Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 39

“Dad, have you no shame?” Emma couldn’t believe how far her father was willing to go. They’d always been a regular middle–class family–nothing extravagant. Six figures? Did her parents even have that much in savings after all these years?

Her father’s face turned red with anger. “Who do you think you’re talking to? You ungrateful brat!”

“That’s right! I’m rude! No one ever taught me to go around begging with no self–respect-”

A loud slap cut her off.

He’d raised his hand to hit her, but Theodore stepped between them in a flash, shielding Emma with his arms. The blow landed squarely on Theodore’s shoulder.

“You little witch! Can’t you see this is supposed to be a good day for me? Are you deliberately trying to ruin it? I swear, I’ll beat some sense into you!”

Theodore turned, keeping Emma behind him as he faced her father head–on.

Instantly, her father’s bluster melted away. He forced a smile for Theodore. “Son, you know how it is. My daughter, she doesn’t know how to behave. Sorry you had to see

that.”

Theodore replied coolly, “Julian, Emma’s been having a tough time lately. I hope you can be a little more understanding.”

There was no mistaking the message: This is my wife. You don’t get to lay a hand on

her.

Emma looked up at Theodore, who stood a full head taller than she was, shielding her from her own father. The bitterness welled up inside her. He was defending her–but

so what?

it didn’t matter anymore how her family treated her. What stung most was that when she’d truly needed Theodore to step in, where had he been?

He always knew how to keep his boundaries. Sure, he wouldn’t let her father hit her–but what if the person picking a fight with her today had been his brother? Or Cecilia?

Her mother, sensing the tension had gotten out of hand, hurried over with a forced smile, trying to smooth things over. “Why are you all still standing? Come, sit down. I

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just went to make some tea. Julian, honestly, you never even think to ask them to sit.”

Julian Bennett seized the opportunity to save face and sat down.

Gabriella Lynch handed a cup of tea to Theodore. “What’s gotten into Emma? Why’s she in such a mood?”

Theodore took a seat, resting his hand gently on Emma’s shoulder, glancing at her. “Is she mad at me? Or does she just think I’m not good enough? I’m not sure. Maybe

she’s met someone better?”

Gabriella scoffed at the very idea. “How could she possibly meet anyone better? She’s got a limp–who’d want her besides you?”

Emma’s heart sank. She wasn’t even surprised anymore. It was what

everyone–including her own family–believed: Who else would marry a cripple except

Theodore?

Her father, fiddling with his fishing gear, chimed in even more bluntly. “You couldn’t ask for a better man than Theodore. If you ever dare do him wrong, I’ll break your other leg myself!”

“You’d-”

Emma shot up, ready to snap back, but Theodore pressed her back into her seat, cutting her off. “Emma, that’s enough.”

Then he turned to Julian, his voice calm. “Julian, want to try out the new fishing rod?”

Julian’s mood instantly brightened. “Of course! Come on, son!”

“I’ll go fishing with Julian. Why don’t you stay in and chat with Gabriella?” Theodore leaned down, his words soft as he tucked a stray strand of Emma’s hair behind her

ear.

“Come on, let’s go!” Julian called impatiently.

Theodore got up and followed him outside.

Gabriella closed the door behind them and immediately launched into a tirade. “Honestly, Emma, what is wrong with you? Do you have any idea how lucky you are to have someone like Theodore? You ought to be treating him like gold, not sulking and snapping at him. Women would kill to have a husband like that. You lucked out, and instead of being grateful, you’re trying to drive him away. If you mess this up, where are you ever going to find a husband as wealthy as him?”

Emma scoffed. “You mean, where are you ever going to find a sucker like him for a

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son–in–law?”

Her mother’s face instantly darkened. “Ungrateful, that’s what you are. Let me tell you, if you push him away, don’t bother coming back here. Useless girl–can’t even keep a man happy!”

Emma sneered inwardly. If only you knew–I’m planning to divorce him.