Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 31

The girl who claimed she was a dancer craned her neck, curiosity getting the better of

her.

Emma had no idea how Sebastian had gotten hold of a video from her wedding. It had been a private affair–no pageantry, no public announcement. She’d never even posted a single photo online.

Yet there it was: her wedding video. She watched herself, radiant and laughing, a happiness so bright she could almost feel it again. Back then, she’d truly loved him–believed, with all her heart, that they would spend their lives together.

But it all felt so far away now. So distant she’d forgotten what it was like to smile without restraint.

Watching the footage now, she noticed something she’d missed before: Theodore, standing at the altar, looked utterly hopeless. As if, from that moment on, his life had quietly unraveled.

Theodore… why did you put yourself through this?

All eyes were on Theodore and Cecilia.

With the evidence playing on the screen, there was nothing left to say. Cecilia was in tears, sobbing silently.

Theodore, in contrast, stood tall, shielding Cecilia behind him almost instinctively. “Mr. Warren, Ms. Brown, everyone–please, forgive the spectacle. This is my fault, entirely mine. I don’t expect your forgiveness, Mr. Warren, Ms. Brown. We’ll leave now. I’m sorry for ruining your evening.”

He glanced at Emma, an unreadable look in his eyes.

Emma felt her heart clench painfully.

So he did know how to protect someone in public. This, she realized, was what it looked like when he stood up for someone he cared about.

Ms. Brown, ever the straight–shooter, wasted no time. “Mr. Whitman, you seem confused. We don’t know you well–you don’t owe us an apology. The one you owe is your wife.”

Theodore’s gaze remained fixed on Emma

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Chapter 31

“Emma,” he said, his voice gentle, “let’s go home.”

Emma almost laughed at the bitter ache in her chest. So that was his plan–to leave

with both women?

She shook her head. “No, thank you. I’m here for Ms. Brown’s party.”

Then, as if clarifying, she added, “As Emma, her former student.”

Not as your wife, Theodore.

Theodore’s eyes narrowed, and after a moment, he nodded. “Alright.”

He turned to Mr. Warren. “Mr. Warren, I regret that our partnership has to end this way. I suppose… well, there’s no point hoping for another chance. Let’s leave it at that.”

Taking Cecilia’s hand, he led her out through the crowd.

Just as they neared the door, Cecilia suddenly pulled free and hurried back. She bowed deeply to Mr. Warren. “Please, Mr. Warren, don’t give up on working with Theo. This is all my fault. I acted without thinking. We knew how much you and Ms. Brown value a strong, honest marriage, and Emma… she hates these sorts of social events. I panicked and didn’t explain when you misunderstood me. I just wanted to help Theo, to support your partnership. He’s truly talented–if you work with him, you won’t-”

“Cici!” Theodore returned and cut her off, firm but gentle. “That’s enough. Let’s go.”

Another “let’s“-Theodore always sided with Cecilia, didn’t he?

Cecilia, red–eyed and desperate, looked up at him. “Theo, please, this is all my fault. I don’t want you to be punished for my mistakes-”

“It’s not about you. Come on.” His voice was tired, resigned.

The two of them, lost in their own tragic drama, left everyone else stunned. Ms. Brown, finally shaking off her disbelief, snapped, “If you’re leaving, get on with it. We don’t have all night!”