Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 492

It was happening. The very thing she had dreaded.

A profound sense of powerlessness washed over Emma, draining the strength from her voice. “Did I or did I not tell you I was kidnapped? That my purse and phone were stolen?”

Sebastian paused for a second. “Even so, did he have to deliver it personally? A good ex is supposed to act like he’s dead.”

Emma fell silent. There was nothing more to say. “What do you want me to do? I didn’t ask him to come.”

“That’s what you always say! You didn’t ask him, you didn’t plan it. Does that mean you two are just destined to be together?” The words flew out of his mouth.

Pain, sharp and visceral, lanced through Emma. It felt like an old wound being ripped open again. After everything she had been through with Theodore, after all that suffering, Sebastian was now throwing it in her face, accusing her of having some kind of cosmic connection with him. How could he be so cruel? She thought he understood, which was why she had shown him her scars. She never imagined he would use them as a weapon against her.

She offered no further explanation and simply turned to walk home.

Her coldness sent Sebastian into a panic. He rushed after her, wrapping his arms around her from behind. “I’m sorry, baby, I’m so sorry.”

For the first time, Emma recoiled from his touch.

“Don’t do this, please don’t do this to me. You’re hurting me. Don’t ignore me,” he pleaded, holding her so tightly she couldn’t break free.

His powerful arms felt like a cage, squeezing the air from her lungs. “Sebastian,” she said, her voice strained. “I’ve told you before, I was married to Theodore for five years. That is a fact that will never change. If you can’t get past that, then please, reconsider this relationship. I can accept any outcome.”

It was the closest she had ever come to breaking up with him.

Emma shook her head. “No.”

“Baby…” That pleading, puppy-dog look returned to his eyes.

But a seed of doubt had been planted.

Her brother had once told her, “Emmie, with our family’s situation, you don’t ever have to get married. You don’t have to be with anyone. All that matters is your happiness.”

And Renee had said, “Sweetheart, I don’t want you to be unhappy. Life is short. Don’t waste your years being miserable.”