Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 217

Theodore had messaged her, letting her know he was about to board his flight.

She didn’t bother replying. Honestly, she couldn’t care less about his travel plans right now—her head was spinning with thoughts of her own flight tomorrow.

She’d set her alarm for four AM: pick up her grandmother, then head straight to the airport for the early flight. She needed to get some sleep.

But Theodore, as always, just wouldn’t leave things alone. Suddenly, her phone started ringing—a video call from him.

Since he hadn’t boarded yet, Emma picked up. The screen filled with the plush, softly lit lounge behind him.

Theodore grinned as soon as he saw her face. “Did I wake you?”

“Yeah,” she answered bluntly.

He chuckled. “Sorry. I just wanted to see what you were up to. Go on, get some rest—I won’t keep you. I’m about to board anyway.”

As he spoke, Cecilia’s face popped into view behind him, waving cheerfully. “Emma, I’m so sorry! I know it’s last minute, but I asked Theo to come to the island with me since I won’t have another chance. Hope you’re not upset.”

“Emma’s not the type to get upset. C’mon, let’s go,” Theodore answered for her, then promptly ended the call.

Emma tossed her phone aside and tried to go back to sleep.

But sleep refused to come. She drifted in and out, checking the time every few minutes—part nerves, part excitement. By three-thirty, she’d given up and got out of bed.

She got herself ready; by four, she was set to leave.

Theodore had told her to wait at home for him until he returned. She wondered if he’d notice the empty closet and realize she was really gone this time.

But even if he didn’t, the letter and the divorce papers she’d left behind would make it clear.

She stood at the door for a moment, taking in the apartment she’d called home for the last five years—one last look.

For the final time, she opened her notebook and wrote: “Countdown to leaving Theodore: 0 days. Goodbye. I’m ready to fly higher.”

“We will—we definitely will!” Emma let go, squeezing Vivian’s hand tight.

Another cab, this time with her grandmother beside her, racing toward the airport.

Check-in, security—everything went smoothly.

Emma shepherded her grandmother into the lounge for a quick breakfast. The food was simple. “Let’s just have a little something for now, Grandma. Once we land, we’ll find something better.”

“It’s fine, sweetheart. This is more than enough,” her grandmother said, a little nervous, almost giddy—rebellious for the first time in her life.

Emma brought over a plate of warm toast for her. Just as she set it down, her phone started ringing.

The very last person she wanted to hear from now—Theodore. Again.

Seriously? Why was he calling her now?