Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 113

Chapter 113

She stopped in her tracks, opening the door just a crack to listen in on the conversation outside.

“Cici, trust me on this. I talked to the doctor–he trained under a top specialist in the capital. You really can try again. Just go and see, all right?”

“If you truly want to stay childfree, I won’t say another word. That’s fine too. But deep down, that’s not what you want. You’re just scared–scared to try, scared to fail.”

“Don’t be so discouraged. Other people’s children will always be just that–other people’s. Don’t you want one of your own someday?”

“Cici, I’ll come pick you up soon, okay? Please–don’t be stubborn.”

Emma leaned against the door, a chill spreading through her chest.

So that was it. That’s why he’d suddenly brought up having a child with her…

Was it because Cecilia couldn’t have children? Did he want to have one with Emma–just to give the baby to Cecilia?

Of course. She’d been right not to listen to his empty promises–he never spoke a single honest word.

Quietly, she closed the door, unwilling to hear another syllable.

When he came in from outside, she was already sitting at the table, slowly eating her noodles, pretending nothing had happened.

He walked over and glanced at her simple bowl. “Do you want an egg? I could cook one for you. Or maybe some milk?”

She put down her fork. “Mr. Whitman, in case you haven’t noticed, I never drink milk. Besides, Grandma already made me a poached egg. But thank you.”

He was momentarily at a loss, awkwardly clearing his throat. “Well…”

“No need for that,” she interrupted, her voice quiet so Grandma wouldn’t overhear, but firm and distant all the same. “Just let me eat my breakfast in peace.”

Funny, how the roles had reversed…

She used to hover around him, always attentive.

“Theodore, would you like an egg?”

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Chapter 113

“Theodore, let me warm some milk for you.”

“Theodore, want some shrimp? I’ve already peeled them.”

“Theodore, can I get you some soup?”

And he’d barely look up, or maybe just frown. “I’m thinking about work. Can you just let me eat in peace?”

How ironic.

People are only truly strong when they want nothing.

Back when she still longed for his love, she was always at a disadvantage–looking up to him, doing everything to please him, never his equal.

The moment she stopped wanting, she stood tall.

And now, the tables had turned. He was the one who wanted something from her,

trying to speak gently and win her over.

Sorry, but what you want is exactly what I can’t stand.

Theodore, I’ll never give you what you want.

He lowered his gaze, lost in thought. After a moment, he finally spoke. “Emma, is Dr. Fletcher coming by today to give you your therapy?”

“He should be.”

“Alright. I need to head out–work at the office.”

Work at the office? Or was he off to pick up Cecilia?

But Emma didn’t call him out. She simply nodded, calm and indifferent. “Alright. Go

ahead.”

She didn’t care anymore.

Whether he was really going to the office or off to see Cecilia, it made no difference to

her.

He looked at her, hesitating as if there was more he wanted to say. In the end, though, he just went to say goodbye to Grandma and then left.

Not long after he was gone, Emma’s phone buzzed–a text and an email arriving almost at the same time. Flight details–the tickets for Ms. Brown’s dance company’s European tour were booked.

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She stared at the date on the ticket, feeling as if even the air was fresher.

Fourteen days left.

In just fourteen days, she’d be flying to Europe.

With the sun still gentle, Grandma decided to water the flowers. Emma joined her, then suddenly remembered something. “Grandma, let me install an automatic watering system for you here. It’s got a timer, so when you’re staying at the cottage, you won’t have to worry about the plants at home–they’ll water themselves.”

“There’s something that fancy now?” Grandma was amazed.

“Of course! I’ve only heard about them, but let’s try it out. I’ll order a set and we’ll see how it works.” Emma was animated. “And when I take you traveling, we can stay as long as we want. No need to rush back for thirsty flowers or bother the neighbors.”

“But…” Grandma hesitated. “Aren’t you leaving soon? What about the cottage…?”

Emma smiled. “Grandma, wherever I go, you’ll be coming with me.”

No matter where she ended up, once she found her footing, she’d bring Grandma to live with her.

Grandma smiled and patted her hair.

When Emma was little, she’d always been frail, and as a girl, she never got much attention from her parents–they doted on her younger brother instead.

So whenever she got sick, it was always Grandma who cared for her. Emma had truly grown up cherished in her grandmother’s gentle hands.

But she knew Grandma’s marriage hadn’t been happy. Grandpa didn’t treat her well, and he favored their son–Emma’s father–over her aunt. If Grandma hadn’t fought so hard for her daughter’s education, supporting her aunt to leave and build her own life, her aunt would’ve ended up just another sacrifice for the family.

Emma didn’t know how her aunt was doing out in the world, but she knew her aunt always sent money home–and every time she called, she tried to convince Grandma to move in with her. But Grandma always refused. Not because of Grandpa–he’d passed away years ago–and not because she didn’t want to leave. Emma knew the real reason was her.

Grandma couldn’t bear to leave her Emmie behind. She was afraid Emma would suffer, afraid she wouldn’t be happy. No matter what, she wanted to be there for her, to give her a home–a place she could always return to.

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These peaceful days with Grandma were rare and precious. After they finished watering the flowers, they sat in the shade, making tea and chatting quietly together.

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