Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 74

“No, Theodore, why aren’t you staying with Cecilia? Why bring me here?” Emma glanced around the apartment, genuinely unable to fathom what Theodore was trying to do.

Theodore let out a disgruntled laugh. “Mrs. Whitman, I never realized you were so generous. If I’d known you’d be this magnanimous, maybe I’d have gone out and found myself half a dozen flings over these last five years.”

Emma kicked off her heels and sank her bare feet into the thick carpet, unfazed. “You can still go out and find yourself someone now, if you want.” Once she’d decided to stop loving him, no matter how much it hurt inside, she wouldn’t let herself show it.

Theodore frowned, watching her silhouette by the floor–to–ceiling window, her evening dress catching the city lights. “Mrs. Whitman, you don’t actually think Sebastian is interested in you, do you?”

Emma let out a cold laugh. “It takes someone rotten inside to see filth everywhere they look.”

“Emma, let me tell you something–life among the wealthy is a lot more complicated than you think. This isn’t some fairy–tale romance where billionaires fall magically from the sky and sweep you off your feet. In our world, everything’s about leverage–about what you can offer in return.”

He joined her by the window, both gazing out at the sprawling web of city lights

below.

The words sounded familiar, and Emma couldn’t help but chuckle. “So, you think people are only interested in me for what I can give them? Because I’m an old woman, is that it? Or maybe it’s because I walk with a limp?”

“That’s not what I-”

“Oh, but it is.” Emma tilted her head, her smile unwavering, “You just say it more nicely than my mother does, that’s all. Be honest, Theodore–don’t you think the same? Why would anyone want a useless, almost thirty–year–old woman like me? Isn’t that what you’re implying?”

Theodore fell silent.

She nodded, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Thank you for putting up with me all these years.” For marrying the woman no one else wanted.

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10:49

Chapter 74

“I didn’t bring you here to fight.” He reached for her wrist, his touch gentle but insistent. “Let’s order something to eat. I haven’t had a single bite all day.”

He dropped onto the sofa, picked up the hotel menu, and started making selections.

Surprisingly, he ordered drinks, too.

Ever since Cecilia had come back, he’d stopped pretending to give up alcohol.

He looked exhausted–after placing their order, he slouched into the couch, pressing his fingers hard into his brow, furrowing it into a deep crease.

Funny, Emma thought, she used to be the one to ease that tension for him. She’d known how hard he worked, how many burdens he carried on her behalf. So, she–the “useless” wife–had always tried to do a little more for him. Most nights, she’d stay up waiting for him to come home, and when he finally did, she’d massage his shoulders, his temples, anything to offer some comfort.

Five years–day after day, drop by drop, she’d tried to soften that stone–cold heart. Maybe it never worked, but at least it became a habit.

Later on, when he came home late and weary, he’d even ask for her. “Emma, come rub my shoulders.”

But now, he had someone else to do that for him. He didn’t need her anymore.

After a moment’s rest with his eyes closed, Theodore called the front desk and asked them to send up some fresh clothes.

The clothes arrived before the food did.

A staff member appeared, carrying two sealed bags–one labeled for women, the other for men. “Sir, these are brand new, cleaned and sanitized for you,” he said politely.

“Thank you.” Theodore took the bags and handed one to Emma. “Go take a shower and change out of that dress. Isn’t it uncomfortable?”

It wasn’t unbearable, but after a long day, sleeping in an evening gown was hardly appealing. Emma did want to change.

“Need me to help?” he asked, half–serious.

“No, thanks!” Help her? Change her dress, or shower with her? Either way, she could do without his charity.

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