Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 58

She closed her eyes, looking as if she was about to drift off. “Mm, I know,” she

mumbled.

She’d already blocked Cecilia. Whatever Cecilia sent now, she wouldn’t see a thing.

“What’s going on? Calling it a night already?” Theodore frowned, leaning over her. “Are you feeling sick? Let me take a look.”

He bent down, trying to see her face. “You’re not secretly crying, are you?”

As if!

“Come on, let me see.” Without waiting for a response, he slid his arms beneath her waist and lifted her up.

Emma opened her eyes. He saw right away–her eyes were dry, not a trace of tears, not even that telltale redness he used to see. Just a distant calm, as if there were a

veil of fog between them.

“So you really are tired?” He gently laid her back down. “Alright, get some sleep…”

After tucking her in, he hesitated a moment, then finally said, “Emma, I’m leaving on a business trip tomorrow.”

Business trip.

Her eyes shot open. Didn’t this mean she could sneak off to Capital City and get her fingerprints done without him knowing?

She sat up, excitement lighting up her face. “How long will you be gone?”

“Three, maybe four days. If things get dragged out, up to a week.” He frowned, taken aback by how enthusiastic she seemed. What was that about?

That meant she really could go!

“Oh, it’s nothing. Who are you going with?” she asked, doing her best to sound casual, though she could barely keep the smile from her lips.

He looked even more uncertain. “With… Jared…” He paused, then added, “Maybe Cici,

too.”

“Oh.” She lay back down, her tone breezy. “Alright. Let me know before you come back–I’ll have Fallon cook for you.”

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He stared at her, genuinely surprised. “You’re not upset?”

She shook her head. “You should get some sleep. You’ve got a trip tomorrow; you

need to rest.”

eyes for

any

“Emma, there are a bunch of us going…” He leaned closer, searching her eyes

hint of annoyance.

She simply pushed him away. “Go take a shower. I’ve already washed up, and you’re getting too close.”

He frowned again. “What’s that supposed to mean? You think I’m dirty?”

Emma rolled her eyes.

“You just got back from outside. Who knows how many germs you’re bringing in? Of course you’re dirty.” Especially with that lingering trace of Cecilia’s perfume on you. Do I really need to spell it out?

His face darkened, and he walked off to the bathroom without another word.

He’d gone, but Cecilia’s perfume still hung in the air. Emma got up, grabbed her own perfume, and sprayed the room liberally. Only then did she take a deep breath, telling herself: That’s enough. He’ll be gone soon anyway–no point wasting energy on things

that don’t matter.

The next morning, when Theodore woke up, Emma was still asleep.

She figured he’d pack up quietly and leave on his own. She never expected that he’d insist on waking her up.

“I’m tired!” She smacked his hand away grumpily.

“Mrs. Whitman,” he drawled from beside the bed, “you’re really slacking off these days. Not making me breakfast, not setting out my clothes, and now I have to pack my own suitcase for a business trip?”

Emma opened her eyes, resigned. Fine–she’d pack for him!

She marched into the walk–in closet, took out his suitcase, and started setting out enough clothes for a week, folding everything neatly. She packed his toiletries in separate little bags, then put them in as well. At last, she dragged the suitcase into the bedroom, opened a drawer, and took out a box of condoms to toss in.

But just as she set them down, he grabbed her arm.

“Where did you get these?” Theodore’s grip tightened as he stared her down.

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Truth was, she’d bought them herself right after the wedding. Back then, Emma still hadn’t decided if she and Theodore were ready for a child–or even if their marriage was right for it. When they’d just tied the knot, she’d felt there was no foundation between them yet, and having a baby could wait.

Chapter 59