W Chapter 49 Theodore didn't say a word . He simply handed the phone back to Emma and turned his attention to his dinner . The meal wasn't even to his taste , yet he polished off three plates . His grandmother couldn't help but marvel , " Theodore , when was the last time you ate ? " Emma shot him a sideways glance . She guessed he hadn't had a decent meal - or much sleep since last night . No wonder he was ravenous ; when the person you care about is sick , even the simplest food tastes wonderful after a day and night of worry . But Theodore just smiled . " Grandma , it's because your cooking is too delicious . " She chuckled , amused . " You two are always so busy . If you ever have the time , come over and I'll cook for you again . " " Grandma ," Theodore said , still savoring his meal , " some of the neighbors in our community are looking to sell their apartments . Why don't I buy you a place nearby ? " His grandmother waved him off with a laugh . " There's no need . I'm perfectly happy here . I know everyone in the neighborhood , and I have my little garden out back . It's easy to grow some fresh vegetables and fruit , and I can always send you a box when they're in season . " This wasn't the first time Theodore had made the offer . He'd brought it up years ago , after she'd taken a bad fall , but she'd refused back then too - said she was used to the quiet of the countryside . Emma knew , though , that in private Grandma had told her , " Just because you're married to Theodore , you shouldn't ask for too much . His money comes from hard work , not out of thin air . " " Alright , Grandma ," Theodore said , finishing his soup and letting out a satisfied sigh . " Honestly , this tastes even better than Fallon's . What's your secret ? " " Silly boy ," she said , laughing at his antics . Emma thought to herself that Grandma was probably the only person left in the world who could call Theodore " silly " and get away with it - and he didn't mind one bit. If there was anyone who truly supported her in this marriage , it was Grandma . Not because she favored Theodore so much , but because she believed in treating people 1/3 11:55 Chapter 49 with genuine kindness - hoping that if she was good to Theodore , he would be good to her beloved granddaughter in return . After dinner , Grandma started clearing the dishes . Sebastian stood to help , and to everyone's surprise , Theodore insisted on pitching in too . In the end , he won the standoff , darting into the kitchen with the plates before anyone else could react . " I'm not a guest ! " he called over his shoulder , already claiming the sink . Grandma looked a little embarrassed . Emma gently touched her arm . " It's fine , Grandma . Let him help . " At this point , she was content to let Theodore do as much as he wanted - if he wanted to wash dishes , mop the floor , whatever - she'd happily put him to work . Honestly , she was even tempted to let him buy Grandma that apartment ; after all , Grandma wasn't anything like her greedy parents . Grandma actually deserved it . Seeing her grandmother's look of helpless resignation , Emma tried to reassure her . " Really , he's not some pampered rich kid . He can handle himself . " And it was true . Theodore had grown up in a wealthy family , but his parents never spoiled him . That's why they'd both ended up at the same public high school , boarding with everyone else . No chauffeur , no maid doing his laundry - he handled everything on his own . Maybe that was why he was so eager to start his own business later on . When the last dish was washed , Theodore announced it was time to leave . Before heading out , he went to the car and returned with an armful of expensive gifts and a thick envelope of cash - easily ten thousand dollars , if Emma guessed right . " Just a little spending money for you , Grandma , " he said , setting it down . Grandma looked utterly flabbergasted . Emma knew exactly what he was up to - showing off for Sebastian's benefit . Grandma tried to refuse the money , but Theodore just tucked it into her drawer . " It's from both Emma and me , " he said , though his eyes flickered to Sebastian as he spoke . Then , slipping an arm around Emma's waist and grabbing her purse , Theodore said , " Grandma , we'll head off now . We'll come visit again soon . " Sebastian , who still had work in the village , waved cheerfully . " See you , Emma . I'll call you when I'm back in town . " 2/3 11:55 Chapter 49 Theodore's arm tightened around her waist at those words . As soon as they stepped outside , his pace quickened . Emma found herself nearly being dragged along , unable to keep up . When they reached the car , he opened the door and all but pushed her inside . He slid into the driver's seat , locked the doors , and his expression darkened . " Emma , you're really something , " he said , his voice low , tinged with anger he was barely holding back . Emma's eyes flicked to the lipstick stain on his collar . She let out a cold laugh . " Not as impressive as you , apparently . " " Who is that guy ? I'd rather not waste my time digging into it myself ," Theodore said , his hands gripping the steering wheel , long fingers tense . On his left ring finger , she noticed a new band - a wedding ring . He'd taken off his wedding ring the night of their ceremony . So what was he wearing now ? She smiled faintly and held up her own hand . On her ring finger was a jade band , simple and understated - chosen by her for everyday wear . She'd never wanted a flashy diamond or anything extravagant . This was a matching set ; Theodore's was jade too . She struggled to twist the ring off - it was tight after five years of never removing it , but she managed . Theodore's eyes followed her movements , and he instinctively pulled his own hand back . She set her ring on the dashboard , her expression calm . " Mr. Whitman , perhaps you'd care to explain when your ring changed color ? " 3/3