Emma's understanding of her marriage shifted yet again . She'd always assumed Theodore had bought this sprawling apartment because of her bad leg . Turns out , she was wrong . This was never about her comfort . This was the dream home he and Cecilia had always wanted . Spacious rooms , ornate chandeliers , floor - to - ceiling windows , a Moroccan rug , linen sofas , a grand European - style dining table . Every detail was straight out of Cecilia's taste . Outside the bedroom , Cecilia's voice rang out , bright and delighted . " Oh my god , Theo , you have so many Venetian dolls ! Did you bring back every single one they make ? How did you even collect them all ? " Jared chimed in , his tone warm , " Theo never forgot your love for them . Every time he traveled , or any of his friends or clients went to Venice , he'd make sure to get one for you . " Standing alone , hand trembling on the doorknob , Emma listened as their laughter floated in . But what echoed in her mind was a different conversation entirely : " Theodore , why do you bring home so many dolls ? " " I just didn't want you to get bored when you're here alone . The dolls might not talk , but they fill up the house and make it feel less empty . " How ironic . This house was anything but empty . Supposedly her and Theodore's marital home , yet Cecilia's presence lingered in every corner . How could it ever feel spacious or lonely ? Dining room , living room , beside the window - Cecilia's fingerprints were everywhere . Even when she was gone , the memories of her filled every inch , every moment . Emma found herself wondering : when Theodore lay with her at night , keeping so much distance between them - was it because , somewhere in his mind , there was always a Cecilia sleeping between them ? Finally , she'd had enough . She flung the door open . 1/2 11:49 Chapter 21 She wanted to see for herself - did these people , so brazenly reminiscing about their shared past , even remember she existed ? She was still the lady of this house , after all . The divorce papers weren't signed yet . Maybe the door slammed too loudly , because everyone's attention snapped to her . Cecilia stood holding one of the dolls , gazing at it with open affection , then turned to Emma with a playful shake . " Emma , I'm so jealous ! You have so many dolls . Can I have this one ? " " Sure , " Emma replied from the doorway , not hesitating for a second . Theodore's face lit up , clearly satisfied with her answer - until Emma continued , voice cool and clear . " Take them all . Every doll , this apartment , even this person - he's yours . You can have everything . " When she said " this person ," her eyes were fixed on Theodore . Theodore's expression darkened . " Emma ! " he thundered . Cecilia's eyes immediately filled with tears , as if she'd been slapped . She set the doll down in a rush . " Emma , please don't be mad . I didn't mean it like that , I swear - I never meant for you to think there was anything between us , you've got it all wrong . If you don't want me here , I'll go , okay ? " She covered her face and turned to leave . Of course , Theodore and his loyal friends weren't about to let her walk out so easily . Theodore jumped to block her way , and Jared , along with the rest of the group , immediately closed ranks behind Cecilia , glaring at Emma as if she were some kind of criminal . Jared , especially , looked furious . " Theo , it's not our place to say anything , but seeing Cici treated like this really gets to us ! " Not their place to say anything ? Please . They were all but forcing Theodore to make a choice : Cecilia or his wife . And if he chose Emma , he'd lose his friends . The message couldn't have been clearer . 212 11.50 Chapter 22