Chapter 110
Chapter 110
“Forget it, let’s not make a fuss anymore.”
She sent her location to the doctor.
“Who are you texting?”
Theodore was acting like some sort of radar lately–anytime she so much as moved, he immediately sounded the alarm.
Emma couldn’t be bothered to answer. She got up to clear the table and called over to her grandmother, “Grandma, did you happen to set aside an extra bowl of food when you were cooking?”
Every time Emma visited, her grandmother would prepare a feast, and if there was a dish with a big portion, she’d always save some for later.
“Yes, I saved two bowls–one of chicken stew and one of beef and potatoes,” her grandmother replied, bustling over.
“Perfect. We have a guest coming over soon, and I doubt he’s had dinner yet.”
“Oh, in that case, I’d better whip up some extra veggies!” Grandma exclaimed, already hurrying off to the kitchen.
Now only Emma and Theodore remained at the table.
He glared at her. “Who’s coming?”
She answered coolly, “Someone you don’t know.”
He scoffed. “Is there anyone you know that I don’t? Mrs. Whitman, don’t forget, we’ve known each other since we were fifteen.” The way he said “Mrs. Whitman” always carried a hint of mocking chill.
Emma rolled her eyes. Was he out of his mind? They’d gone four years without seeing each other during college! Did he seriously think he knew all her friends from the Dance Academy, too?
She ignored him and started clearing the dishes,
“Sit down,” he ordered, pulling her back into her chair and beginning to clean up himself.
Emma let him tidy up and stepped outside. Even though she’d sent her location, there was no guarantee the doctor would find their place.
1/4
10:59
Chapter 110
Theodore finished the dishes and wiped down the table before following her out. He spotted her standing at the gate, leaning against the old brick pillar, her hair pulled back into a simple ponytail, dressed in a plain white T–shirt.
For a moment, time seemed to rewind–her silhouette reminded him of their high school days.
“Emma, who exactly are you waiting for?”
His tone was tense as he walked up to her, but Emma didn’t seem to hear him. She just stood on tiptoe, peering intently down the street.
Soon, a car pulled up. Emma broke into a smile and waved enthusiastically.
Theodore’s frown deepened as he watched her. “Emma…”
He barely got the words out before Emma was already striding forward, completely oblivious to him.
She reached the car as a man in his thirties stepped out–gentle, well–spoken, with a warm smile reserved just for Emma. She smiled back at him, just as warmly.
Theodore stood rooted to the spot, his face growing darker by the second.
Emma led Dr. Fletcher toward the house, only to find Theodore blocking the doorway, refusing to move.
With no other choice, she smiled at Dr. Fletcher, introducing him, “This is Mr. Whitman.” Then she turned to Theodore, “He’s the doctor who’s here to give me some physical therapy.”
Theodore’s rigid expression finally cracked. “A doctor? For physical therapy? Emma, you-”
He quickly stepped aside. “Dr. Fletcher, please come in. I apologize for my rudeness. If I’d known you were coming, I would have met you outside.”
Dr. Fletcher gave a polite nod. “No need to apologize. I was volunteering nearby and happened to be passing through.”
They all walked in together, moving slowly to accommodate Emma.
Grandma had just finished sautéing vegetables and was laying out the dishes. When she heard the doctor was here for Emma’s therapy, she was delighted.
It was dinnertime. Despite Dr. Fletcher’s polite refusals, Emma, her grandmother, and Theodore insisted he eat with them before getting started.
2/4
11:00
Chapter 110
Dr. Fletcher finally relented, sharing a quick meal and resting for a bit before beginning Emma’s treatment.
Throughout the session, everyone watched in silence, careful not to disturb him.
When the therapy was over, Emma lay down to rest, while Theodore kept Dr. Fletcher company outside with some tea.
Emma could hear their voices murmuring from the yard, but couldn’t make out what they were saying.
Eventually, Theodore walked Dr. Fletcher out, and by the time he returned, night had fallen. Both Emma and Theodore stayed overnight at her grandmother’s house.
It was the first time in five years Theodore had slept there, staying in the small room Emma had used as a child, furnished with a single narrow bed.
The house actually had other rooms–ones Emma’s parents and brother used to stay
She eyed the cramped bed and suggested, “My room’s really too small. You could always-”
“What do you think?” he interrupted before she could finish.
Emma fell silent.
He had his quirks about cleanliness–though, honestly, she suspected his standards were selectively applied–and he never liked her parents or her brother.
She gave up. Fine, he could sleep however he liked; she was going to bed first, regardless.
He sat down at the edge of her bed.
“Mrs. Whitman, just how many things are you hiding from me?” Every time he called her “Mrs. Whitman,” it meant he was in one of his sarcastic moods.
Emma mentally tallied up the secrets she was keeping. There were quite a few, actually. But which one was he talking about this time?
“How did you meet that doctor? You’re seeing him for daily therapy and never said a word to me?”
She stayed silent.
“I just spoke with him. Turns out you need massages on your leg every day, and you told neither me nor your grandmother. Who’s doing them for you?”
3/4
11:00
Chapter 110
He fired off one question after another.
But Emma actually felt relieved. He wasn’t talking about her plans to study abroad,
after all.
Honestly, even if he found out about that, it wouldn’t really matter–he was bound to know sooner or later. Still, she couldn’t help worrying. What if he tried to sabotage her plans?
“So now you’re just not going to answer anything I ask, is that it?”
Chapter 111

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