Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 76

Chapter 76

She returned to the bathroom, and the first thing she did was switch the email account on her phone. After that, she took off the towel, ran a brush through her half–damp hair, and only then went back out.

In the short time she’d been gone, Theodore had helped himself to another glass of wine. The large bottle of red was nearly half–empty already.

“Emma, I’ll pace myself. I won’t get drunk again,” he said, as if needing to justify breaking his promise. He added, “It’s just–there’s been too much going on lately. I needed something to take the edge off.”

“Oh.” Emma’s response was indifferent.

She’d once risked her life to save him. If she owed him anything from a past life, she’d long since paid it back. Now, she respected his choices, wished him well, and had no intention of interfering in his fate anymore.

“I ordered you a steak. You should eat it while it’s hot. This place does a decent job,” he offered, gesturing toward the table.

She shook her head. “I already ate way too much tonight. I couldn’t eat another bite.”

He gave a rueful smile. “So you had yourself a good night, then.”

“It was, actually. Really nice.” She nodded, almost cheerfully.

He was pouring himself another glass when he heard this, and sighed, shaking his head. “You’re something else, you know that? Your husband’s projects keep falling through, one after another, and you’re still in good spirits?”

She almost wanted to retort, Is that my fault? You know perfectly well why things fell apart. But arguments like these had played out too many times, always ending the same way–pointless, exhausting, and never changing a thing. Why bother? She let it go, lifting her glass of water and sipping quietly.

“Emma,” He’d downed most of his wine by now, brow furrowed. “I know what you’re thinking. You’ll say it’s all Cici’s fault.”

“No, no.” Emma was quick to defend herself. “That’s not fair. I never thought that, honestly.”

“I know you did,” he insisted, finishing off his glass. “But don’t blame Cici. She’s been through a lot overseas. Her boyfriend was violent–put her in the hospital. She came

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Chapter 76

back bruised, and things with her family aren’t great either. Aside from us, who else does she have to lean on?”

He finished and studied Emma, waiting for a reaction.

Emma simply nodded. “That makes sense.”

He looked surprised, caught off guard by her easy agreement. “You’re not upset?”

After her shower, she’d realized the air conditioning was set a bit low. She cupped the warm mug in her hands, enjoying the heat. “Why would I be upset?”

Yes, why should she be? Was she supposed to punish herself for Theodore and Cecilia’s mistakes?

She didn’t even bother mentioning divorce anymore. What was the point? She was planning to leave for school soon, and once she was gone, they could deal with the paperwork–or, failing that, a couple years of living apart would do the job just as

well.

Theodore was quiet for a moment, then let out a relieved breath. “Emma, I’m glad you understand. Cici was sheltered her whole life–never faced real hardship. After everything she’s been through, of course I’m going to worry about her more. She can be a little spoiled sometimes, not always mindful of the situation, but that’s just how she is. Who didn’t find her bright and charming back then? You can’t expect someone to change their nature just because they’re a few years older. People don’t change that easily.”

Emma listened, popped a grape into her mouth, and said, “You have a point.”

Theodore: …

He couldn’t help but laugh.

Emma found it almost amusing–he was actually laughing in front of her, and all

thanks to Cecilia.

She couldn’t help but think of a line from a romance novel: The young master hasn’t smiled like that in ages.

It suited Theodore perfectly–except, in those novels, the hero always smiled for the heroine. Here, the hero was smiling for the other woman.

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