Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 395

Before the door even opened, Cecilia Chambers’ voice could be heard through the wood, trembling with tears. “Hanley, are you here to save me? I knew you would come, you’re always the kindest. Those two are just awful—they’re always picking on me…”

But when the door swung open, she froze. Why was Hanley standing next to Nita? And why were there a dozen burly men behind them?

“Hanley…” She ignored the strangeness, her lips quivering as the hurt rose up in her throat.

Hanley gave a nervous little chuckle. “Cici, I…”

He found it impossible to get the words out. He knew Cathie had never liked Cecilia, and that things between Theo and Cecilia were complicated—an unspoken tension that was more than friendship. Still, he’d always considered himself loyal to both Theo and Cecilia. When it came to friends, he was never exactly fair. After all, the four of them had been close for years. Now, here he was, sent to help evict Cecilia, and the guilt gnawed at him.

In Hanley’s mind, nothing between them had changed; he was still stuck in the past. He had no idea that the other three had already turned their worlds upside down. He still thought Jared’s declaration outside the courthouse that their friendship was over was just an outburst, never realizing that nothing could go back to the way it was.

Cecilia covered her face, tears streaming through her fingers, looking as pitiful as could be.

“Hanley… Hanley…” she whimpered, reaching out to throw herself into his arms.

Suddenly, Cathie Marshall’s voice echoed in Hanley’s head, sharp as fireworks: If you let her twist things and play the victim again, don’t bother coming home!

Hanley tensed and quickly sidestepped. Cecilia, unable to stop herself, stumbled forward and crashed into the chest of one of the moving company workers, startling him.

“Are you okay?” the worker stammered, steadying her awkwardly.

Cecilia shot Hanley a wounded look. “Hanley, you…”

Hanley avoided her eyes, his face burning. “Let’s just talk, Cici, please don’t cry.”

“Pack up everything,” Nita called out as she stepped inside. “Sell what you can, toss the rest. Leave nothing behind.”

“No! You can’t! This is all mine…” Cecilia wept, trying desperately to block the workers, but they shouldered past her easily. She spun around, eyes pleading with Hanley, begging through her tears, “Hanley… please… Aren’t we friends? Can’t you help me? Stop them, please, Hanley…”

Hanley’s heart twisted painfully inside his chest.

Cecilia and Hanley had both been important friends to him, but Cathie was his wife. If he defended Cecilia now, he’d never hear the end of it at home.

Why did it have to be his choice?

Watching Cecilia cry, Hanley felt his mind unravel with guilt and confusion. In the end, he couldn’t bear it and turned to Nita and the movers, suggesting hesitantly, “Why don’t we let her pack up her own things first? Let her sort out what’s important—her documents, valuables, whatever. When she’s done, you can get the rest.”