Chapter 14 " I'll ask him to come over , " Ms. Brown replied to the message . But what Emma never expected was that Ms. Brown's husband turned out to be Theodore's new business partner - the very same man Emma had just met . " He's here in Cresthaven to discuss a deal . I thought I'd tag along for a few days to enjoy the town . Who would've guessed I'd run into you here ? It must be fate ... " Ms. Brown chatted as she introduced her husband , while Emma watched Theodore , Cecilia , and Mr. Brown making their way toward the tea lounge . They finally reached the table . Emma stayed seated , watching the color drain and then return to Theodore and Cecilia's faces in rapid , vivid waves - flushed , then pale , then flushed again . " Come , have a seat , " Mr. Brown said cheerfully . " This is my wife - she teaches dance . And this is Mr. Theodore , my business partner for this trip , and his wife . " The word " wife " hung awkwardly in the air . Theodore's hand gave a faint , noticeable tremor , and Cecilia shifted in her chair , clearly uncomfortable . Both of them stared anxiously at Emma . Emma looked at them and gave a subtle , unreadable smile . Ms. Brown introduced her in turn , " This is my student - back in the day , Emma was the one everyone thought would win the Orchid Cup . " At the mention of the " Orchid Cup , " Theodore's eyes dulled . He looked down , almost involuntarily , as if he wanted to glance at Emma's leg . Emma didn't miss it . She saw , in that fleeting moment , the pain in his eyes . Of course it hurt . If she hadn't injured her leg all those years ago , he'd never have married her out of obligation . That woman beside him - the real love of his life - would have been his wife from the start . Emma smiled faintly . " Ms. Brown , Mr. Brown , actually , I- " " Ah ! " Cecilia shrieked suddenly , cutting Emma off . Hot tea spilled everywhere - across Cecilia's hands , her dress , the table . " So sorry - oh my god , I'm so sorry , how clumsy of me ! " Cecilia scrambled for napkins , 1/3 11:48 Chapter 14 blotting up the mess . " No worries , no worries , " Ms. Brown said , still oblivious , passing more napkins her way . One cup of tea , and Emma's truth was left unsaid . But if Emma really wanted to say it , could anyone have stopped her ? Across the table , Theodore shot Emma a desperate look , subtly shaking his head , lips silently mouthing , " Don't . Don't say it . " Oh , she'd never truly meant to reveal anything - she'd only pretended to , just to watch the panic on their faces . That was all . This afternoon tea : some squirmed like they were sitting on thorns , while others sat perfectly at ease . As Emma lifted her cup , Ms. Brown suddenly noticed her hand . " Emma , are you wearing a wedding ring ? Who's your husband ? " The question landed like a thunderclap . Across from her , Theodore and Cecilia's faces changed dramatically . Emma caught Theodore's hand , resting near his own cup , and let a sly , mocking smile curl her lips . He'd never worn his ring - not once . After their wedding , he'd slipped it off and left it to gather dust , who knew where . " Yes , I've been married for five years now , " Emma replied coolly . " My husband's name is Whitman . " " What a coincidence - Whitman as well ? " Theodore jumped in , his meaning clear : Don't say another word . " That's right ," Emma said lightly , " Also Whitman . He's in business as well - just not quite on the same scale as Mr. Whitman here . " She took a sip of tea . Through the rim of her cup , she saw Theodore exhale in relief . " Well , isn't that something ? Next time , bring your Mr. Whitman along - we'll all have tea together . " Because Emma was Ms. Brown's student , Mr. Brown was especially courteous , extending the invitation . Theodore's expression flickered again . Emma almost wanted to laugh . In five years of marriage , she'd never seen as many expressions cross his face as in this one afternoon .