Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 231

Emma pressed her hand to her chest.

She had known for a while now that the pain was gone, but she’d at least expected to feel a little sick. To her surprise, even that sensation had vanished.

It was as if the two people sitting across from her were complete strangers she’d never met.

Once she’d left that place—once she’d left that man—it was like a butterfly breaking free from its cocoon. Suddenly, she felt as light as air.

“Emma! Come on, dinner’s ready!” Sebastian called from the hallway.

“Coming!” she called back, her voice light and cheerful.

“Emma.” Sebastian’s voice rang out again.

Even though the door was open, he still knocked. “Emma, are you ready? We’re all waiting for you!”

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Emma grabbed her phone and headed out. She was just about to end her video call when Theodore’s face appeared on the screen.

He looked downright miserable.

Emma had no desire to see that expression a second longer. Just as he managed to say her name—“Emma”—she ended the call. No matter how many times Theodore tried to call her back, she ignored every single one.

The truth was, meals were all about atmosphere.

Takeout, microwave meals—these were the kinds of simple, cheap food that normally never made it to the dinner table. But tonight, surrounded by people who shared the same dreams and passions, the energy in the room made even the most ordinary food taste extraordinary.

Emma couldn’t remember the last time she’d enjoyed a meal so thoroughly. It felt like a real feast—one far more satisfying than any high-end dinner she’d ever shared with Theodore, no matter how fancy or expensive the restaurant.

By the time the laughter and chatter died down, it was nearly midnight.

Even the most enthusiastic had to admit it was time to head to bed.

Emma slipped back into her room. Ms. Brown was just getting ready to sleep and, catching a whiff of the spicy aroma clinging to Emma’s clothes, chuckled, “I saw everyone’s photos online. Looks like you all had a blast, huh?”

“We did!” Emma’s smile was unstoppable. “I haven’t felt this happy in ages. Really, Ms. Brown—thank you.”

Of course, Theodore’s messages didn’t stop all evening.

He kept sending texts, one after another, but Emma ignored every one. While she was checking her friends’ updates, another message from him popped up.

This time, it was a photo of her and Sebastian.

She had no idea where he’d gotten it—maybe it was that whole “six degrees of separation” thing Renee always talked about. In the photo, she stood next to Sebastian, raising her drink in a toast with everyone.

She hadn’t even realized until now just how happy she looked tonight.

Theodore’s message was dripping with accusation: Look at yourself! Have you forgotten you’re a married woman? Do you have any sense of decency left? Is there nothing holding you back anymore?

Emma couldn’t help but laugh. So, he actually knew what decency meant? He actually cared about appearances?

All she’d done was eat with friends and get caught in a candid photo—suddenly, she was bringing shame on herself? And yet, he, a married man, could go on a beach vacation with another woman, share a hotel room, and still talk about morality?

Strangely, even though she found his words absurd, she didn’t feel the urge to reply anymore. Looking at his messages felt like staring into a muddy swamp—she knew that with every word she sent back, she’d only sink deeper.