Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 144

“Suit yourself. You don’t have to agree.” She had already stood up, but now she sat back down.

What did he mean, she wouldn’t give him a child? For five years of marriage, she’d swallowed her pride and asked him countless times if they could have a baby. He’d just turn her away with that cold, indifferent look. And now, suddenly, when Cecilia can’t have children, he comes to her?

“I agree.” He picked up his briefcase. “Of course I agree. Let’s go, Mrs. Whitman.”

Emma gathered her things and followed him out, even bringing a change of clothes. She was worried she wouldn’t have time after her afternoon

physical therapy to come home and change–showing up to dinner with Renee all sweaty wouldn’t do.

“Dinner with Renee tonight?” Theodore noticed her extra outfit and asked.

“Yeah.”

“Another therapy session this afternoon?”

“Uh–huh.”

Theodore frowned slightly. “Do you really need to keep doing that? It’s exhausting. Are you sure you can keep it up?”

“Yeah.”

He looked at her, half amused, half exasperated. “Wow, talk about making every word count. If I paid you a million dollars for each word, I’d be broke in minutes. Here” He pulled out his phone. “Let me send you another million. Can I get two words out of you this time?”

She held up two fingers. “Sure.”

He couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head as he transferred the money. “Remember, if you keep answering me one word at a time, I’ll consider it

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Chapter 144

breach of contract!”

“Alright…”

He stared at her.

“Then.” Emma finished, looking him square in the eye.

The look on Theodore’s face was a kaleidoscope of emotions–a swirl of disbelief, amusement, and near–despair.

“Let’s go,” he said, marching ahead, briefcase in hand.

He’s annoyed already?

That was quick.

Emma followed him into the elevator, down to the garage. His car was parked in its usual spot.

Just like old times, they got in–him first, her after. But as Emma settled into the passenger seat, she noticed something different—a charm dangling from the rearview mirror. A little cartoon angel, with “Drive Safe”

written on it.

Theodore caught her looking and cleared his throat. “That–uh, Cici put it there. She meant well. Said it would keep me safe on the road.”

Emma nodded.

He didn’t start the car right away. After making sure Emma wasn’t actually upset, he finally asked, “Ready to go?”

“Mm–hmm.”

Theodore: What’s that supposed to mean?

Emma held up two fingers: Two words.

“You…” This time, Theodore genuinely laughed. “I see–only when money’s at stake do I get a proper conversation.”

They drove straight to the law office.

Chapter 144

Theodore had scheduled the appointment in advance. The lawyer had witnessed all sorts of agreements in his time, but this–this was a first. Still, with Mr. Whitman’s money and their friendship, whether it was all a game to Mr. and Mrs. Whitman or not, he’d get the paperwork done.

But the third clause made him pause. This was about assets now, not just a joke. He knew all about Theodore and his old flame, Cecilia.

He glanced at Theodore: Are you really okay with this?

Theodore nodded, completely serious.

“Theodore,” Emma said, “I know the only reason you’re so calm about this is because that third clause can’t really stop you. You have a thousand ways to move your assets around if you want.”

She signed her name on the contract.

Theodore took the pen. “You think that little of me?”

Emma smiled. “Maybe even less.”

He pressed his signature onto the page, each letter bold and deliberate. “Don’t worry. I won’t cheat you.”

That was true. He’d never lied to her–he’d just hurt her openly, without pretense.

He told her not to worry, but worrying wasn’t the issue anymore. She’d just stopped caring.

With the paperwork done, they left the law office.

“I’ll drive you to the Wellness Center,” he offered.

Emma didn’t refuse.

He walked her all the way to the waiting room, then asked, “Do you want a driver to pick you up after therapy?”

She shook her head. “No need. I’m meeting Renee after, I’ll go straight there.”

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“Alright. I’ll get going then.”

Just then, Theodore’s phone rang. He answered, walking out distractedly–and left his briefcase on the seat beside Emma.

She saw him already heading out of the Wellness Center, so she grabbed the case and hurried after him.

The call was from the lawyer. “Mr. Whitman, you sure you’re not just playing some game with your wife? I’m not part of your little charade, am

1?”

Theodore smirked. “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. If she wants to play, I’ll play along.”

“You know, once this is signed, even if it feels like a farce, I can’t promise you won’t run into trouble down the line!” The lawyer sounded like he was washing his hands of the whole thing. “Don’t come blaming me later.”

Theodore laughed. “Don’t worry. I signed willingly.”

“Still, you do realize this could get messy with your assets in the future, right?”