Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Jared was honestly overthinking things–there was no need for all this jostling for favor. Theodore would always choose Cecilia, that much was obvious.

Cecilia, blocked from leaving, was sobbing uncontrollably. Even as Jared tried to defend her, she turned her tear–stained face on him and wailed, “Don’t say such nonsense, Jared! I’m not upset!”

She clung to Theodore’s arm, eyes swimming with tears. “Theo, I’m really not upset. I came here today to apologize to Emma–I’d already prepared myself. No matter what she said, I was ready to accept it. I just…” Her voice broke as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. “I just feel awful. Not only did I fail to help you, but now things are even worse. Emma’s angrier than before. I’m so sorry, Theo…”

Compassion was written all over Theodore’s face. He turned and frowned at Emma. “Emma, listen to her. Just listen. Cici is so much more thoughtful than you are!”

Emma was facing Cecilia and caught a fleeting smirk on her face–gone in a flash, replaced by that pitiful, wronged expression the second Theodore looked her way.

Emma couldn’t help but be impressed by the performance. She let out a cold laugh, picking up Theodore’s words. “You’re right. That’s why she’s much more suited to be Mrs. Whitman. Didn’t I already say I’d step aside? Why don’t you just agree to it?”

Theodore bristled at her remark, his anger finally breaking through. “Emma, do you actually think I won’t? Don’t you know exactly why I can’t just agree?”

“Theo, no, please…” Cecilia sobbed, clutching at his sleeve. “Don’t say that. If you do, it’ll feel like coming back home was a mistake. Please, don’t be mad at Emma, and never, ever even think about divorcing her, okay?”

Theodore gave Cecilia’s shoulder a reassuring pat and drew a deep breath. “Emma, Cici went out of her way today–she picked out groceries, invited everyone here, all because she wanted to get along with you. She honestly wants to be your friend. Think about the things you’ve said to her. Is that really how you speak to another woman? She’s single–she has her whole future ahead of her. You drag her name through the mud like this, how is she supposed to face anyone after that?”

Cecilia jumped in quickly, “No, no, it’s fine, Theo, really. I don’t mind whatever Emma says about me. I just want her to understand–don’t misunderstand you, don’t misunderstand us. I can’t stand to see you two fight, especially… especially in front of all these board members…”

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11:50

Chapter 22

The implication couldn’t have been clearer–or more manipulative. Across the room, every man wore the same look of disdain for Emma: childish, inconsiderate, causing a scene, embarrassing Theodore in front of everyone. How could someone like her possibly be fit to be their sister–in–law?

Jared couldn’t hold back any longer. “Lucky for us, we’re all family here–at least this mess isn’t splashed all over town. Some people might not care about Theo’s reputation, but the rest of us sure do.”

Emma had always found Jared insufferable. She gave a mocking little “Oh?” then drawled, “So you do know this is humiliating? You do realize it’s shameful? Of course it is. The only question is, who should really be ashamed–though I won’t spell it out.”

“Who are you calling shameful?” Jared snapped, temper flaring.

“Oh, I don’t know–maybe the person circling someone else’s husband, or the one with wandering eyes despite already having a wife. If it doesn’t apply to you, don’t take it personally…”

“Emma!” Theodore’s voice cut her off, sharp and furious. Whether she’d hit a nerve or not, she couldn’t tell, but the anger in the room was suddenly palpable.

Chapter 23

Chapter 23