Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 49

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Chapter 49

Theodore didn’t say a word. He simply handed the phone back to Emma and turned his attention to his dinner.

The meal wasn’t even to his taste, yet he polished off three plates.

His grandmother couldn’t help but marvel, “Theodore, when was the last time you

ate?”

Emma shot him a sideways glance. She guessed he hadn’t had a decent meal–or much sleep since last night. No wonder he was ravenous; when the person you care about is sick, even the simplest food tastes wonderful after a day and night of worry.

But Theodore just smiled. “Grandma, it’s because your cooking is too delicious.”

She chuckled, amused. “You two are always so busy. If you ever have the time, come over and I’ll cook for you again.”

“Grandma,” Theodore said, still savoring his meal, “some of the neighbors in our community are looking to sell their apartments. Why don’t I buy you a place nearby?”

His grandmother waved him off with a laugh. “There’s no need. I’m perfectly happy here. I know everyone in the neighborhood, and I have my little garden out back. It’s easy to grow some fresh vegetables and fruit, and I can always send you a box when they’re in season.”

This wasn’t the first time Theodore had made the offer. He’d brought it up years ago, after she’d taken a bad fall, but she’d refused back then too–said she was used to the

quiet of the countryside.

Emma knew, though, that in private Grandma had told her, “Just because you’re married to Theodore, you shouldn’t ask for too much. His money comes from hard work, not out of thin air.”

“Alright, Grandma,” Theodore said, finishing his soup and letting out a satisfied sigh. “Honestly, this tastes even better than Fallon’s. What’s your secret?”

“Silly boy,” she said, laughing at his antics.

Emma thought to herself that Grandma was probably the only person left in the world who could call Theodore “silly” and get away with it–and he didn’t mind one bit.

If there was anyone who truly supported her in this marriage, it was Grandma. Not because she favored Theodore so much, but because she believed in treating people

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Chapter 49

with genuine kindness–hoping that if she was good to Theodore, he would be good to her beloved granddaughter in return.

After dinner, Grandma started clearing the dishes. Sebastian stood to help, and to everyone’s surprise, Theodore insisted on pitching in too. In the end, he won the standoff, darting into the kitchen with the plates before anyone else could react. “I’m not a guest!” he called over his shoulder, already claiming the sink.

Grandma looked a little embarrassed.

Emma gently touched her arm. “It’s fine, Grandma. Let him help.”

At this point, she was content to let Theodore do as much as he wanted–if he wanted to wash dishes, mop the floor, whatever–she’d happily put him to work. Honestly, she was even tempted to let him buy Grandma that apartment; after all, Grandma wasn’t anything like her greedy parents. Grandma actually deserved it.

Seeing her grandmother’s look of helpless resignation, Emma tried to reassure her. “Really, he’s not some pampered rich kid. He can handle himself.”

And it was true. Theodore had grown up in a wealthy family, but his parents never spoiled him. That’s why they’d both ended up at the same public high school, boarding with everyone else. No chauffeur, no maid doing his laundry–he handled everything on his own.

Maybe that was why he was so eager to start his own business later on.

When the last dish was washed, Theodore announced it was time to leave. Before heading out, he went to the car and returned with an armful of expensive gifts and a thick envelope of cash–easily ten thousand dollars, if Emma guessed right. “Just a little spending money for you, Grandma,” he said, setting it down.

Grandma looked utterly flabbergasted.

Emma knew exactly what he was up to–showing off for Sebastian’s benefit.

Grandma tried to refuse the money, but Theodore just tucked it into her drawer. “It’s from both Emma and me,” he said, though his eyes flickered to Sebastian as he spoke.

Then, slipping an arm around Emma’s waist and grabbing her purse, Theodore said, “Grandma, we’ll head off now. We’ll come visit again soon.”

Sebastian, who still had work in the village, waved cheerfully. “See you, Emma. I’ll call you when I’m back in town.”

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Theodore’s arm tightened around her waist at those words.

As soon as they stepped outside, his pace quickened. Emma found herself nearly being dragged along, unable to keep up.

When they reached the car, he opened the door and all but pushed her inside. He slid into the driver’s seat, locked the doors, and his expression darkened.

“Emma, you’re really something,” he said, his voice low, tinged with anger he was barely holding back.

Emma’s eyes flicked to the lipstick stain on his collar. She let out a cold laugh. “Not as impressive as you, apparently.”

“Who is that guy? I’d rather not waste my time digging into it myself,” Theodore said, his hands gripping the steering wheel, long fingers tense. On his left ring finger, she noticed a new band–a wedding ring.

He’d taken off his wedding ring the night of their ceremony. So what was he wearing

now?

She smiled faintly and held up her own hand.

On her ring finger was a jade band, simple and understated–chosen by her for everyday wear. She’d never wanted a flashy diamond or anything extravagant. This was a matching set; Theodore’s was jade too.

She struggled to twist the ring off–it was tight after five years of never removing it, but she managed.

Theodore’s eyes followed her movements, and he instinctively pulled his own hand back.

She set her ring on the dashboard, her expression calm. “Mr. Whitman, perhaps you’d care to explain when your ring changed color?”

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