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Chapter 104: Another layer
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2024-09-30 23:31:34Bab terkait
The Wife Swap Chapter 105: The final act
Ashley’s POVThe rest of the salon visit went by in a blur. Faye’s words about Ashton’s mysterious fear kept replaying in my mind, like a warning bell I couldn’t silence. The more I thought about it, the more I wondered if I should have been paying closer attention to any clues, the fragments of Ashton’s life that I had been so quick to dismiss. The problem was that I didn’t even know enough to have anything to work with. Who was it that Ashton was so afraid of? Could it be Thomas? Or was there someone else lurking in the shadows? Could that be why she was going on that trip? When we finished up, Faye and I parted ways, but not before she gave me one more reassuring smile, as if to tell me everything would be alright. I tried to mirror her optimism, but it felt like a mask that didn’t quite fit.Adam was waiting outside the salon, his face as impassive as ever, but something about the way his eyes lingered on me for a moment too long made me wonder if he could sense my unease.I cli
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-10-01The Wife Swap Chapter 106: Heightened emotions
Ashley’s POVThe arrival of the make-up artist had been a welcome distraction, giving me a brief break from the different thoughts spinning around in my mind since Faye’s unsettling revelation. My interaction with her had left me reeling—who was this person Ashton had feared so much? The truth felt like a heavy stone lodged in my chest, one I couldn’t shake loose, no matter how hard I tried. But now, with the lady here to help me prepare for the gala, I allowed myself to focus on something else, even if just for a few minutes.As I stepped out of the bathroom, my hair damp from the shower and a plush white robe wrapped around me and sat in front of the mirror, I heard a soft knock at the door. My heart skipped a beat—was this the final interruption before the evening truly began? The makeup artist, a cheerful woman with warm eyes and an air of professionalism, quickly set down her brushes.“I’ll get it,” she said, her voice light and eager to help. “You just relax.”There was something
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-10-02The Wife Swap Chapter 107: No matter what happens
Ashley’s POVThere was a beat of silence, heavy and thick with everything we weren’t saying. I looked away, staring at the floor because meeting his gaze felt too much like confronting everything that was wrong between us.Andreas broke the silence first, his voice softer than before. “I just wanted to tell you…that I’ll always be there for you, no matter what happens.”I glanced up at him, startled by the vulnerability in his words. For the first time in a long time, I saw a crack in his stoic facade, a hint of the man underneath—the one who had captured my heart“Thank you,” I whispered, not trusting my voice to say more.He nodded, his expression unreadable as he stepped back, creating space between us again. “I have to head to the venue early,” he said after a moment, his voice softer than usual. “There are a few people I need to welcome. But if you’d like, I can come back and we could go together.”There was a pause, a fleeting hope that seemed to hang in the air, like he was off
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-10-03The Wife Swap Chapter 108: One way or another
Andreas’s POVFriends.I would regret that word until my last breath. I had drawn the line between Ashley and me, not because I didn’t want more, but because I was terrified of what I couldn’t have. Of what I didn’t deserve. But walking away from her just now, after that moment we shared—her soft moan when I wiped the soap from her ear—had taken everything in me not to close the space between us and kiss her senseless.She didn’t even realize the sound she’d made, but I did. It lodged itself in my chest, searing beneath the surface like an open wound. It took everything to turn my back on her and not give in to the pull I felt, the need I had to just...hold her. Kiss her. Something more than this strained, distant friendship we’d agreed on.Friends. What a fucking lie.But I had bigger issues right now. Issues that made whatever tension simmered between Ashley and me feel insignificant.Clint, my driver, glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “Everything okay back there, boss?”“I
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-10-04The Wife Swap Chapter 109: Host duties
Andreas’s POVEverything seemed to be going surprisingly well. Well, at least for now. It had only been an hour into the gala, and typically, I was far too much of a meticulous pessimist to think things were smooth sailing this early. But for once, the chaos hadn't yet crept in. No drama, no scandals…yet.My father, Alfred, and his wife, Margaret, had arrived first. It was typical of him, showing up on time and immediately scanning the room with that hawk-like gaze of his. He gave me a curt nod, his usual nonverbal acknowledgment, before he started surveying the crowd. Margaret, on the other hand, tried to mimic his cool demeanor, but I could see right through her.Her eyes flitted across the room with all the subtlety of a child in a candy store, especially when she caught sight of the woman I had just exchanged pleasantries with. One of the CEOs of Pinnacle Beauty, a makeup line I knew Margaret was practically a walking advertisement for.Predictably, Margaret couldn't resist. She l
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-10-05The Wife Swap Chapter 110: Sweet
Andreas’s POVSweet.That word had lodged itself in my head ever since I overheard a man whisper it to his wife as they strolled past me, her giggles echoing down the hall. It irritated me. It reminded me of Ashley—of the way she had this strange hold on me, how the mere thought of her made me feel like a kid who'd just been allowed to have candy. My eyes kept flicking toward the entrance, restless anticipation bubbling beneath my skin. It was ridiculous, really. Waiting for her like this.I hated that I felt it—that ache, that need to see her again.For what felt like the hundredth time, I reminded myself that tonight was the last night. The last time Ashley would stand by my side before everything fell apart. Tomorrow, I’d have to sit my father down and confess. I’d have to tell him about Ashton. About Ashley. About the wife swap.It would destroy whatever illusion we’d managed to uphold, and after that, I had no idea what would come next. No more pretense. No more hiding behind the
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-10-06The Wife Swap Chapter 111: Adam’s surprise
Andreas’s POVAdam was always late. If there was one thing I could count on, it was that he’d make a scene by showing up at the last possible minute, basking in the attention his tardiness garnered. And tonight was no different.He strolled in with his wife, Sansa, on his arm, the picture of the perfect couple. Except, it was all a lie. Anyone who knew them knew the truth—there was no love between them, just an arranged marriage stitched together by our parents to consolidate wealth and power. A hollow, loveless match.Sansa smiled warmly at me, her eyes soft and kind, the way they always were. And I smiled back, a genuine one, though it felt rare on a night like this. A part of me always felt sad for her. She didn’t deserve to be stuck with my asshole brother, trapped in a life that wasn’t hers. Besides Annabel, Sansa was the only other person in this family I didn’t mind helping if she ever needed anything. She was too good for this family.“Andreas,” she greeted, her voice soft, li
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-10-06The Wife Swap Chapter 112: The stronger twin
Ashley’s POVI stared at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing myself beneath the layers of makeup. My face was flawless, the work of Shannon, who had spent the last hour fussing over me as if I were some kind of doll, which, surprisingly, had made me feel more at ease than I’d expected.“You look absolutely fabulous!” Faye exclaimed from where she sat, her voice bright and animated as always, as Shannon finished up her makeup. Shannon had jumped in last minute after Faye hurried over to the house, desperate because her own makeup artist was running late from another appointment.“Really, you do,” Shannon chimed in, taking a step back to admire her work. “And this dress is perfect for the gala.”I forced a small smile as I glanced down at the gown I’d chosen for tonight. It was elegant but understated, something that wouldn’t draw too much attention while still meeting the occasion’s standards. Exactly how I liked to be. Yet as perfect as it all was—my makeup, the dress, the
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-10-07
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The Wife Swap Chapter 241: A new beginning
Ashley’s POV“Thank you,” I managed, taking the bouquet from Andreas, my fingers trembling slightly. “You… you came.”He chuckled softly, nodding. “Wouldn’t miss it. I’m proud of you, Ashley. You’re amazing. The book…it’s incredible.” He paused, and the warmth in his eyes made my heart race. “I’ve already read it, by the way,” he added, a hint of teasing in his tone. “I couldn’t put it down.”A small, awkward laugh escaped my lips, a nervous sound. “You read it?” I asked, almost incredulous. “All of it?”He nodded, his gaze unwavering. “Every word. You have a real talent, Ashley. I’m not just saying that because of…well, because of us.” He gave a small smile, almost sheepish, and I swallowed, fighting the urge to reach out and kiss him. “You’ve always had it in you. I’m just glad the world gets to know the face behind the work.”I felt a warmth in my chest, the kind that had been absent for so long. I opened my mouth to thank him and paused, wondering if he’d leave after I responded a
The Wife Swap Chapter 240: A heartfelt reunion
Ashley’s POVThe book launch venue was everything I’d hoped it would be—a cozy, intimate setting with an air of understated elegance. The soft glow of chandeliers reflected off the polished wood floors, and the tables were lined with white tablecloths, their centerpieces adorned with my favorite flowers. It was the kind of place that felt warm and welcoming, just like the people who had supported me along the way. As I stood outside for a moment, taking in the sight of it all, a nervous flutter took over my stomach. The event was finally happening. This was real. I rushed to the back entrance, slightly out of breath as I adjusted my dress. It was simple but elegant, a soft blue outfit that felt just right for the occasion. I had done everything to plan, but of course, I was running behind. The chaos of getting ready and the last-minute checks on everything had left me feeling a bit frazzled, but beneath the nerves, there was a sense of excitement I couldn’t ignore. This moment was f
The Wife Swap Chapter 239: An eventful year
Ashley’s POVA Year LaterThe air was crisp, but the sun cast a warm, golden glow over the gravesite. I sat on the bench near Ashton’s tombstone, the scent of fresh flowers mixing with the earthy smell of the cemetery. In my hands, I held a bouquet of bright flowers and a box of cookies—the kind we used to love as kids.I arranged them carefully at the base of the stone, each movement slow, deliberate. I knew Ashton wasn’t really here, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was still with me—somewhere, somehow. Sometimes, I liked to think she could hear me, or at least, feel my presence. So, I began speaking aloud, as if she were sitting right beside me, just like when we were younger, chatting about everything and nothing at all.“It’s been an eventful year, Ash,” I murmured, feeling the weight of the words as I spoke them. “I guess you know that already, but I still need to say it. I’ve been doing a lot of things I never thought I’d do.”I paused, looking out at the rows of grave
The Wife Swap Chapter 238: Starting again
Ashley’s POVI swallowed hard, my throat tightening. The words felt like a punch in the gut, but in a way, they were also the relief I hadn’t known I was waiting for. My sister, my twin, had always been larger than life. She had overshadowed me in everything—her beauty, her confidence, her charisma. It wasn’t always intentional. She hadn’t known the effect she had on me, the way I always felt like I was just trying to catch up, just trying to exist beside her.“I’m sorry for all the times I overshadowed you, even without meaning to. You were always the best part of me.”The words blurred as tears welled up in my eyes. I hadn’t realized until that moment how much I had needed to hear them. I had spent so much of my life feeling like an afterthought, living in the space that Ashton’s brilliance had left behind. But now, as I read those words, I allowed myself to believe them—for the first time in my life.“I hope you can forgive me for all the times I wasn’t there, for all the mess I le
The Wife Swap Chapter 237: Rediscovery
Ashley’s POVThe room was quiet, save for the hum of the heater, a soft background noise that reminded me that I was no longer at the mansion. I sat at the small desk in the corner of my now shared apartment with Liv, staring at the blank page of my journal. The pen in my hand felt foreign, like I was holding someone else’s tool, meant for someone else’s purpose.It had been weeks since I left Andreas, though it still felt like I was living in the aftermath of that decision. The pain was still there, a constant presence in the pit of my stomach, but there was something else, too—a strange, bittersweet peace. I was no longer just pretending. I wasn’t living in the shadow of Ashton’s life, her successes, her untimely death. I was just... me.I shifted in the chair, pulling my knees up to my chest as I let my gaze drift out the window. The lights of the city twinkled below, but the sky above was dark, as though it mirrored the way I still felt inside. Despite the nights I cried myself to
The Wife Swap Chapter 236: Letting Go
Andreas’s POVMoving to the bedroom, I laid on Ashley’s side, feeling the coldness of the sheets where her warmth had once been. Without her, it felt wrong, everything felt wrong. But I couldn’t change it. Not yet, at least. She had made her choice, and I had to respect that.I had to admit it, even to myself: I didn’t think I could live without her. But as much as I ached for her, chasing after her now would only drive her further away. She needed time, space to figure herself out, and I wasn’t about to make her feel cornered. I wasn’t about to be the one who trapped her. She had already sacrificed so much for me, for Ashton. If I was going to love her the way she deserved, I had to let her go.I knew that she didn’t ask me to wait. She hadn’t asked me to do anything, really, except to give her what she needed. But in my heart, I couldn’t shake the resolve that I would wait for her. Time would pass, and maybe she’d find her way back to me. Or maybe she wouldn’t. But no matter what, I
The Wife Swap Chapter 235: Deafening emptiness
Andreas’s POVThe glass of whiskey sat in front of me, untouched, and I stared at it without really seeing it, my mind preoccupied with the words Ashley had left me with, the ones that echoed in my head like an unwanted refrain. “You deserve someone who fits seamlessly into your life, not someone who makes you choose.”For the first time, I questioned everything I had built. I had spent years constructing a life that was logical, pragmatic—a life that adhered to the rules of the world I was born into. A life where love was a luxury, something I could never afford. I married Ashton, not out of love, but because it was expected of me and I had wanted someone who wouldn’t be my father’s pawn. The contract was simple, clean, and it served its purpose. I chose the company over everything else, convincing myself that reputation, power, and control were all that mattered. I never allowed myself to truly love, not because I didn’t want to, but because I couldn’t. My heart, damaged by a condit
The Wife Swap Chapter 234: A love let go
Ashley’s POVI took a deep breath and sat down beside Andreas, feeling the coolness of the leather against my skin, the space between us growing more fragile with every passing second.“I don’t know where to start,” I whispered, my voice shaking. “I love you, Andreas. I’ve loved you for so long now, even when I didn’t know how to admit it, even when I didn’t know how to let myself feel it.”He was silent, his dark eyes fixed on me, watching me with a mixture of concern and understanding. He wasn’t interrupting, waiting patiently as I tried to find the right words. His presence was warm, comforting even, but it only made this harder.“I didn’t know what I was getting into when I agreed to the swap but meeting you has been one of the most rewarding moments of my existence,” I continued, the tears that had been threatening to spill finally falling freely. “You’ve shown me love, patience, and given me the strength to face so many things, things I didn’t even realize I needed to face. You’
The Wife Swap Chapter 233: Saying goodbye
Ashley’s POVThe day of Ashton’s burial was a blur of emotions. Grief, yes—I had expected that. But there was also relief, anger, hope, and a strange sense of peace that I couldn’t quite place.The small ceremony was held in a quiet corner of the Thorne estate, under a canopy of trees that Ashton would’ve loved. The turnout was larger than I’d anticipated. It wasn’t just family, though the Thorne family was represented in some way, with Andreas and Annabelle by my side. Workers from the gallery had come too, some of them tearfully recalling stories of Ashton’s quick wit and unmatched dedication to her work. Liv had been by my side the entire time and Faye had managed to track down a few close friends, and seeing their faces filled me with gratitude.Of course, Adam and Amarinth were nowhere to be seen. I hadn’t expected them to come, nor did I want them there. Thomas was absent too, but Sansa had made an appearance. I couldn’t help but notice how much lighter she seemed, almost radian
