Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 399

Hanley left her without a backward glance, not even bothering to walk her upstairs. He just tossed out a suggestion that she should get back to work or try reaching out to Theo.

Call Theo...

Cecilia let out a bitter laugh.

She was almost certain Theo already suspected something. Otherwise, why would he suddenly disappear—no calls, no messages—when they were so close to their wedding? They’d even tried on outfits together. Wasn’t it strange? She couldn’t help but think so. But she was at the end of her rope, and Theo was her last hope.

Curled up on the hotel bed, she swallowed her pride and dialed Theodore’s number.

To her surprise, he actually picked up.

“Theo…” The moment she heard his voice, the tears came pouring out.

This time, the pain was real—not another act. All those days Theo had cared for her, shielded her from the world, contrasted so sharply with the misery she felt now, abandoned and desperate. Regret gnawed at her.

But deep down, she blamed Theo for everything. If only he hadn’t always kept her at arm’s length, never letting their relationship truly progress, she wouldn’t have felt so insecure. Maybe then she wouldn’t have been so easily tempted, so quick to fall under Jared’s spell.

Now anxiety twisted inside her. What if Theo really did know? What if he was only pretending not to?

But on the other end of the line, Theo’s voice was as warm and steady as ever. “Cici, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

He sounded so gentle, as if absolutely nothing had happened.

Relief flooded her, and she sniffled. “Theo, where have you been these past few days? You just vanished.”

“Oh, I’ve been sick. Haven’t even made it to the office. Just trying to get some rest and recover.”

“But… I don’t have any money…” Cecilia’s hope fizzled. She’d half-expected him to offer to buy her an apartment.

“Cici, I’m sorry, but I’m broke too. Everything I had went to Emma. I’ve barely got a thousand left in my account—can’t even cover a month’s rent.”

Cecilia was struck silent for a long moment. Finally, she asked, “But… doesn’t the company have money?”

“The company’s in trouble too, and besides, business accounts and personal accounts aren’t the same thing,” Theodore explained. “Don’t worry. Things should turn around next month. You can rent a place for now, and by the end of the year, we’ll be able to get a new place.”

Hope flickered in Cecilia’s chest. “Theo, can I just stay with you for now? It would save us both a little money.”

“That’s not a good idea. I’m still recovering, and I wouldn’t want to risk passing anything on to the baby.”

Tears welled up again in Cecilia’s eyes. “You still remember the baby?”