She clutched her phone , thinking , Finally , I can breathe again . For a moment there , she'd been terrified he might scroll through her messages , maybe even open her email - what if he saw the notification about her IELTS exam ? But if that was the only thing she had to worry about ... She paused , and realized she didn't even want to be mad anymore. She just wanted to get as far away from here as possible . That feeling only grew stronger seeing him again now . When she stayed silent , he assumed she was still sulking . With a sigh, he said , " Emma , you've always been so mature . Why would you refuse to come home over something like this ? " Emma swore she genuinely didn't want to be angry about it anymore . But when Theodore said that - honestly , even a saint would lose their patience . " So , all of yesterday was my fault , is that it ? I'm the immature one ? Should I have just walked in and congratulated Jared - ' Great job , you really nailed it , you're practically his clone ' ? " The words slipped out , sharp and tired . Theodore's face stiffened . " That's not what I meant . I'm just saying you can't control what other people say . You shouldn't- " " I can't control them , but you can , can't you ? " she shot back , locking eyes with him . " So what were you doing at the time ? You were there laughing with your precious Cici , with your arm around her . " " Emma ! " For the first time , anger flashed across his face . And just like that , Emma understood . " Cici " was his untouchable nerve , the one boundary she wasn't allowed to cross . What else was there to say ? She hugged her purse to her chest and brushed past him , heading down the hall . But before she could get far , his arm shot out , pulling her back against him . " I'm sorry , Emma . I shouldn't have raised my voice , " he murmured , voice low . " I just don't want you to misunderstand about Cici . We're just friends , nothing more . I treat her like one of the guys . She's not married yet , and you talking about her like that isn't 1/3 11:48 Chapter 10 fair to her . " Emma just couldn't see it . If nothing was going on , why did Cecilia cling to him so shamelessly ? If they could do it , why be so afraid of people talking ? She only answered with a flat , " Okay . " " Emma ... " He heard the chill in her voice . " Why are you still upset ? You checked into a hotel by yourself , didn't even come home , and I never said a word to you . Yet you're still angry ? " Right . As always , it was all her fault . " Emma , come on , let's not fight . Let's go get some lunch , then I'll take you shopping , alright ? " She hesitated , then nodded . Fine . She had things she needed to say . Theodore led her to a nearby restaurant . As they entered , the hostess glanced their way . Out of habit , Emma instinctively wanted to tug her collar higher and shuffle behind Theodore , hoping to hide her limp and keep her awkward gait out of sight . But then , just as quickly , she let it go . So what if she didn't fit in ? She wasn't planning to try anymore . They sat down . Theodore ordered for both of them . When the food arrived , Theodore handed her a fork with the same gentle tone as always . " Emma , eat . I ordered all your favorites . " Emma glanced at the dishes - everything was spicy . She couldn't help but let out a bitter little laugh . He didn't even know she couldn't handle spicy food . Every dinner at home was loaded with heat , but that was only because he loved it . " Theodore , I'm not hungry , " she said , not touching the fork . " There's something I need to tell you ." " What is it ? " He forced a small smile . " Anywhere you want to go , I'll take you. I'm free all day . This afternoon we can go out together , and tonight we'll have dinner at my parents ' place ." 2/3 11:48 Chapter 10 She stared at that faint , almost invisible smile on his lips , her heart aching with everything she was about to say . Chapter 11