The Weight Of Leaving by Riven Kade novel Chapter 3

Lexi looked at me with a smug smile. “Sorry, Ms. James. Carter said starting today, I’m taking over your

position.”

“I’ll say it one more time,” I said. “Get the hell out.”

“Good morning, Mr. Quinn,” someone said, and Carter’s eyes flicked to me with open displeasure.

“Don’t mind her,” he said flatly. “Get back to work.”

“Carter, what the hell is this supposed to mean?” I demanded.

He had people rearranging the room to Lexi’s taste, and I waited for an explanation, but he acted like he

couldn’t even see me.

I forced myself to breathe through it, digging my nails into my palm until it bled, and I barely felt the pain.

I could stop loving Carter, but I couldn’t stop caring about the company I’d poured my life into, not just because I owned shares, but because I’d dragged entire deals back from the edge with nothing but

stubbornness and grit.

“From now on, you only need to be my stay–at–home wife,” he said. “You don’t get involved with the company anymore, and Lexi will take over.”

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I let out a cold laugh, because what coura a uma rate conege grad who needed connections just to do her job possibly handle?

“We’re done,” I said. “If you like Lexi so much, go marry her, and I’ll even wish you two the best.”

“What are you talking about?” he snapped. “When did I ever say I’m marrying Lexi? I’ve already had the venue arranged- we’re getting married in a month, and all you have to do is sit tight and get ready.”

I stared at him, genuinely speechless at how casually he made decisions for me.

“And one more thing,” he added. “The Hale Group anniversary gala is in three days, and you’re coming with

me.”

”

I was Mrs. Hale, so of course I’d be there, and I didn’t need his permission to exist in my own husband’s

world.

“No,” I said. “Take your Lexi, and don’t worry about me.”

Carter followed me out. He’d been back almost a month, but I was still this cold, and he clearly wasn’t used

to it.

Chapter 3

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“Didn’t I tell you Lexi and I aren’t like that?” he said, irritation sharpening his voice. “How long are you going

to keep this up?”

“So you still think I’m the one making a scene?” I said. “Carter, I’m married, so keep your distance.”

He gave a humorless snort, like he was convinced this was just another performance meant to hook his

attention.

“You’re getting better at lying,” he said. “Where’s your husband, then?”

“Funny you ask,” I said. “You know him–Landon Hale!”

“Ah…” The word had barely left my mouth before Carter was gone.

I just smiled to myself, because I’d been numb to his predictable tricks for a long time.

Three days later, it was the Hale Group anniversary gala.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to pick you up?” Landon asked over the phone. “Or are you keeping me in the shadows because you’re scared he’ll find out?”

“Don’t be childish,” I said, trying not to laugh. “You’re busy today, so I’ll have the driver come get me, and you can stop worrying.”

He still made me coax him for half an hour before he finally hung up, and I shook my little amused.

ad, helpless and a

What could I do? Even when he made me mad, I swallowed it, because out of everyone back then, he was the one I chose.

The second I walked into the ballroom in my gown, trouble found me.

“Lexi came with me,” Carter said, blocking my path. “What are you doing here? Go home.”

Lexi immediately put on her soft voice. “Carter, maybe I should leave and let her stay here with you.”

Carter kept a hand on her like he was doing it on purpose, but I wasn’t even looking at them; my eyes were scanning the room for Landon.

That clearly irritated him. “She’s the one who said she wasn’t coming, so who’s causing drama now?” “Since you’re here, stay by my side,” he added, like he still had a say. “We’re all bros. Landon won’t mind.”

I shot him a glance, because what was Landon supposed to mind when I was his wife, unless he didn’t want

– in the primary suite again?

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The moment Carter walked away, Lexi showed her true colors.

Her eyes locked onto the signet ring hanging from the chain around my neck, and she lunged for it, grabbing

without hesitation, so I smacked her hand away hard.

“Ms. Hart,” I said coldly, “has no one ever taught you any manners?”

She snorted, jealousy flashing in her eyes. “You actually dared to steal Landon’s ring. Do you even know what

that is? That ring is the symbol of the Hale family’s head, and you’ll do anything to marry into old money.”

I didn’t miss the envy in her face, and I couldn’t help thinking how bold she was, keeping Carter on a string

while fantasizing about my husband.

“This is mine,” I said. “What’s it to you? Get out of my way.”

Even when she asked, Landon wouldn’t take it off for her to look at–not even for a second.

That man at the very top of the pyramid was someone she wouldn’t even get close to without Carter, and no matter how long she’d tried to flirt her way in, Landon never once gave her an opening–otherwise, she

wouldn’t have settled for Carter.

“Don’t lie,” she snapped. “That’s Landon’s, and you’re giving it back to me.”

“What’s going on?” Carter demanded as he came back.

Lexi pointed at the chain on my neck. “She stole Landon’s ring.”

Carter narrowed his eyes, like he was weighing something, then dismissed it as impossible.

“Take it off,” he ordered, his voice turning dark.

“This is mine,” I said, refusing to budge. “Why would I take it off for you?”

Honestly, I didn’t even like the thing; that damn man was the one who’d insisted I wear it, then threatened me into keeping it on, because once I wore it, he said, it meant I’d been stamped as his.

I’d put up with it because he demanded it, and I hadn’t expected Lexi to recognize it, let alone see it on me.

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