Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 211

Emma couldn’t begin to understand what was going through Theodore’s head. What made him think she and Cecilia would ever agree to take a trip together?

“Theodore, let me ask you something.” Emma smiled at him, her tone light. “If the four of us go on this trip, how exactly are we supposed to handle the sleeping arrangements?”

Theodore blinked, caught off guard by her question.

“So, would it be me and Grandma in one room, and you and Cecilia in another?” she pressed.

Theodore’s expression changed instantly. “What are you even talking about? You think we can’t afford a third room or something?”

Emma’s smile lingered. “It’s not like you haven’t done it before. Remember that time in Capital City? I ended up alone in a room while you and Cecilia left together.”

“That was…” Theodore started but trailed off.

“What was it?” Emma’s voice was almost teasing. “Was it because you promised Cecilia you wouldn’t do anything a married couple would?”

A short laugh escaped Theodore—cold, humorless. “I knew you’d never let that go.”

He rolled over and pinned her beneath him. “Isn’t this what you want?”

Emma didn’t move, didn’t resist. She just looked up at him, feeling as if he thought he was doing her some sort of favor.

“I’m on my period,” she said flatly.

She could have shoved him, could have started another fight, could have bitten him again until he tasted blood. But honestly, she was just too tired. Too tired to care.

Theodore hovered above her, staring for a long moment. “Well, if that’s the case, I guess a beach trip isn’t really in the cards.”

“No, you don't understand,” she replied, her voice calm. “It’s not that I can’t go to an island. I just don’t want to travel with you two.” She meant it—she and Grandma had always made plans without him. “Honestly, I think both Grandma and I would rather not see either of you at all.”

She and Grandma were about to start new lives, and this old scar—Theodore, and everything he’d left in her—needed to be ripped open and finally heal.

Grandma would surely support her.

But Theodore misunderstood, thinking Emma meant Grandma didn’t want to see him with another woman. He nodded, as if finally understanding—old folks are always more traditional, after all.

“Emma…” He was still lying on top of the covers, still holding her, his face pressing into her shoulder. “So, this trip…”

Emma suddenly felt mischievous.

She let him hold her, didn’t push him away, and even smiled, “Mr. Whitman, darling…”

Emma opened her eyes, glanced at him, then went right back to sleep.

Honestly—he really thought he was such a prize…

*

When she woke again, it was already the second-to-last day before she’d leave. The day after tomorrow, she and Grandma would finally set off.

That morning, she had a video call with Grandma as usual, chatted a bit with Vivian, too. Theodore’s vacation started tomorrow, which meant she had to sort out all her clothes and handle the apartment today—otherwise, he’d just grumble about it when he was home.

She didn’t bother trying to sell things online this time. Instead, she booked a pick-up for old clothes, stuffed everything into bags, and called for a courier to take them away.

After that, she sat down and thought about what to do next.

Theodore’s vacation started tomorrow, but she was scheduled to fly out the day after. Maybe she should just leave a day early. Why not? She could book an early flight for tomorrow morning, spend the night at Grandma’s hotel, and tell Theodore she was just picking up Grandma, but ended up staying over at Grandma’s friend’s place. Then, tomorrow, they could meet directly at the airport.

The more she thought about it, the better it sounded. She bought Theodore’s ticket, changed her own flight, and messaged Vivian to change Grandma’s as well.

Just as she finished, Theodore called.