Page 104 of Wed to You-
Chelsea’s mind started spinning and her heart, already breaking for Kaden and Jagger, now shattered. The past weeks between them that had seemed so real had all been a part of the marriage deal. She should have known this was coming. The case was over. So now it was time to pack up and go home. Still. “You’re kicking me out tonight?”
“What?” He glanced at her, his brows furrowed in confusion.
“You want me to pack and leave tonight?”
“No. I want us, you, me, and Kaden to pack and leave.”
One part of her wanted to be happy she was included in his plan. The problem was the law-abiding part of her was waving red flags all over the place. “You want to run away?”
“It’s the only thing I can do to keep Kaden.”
“No, it’s not. Didn’t you hear the judge? You still have rights to Kaden, just not all the rights.”
“I didn’t go into this to get part-time rights. I’m the one who’s been there. I’m the one who’s sacrificed everything for him. She doesn’t deserve him.”
“What about what Kaden wants?”
“Kaden is five. He doesn’t have a say.”
“What about when he’s older and learns you kept him from her?”
Jagger’s menacing eyes glared at her. “I thought you were on my side.”
“I am.”
“It doesn’t sound like it.”
“I’m on Kaden’s side too. You said yourself you want a normal life for him. What’s normal about running? About him visiting you in jail when you’re caught?”
Jagger slammed on the brakes in the driveway. “Are you coming or not?”
She studied him, trying to find the man she’d spend the last few months falling in love with. She’d admired his commitment and the steps he’d go through to keep Kaden. This was too much. Too far.
“Stay then.” He got out of the car, slamming the door behind him. Chelsea sat, waiting for her heart to stop racing. He was going to run. He invited her to go, but she loved both Jagger and Kaden too much to break the law. Jagger had the means to run now, but once he was gone, all his assets would be frozen. His father would likely get control of all their money. It would be more difficult to keep running without Talbot money to fund it. Which meant, eventually, he’d be caught.
She had to stop him but didn’t know how. He was too deep in his anger to see reason. She made her way into the house. Grayson and Miss Z stood with stunned expressions in the foyer. “Where’s Mrs. Stanton?”
“Packing for Kaden.”
Why wasn’t she stopping this?
Finally, Miss Z grabbed Chelsea’s arms. “You have to stop him.”
“I don’t know how.”
“You’re his wife. He’ll listen to you.”
So they’d finally bought the scam, and now she’d have to admit her deception. “Nothing, not even me, trumps Kaden.”
Grayson shook his head.
Jagger hurried down the stairs carrying a large duffle bag. Mrs. Stanton appeared a few minutes later. The worry etched on her face told Chelsea she didn’t like this plan any more than the rest of them.
“Where’s Kaden?” Jagger dropped his bag by the door.
“He’s coming.” Mrs. Stanton set a small suitcase and a backpack next to Jagger’s duffle. “Jagger. Are you sure this is the only way?”
“I won’t let her take him.”
