Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 21

Emma’s understanding of her marriage shifted yet again.

She’d always assumed Theodore had bought this sprawling apartment because of her bad leg. Turns out, she was wrong.

This was never about her comfort. This was the dream home he and Cecilia had always wanted.

Spacious rooms, ornate chandeliers, floor–to–ceiling windows, a Moroccan rug, linen sofas, a grand European–style dining table. Every detail was straight out of Cecilia’s

taste.

Outside the bedroom, Cecilia’s voice rang out, bright and delighted.

“Oh my god, Theo, you have so many Venetian dolls! Did you bring back every single one they make? How did you even collect them all?”

Jared chimed in, his tone warm, “Theo never forgot your love for them. Every time he traveled, or any of his friends or clients went to Venice, he’d make sure to get one for you.”

Standing alone, hand trembling on the doorknob, Emma listened as their laughter floated in. But what echoed in her mind was a different conversation entirely:

“Theodore, why do you bring home so many dolls?”

“I just didn’t want you to get bored when you’re here alone. The dolls might not talk, but they fill up the house and make it feel less empty.”

How ironic.

This house was anything but empty.

Supposedly her and Theodore’s marital home, yet Cecilia’s presence lingered in every corner. How could it ever feel spacious or lonely?

Dining room, living room, beside the window–Cecilia’s fingerprints were everywhere. Even when she was gone, the memories of her filled every inch, every moment. Emma found herself wondering: when Theodore lay with her at night, keeping so much distance between them–was it because, somewhere in his mind, there was always a Cecilia sleeping between them?

Finally, she’d had enough. She flung the door open.

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She wanted to see for herself–did these people, so brazenly reminiscing about their shared past, even remember she existed? She was still the lady of this house, after all. The divorce papers weren’t signed yet.

Maybe the door slammed too loudly, because everyone’s attention snapped to her.

Cecilia stood holding one of the dolls, gazing at it with open affection, then turned to Emma with a playful shake. “Emma, I’m so jealous! You have so many dolls. Can I

have this one?”

“Sure,” Emma replied from the doorway, not hesitating for a second.

Theodore’s face lit up, clearly satisfied with her answer–until Emma continued, voice cool and clear. “Take them all. Every doll, this apartment, even this person–he’s yours. You can have everything.”

When she said “this person,” her eyes were fixed on Theodore.

Theodore’s expression darkened. “Emma!” he thundered.

Cecilia’s eyes immediately filled with tears, as if she’d been slapped. She set the doll down in a rush. “Emma, please don’t be mad. I didn’t mean it like that, I swear–I never meant for you to think there was anything between us, you’ve got it all wrong. If you don’t want me here, I’ll go, okay?”

She covered her face and turned to leave.

Of course, Theodore and his loyal friends weren’t about to let her walk out so easily.

Theodore jumped to block her way, and Jared, along with the rest of the group, immediately closed ranks behind Cecilia, glaring at Emma as if she were some kind

of criminal.

Jared, especially, looked furious. “Theo, it’s not our place to say anything, but seeing Cici treated like this really gets to us!”

Not their place to say anything? Please. They were all but forcing Theodore to make a choice: Cecilia or his wife. And if he chose Emma, he’d lose his friends. The message couldn’t have been clearer.

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Chapter 22