore along.

He frowned, obviously annoyed but holding it in for Grandma’s sake. “Why do you always want me to leave?”

“You being here…” Emma trailed off. She hadn’t made it to her Meridian Therapy appointment today.

The doctor had an out–of–office visit during the day, so they’d set the appointment for

5:30. It was already too late now.

Since coming back from the city, Theodore had never once asked about her results or whether there was any hope for her leg.

If he didn’t ask, she wouldn’t offer. Maybe that was for the best–no more ties

between them.

She swallowed her words, and just then, her phone buzzed. A message from her therapist: apologies for the late reply, just finished with the last patient and would be heading back now, but might be a little late.

Emma quickly typed back: No problem, Doctor. I’m still at Stonehaven–it’ll take me a while to get there anyway.

Stonehaven was where Grandma lived.

The doctor replied at once: Then there’s no need to come to the clinic. I’m only ten minutes from Stonehaven. Send me your location–I’ll meet you there for your session.

Emma glanced at Theodore, frustrated. It was clear he had no plans to leave tonight. Why hadn’t Cecilia called him away yet?

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There was no hiding her therapy session now–whether the doctor came here or she insisted on going out, Theodore would find out. There was no avoiding it anymore.

Chapter 110