Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 266

Emma chuckled. “What a pity.”

“A pity? What are you talking about?” Cecilia snapped, her voice sharp with irritation.

Emma’s smile widened. “It’s just a shame that you still have to come begging a cripple like me for help today.”

“Begging you? Don’t make me laugh!” Cecilia’s face twisted with indignation. “I was Theo’s first love, you know. I was overseas for five years, and he still kept me in his heart. Even the password to his house is my birthday—did you forget? Why on earth would I have to beg you?”

Emma, calm and unbothered, just kept smiling. “Oh really? Then why are you here pushing me to divorce him?”

“I—” Cecilia faltered, words catching in her throat. After a long pause, she managed, “Theo doesn’t love you! A marriage without love is immoral!”

“Is that so?” Emma’s voice was light and breezy. “Well, it’s still a little more moral than knowingly being the other woman.”

“You—” Cecilia’s anger was barely contained. “You’re the one who’s the other woman! Theo and I were together first! You stole him when I left the country—you’re the interloper here!”

“I have a marriage certificate,” Emma replied, her tone even. “Our marriage is recognized by law.”

“You—” Cecilia was trembling with rage. “Didn’t you want a divorce?”

Emma scratched her chin, pretending to consider. “Hmm. Suddenly, I’m not so sure anymore.”

“You—” Cecilia’s voice climbed to a shrill pitch. “I knew it! You’re just playing games, pretending you want a divorce just to keep Theo away from me!”

“Of course,” Emma said, unruffled. “What are you going to do about it?”

Cecilia was practically hopping with frustration. “You… You’re despicable!”

Emma replied coolly, “And?”

“You…” Cecilia pointed at her, her whole body shaking. “I’m telling Theo everything!”

But Emma realized in that moment that all her rehab hadn’t been for nothing—her legs were steadier than ever, and her grip was strong. She turned, shook Cecilia off, and sent her sprawling to the floor, arms and legs splayed in every direction, while Emma herself only wobbled before regaining her balance.

Good job! she thought. Keep practicing!

Her confidence soared as she strode back into the theater, leaving Cecilia to pick herself up from the floor. Whatever happened to Cecilia after that was none of Emma’s concern—she had better things to do.

As for divorcing Theodore? Of course, she still planned to go through with it. But if she could annoy Cecilia a little along the way, well, why not?

Back inside the theater, Emma threw herself into her work. Once she was busy, there was no room left in her mind for toxic people.

It was half past nine by the time the show finally ended. Emma let out a deep breath, ready to gather up her things.

The actors were still taking their bows on stage while she waited off to the side. Tonight’s performance had left her deeply moved, because Sebastian and Serena hadn’t performed just any ballet—they had danced her own creation, Metamorphosis.