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Chapter 117: In the Balance
Last Updated:
2024-10-13 23:21:15Related chapters
The Wife Swap Chapter 118: Heightened stakes
Chapter 118Ashley’s POVMy heart was pounding as I stood outside Veronica Hastings’ door, willing myself to stay calm. I rang the doorbell, forcing my nerves down. I couldn’t let my fear take over—not now. As the seconds stretched, I reminded myself of Ashton, my sister. She would never let a situation like this rattle her. No, Ashton would have breezed in with her head held high, completely in control. If she could do it, so could I.The door swung open, revealing Veronica Hastings in all her cold, polished glory. Her eyes were sharp, assessing, and unimpressed. She clearly wasn’t in the mood for any pleasantries, and I had barely uttered a word before she raised an eyebrow at me, already impatient.“Yes?” she asked, her voice clipped.I swallowed, forcing myself to stand a little straighter. “I’m Ashton Thorne, Andreas’s wife.” The word “wife” tasted strange on my tongue as usual, but I forced myself to smile. Now wasn’t the time to be worrying about that. I needed to focus on makin
Last Updated : 2024-10-14The Wife Swap Chapter 119: Resolution
Ashley’s povI took a deep breath, steadying myself. “You’re right. I don’t know the business like Andreas does,” I admitted, trying to strike the balance between honesty and confidence. “But that’s exactly why I’m here.”Veronica raised an eyebrow, clearly waiting for an explanation.“Andreas did collapse earlier, although I believe it’s just a stress issue and he needs rest” I continued, choosing my words carefully. “And yes, he wanted to be here more than anything. But the truth is, he’s been pushing himself to the limit for this gala, like everything else that he does. Not just because it’s important to the company, but because it’s important to him—personally. He’s been working himself to the point of exhaustion, and as much as I know he’d drag himself out of bed to meet you if he could, I didn’t want that. As his wife, I could not bear to see him do that when I could come here myself.”Veronica’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t interrupt. She was listening.“I wanted to be the one
Last Updated : 2024-10-15The Wife Swap Chapter 120: The weight of consequences
Andreas’ POVThe moment the door clicked shut behind Ashley, I turned to my secretary, already thinking ahead. "Go downstairs and find the COO," I instructed, my voice steady despite the tightness in my chest. "Tell him what’s happened with Veronica, that I’m working on it and to stay on standby. Nothing about my health." The words came out quicker than usual as I tried to steady my breathing.She hesitated, glancing at me with concern. "And the vote of thanks, Mr. Thorne? You were supposed to give it."I ran a hand through my hair, fighting back the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. It wasn’t her fault that I had collapsed. "Tell him to take it if I’m not able to come down," I replied, running a hand through my hair as my doctor examined me.Nodding, she left the room, closing the door quietly behind her. As soon as she was gone, the silence crept in, thick and heavy. I let out a long breath, leaning back into the bed as the tension in my body reminded me of why I was here in t
Last Updated : 2024-10-16The Wife Swap Chapter 121: Little lies
Ashley’s POVAs I hurried through the hallway, my heels clicking against the marble floor, relief washed over me. Veronica had agreed not to pull out of the gala. I couldn’t wait to get back to Andreas and share the good news. We had done it, or rather—I had done it. I had managed to hold my own against Veronica Hastings. The thought made me feel stronger than I had in weeks. I wondered what Ashton would think if she had seen me today. Would she be proud of me for holding my own, for standing strong like she always taught me when we were younger?Just as I rounded the corner, my pace quickened, but then I saw him—Adam. He looked like he was heading somewhere but paused at the sight of me and leaned casually against the wall, that ever-present smirk playing on his lips. I immediately straightened, slowing my steps, doing my best to mask the adrenaline and excitement coursing through me moments before.“Adam,” I greeted, forcing my voice to stay light, though my stomach twisted in discom
Last Updated : 2024-10-17The Wife Swap Chapter 122: The unsaid
Ashley’s POVAs I approached the room where Andreas was recovering, my heart raced with anticipation. I punched in the code, hearing the faint beep as the door unlocked, and stepped inside, eager to share the good news about Veronica. But as soon as I entered, my breath caught in my throat—the bed was empty. My pulse quickened in panic. Where was he?My eyes darted around the room, and just as I was about to rush out and find someone, I noticed his suit jacket and tie lying haphazardly across the bed. That stopped me in my tracks. My eyes lingered on them for a moment, and just then, the door to the bathroom creaked open, and Andreas stepped out.I swallowed hard, my breath catching again—but this time, for a different reason.Andreas stood there, his usually perfectly gelled hair now a tousled mess. His face looked freshly washed, droplets of water still clinging to his skin. But it wasn’t just his face that caught my attention—it was his shirt. It hung open, revealing the chiseled mu
Last Updated : 2024-10-18The Wife Swap Chapter 123: In the moment
Ashley’s POVFor a moment, Andreas just stared at me, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, the corners of his mouth lifted into a smile—a real smile, the kind that made his eyes light up."You did it," he said softly, almost to himself. "You actually did it."I nodded, feeling the weight of the moment finally lifting from my shoulders. “So, you don’t have to worry about Veronica pulling out of the gala,” I said, my words rushing out as the relief of the situation started to settle in. “But you’ll still need to reach out to her secretary to schedule a time to meet, you know, formally discuss everything.”I kept talking, rambling on about the logistics, trying to focus on anything but the way my heart has started to race thanks to Andreas’ undivided attention on me. My thoughts were still running a mile a minute when, suddenly, Andreas closed the distance between us in one swift movement. I froze, my breath catching as his arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a tight hug. His warm
Last Updated : 2024-10-19The Wife Swap Chapter 124: The constant act
Ashley’s POVThe highlight of the gala had to be the look on Adam’s face when Andreas and I returned to the party. His usual smugness was nowhere to be found. Instead, his mouth pressed into a thin line, his nostrils flaring slightly as he turned away from the group he had been chatting with. He cut a quick glance at Veronica, who caught sight of Andreas and me approaching. She offered a warm smile, her eyes brightening with interest as she moved to greet us."Good to see you, Andreas," Veronica said smoothly, her voice low as though sharing a secret. "I hope you're feeling better now?" The inquiry about his health was subtle, and I appreciated her discretion.Andreas, ever the master of composed indifference, gave her a small smile and a curt nod. "Much better, thank you for asking and for agreeing to give us an audience," he said, though I noticed the brief flicker in his eyes, the faint tightening of his jaw as though holding back the weariness threatening to creep in.Veronica’s s
Last Updated : 2024-10-20The Wife Swap Chapter 125: Unspoken goodbyes
Ashley’s POVLeaving the table with a polite excuse—something about needing to say goodbye to Faye—was more of a necessity than a desire. Thomas's lingering stares had grown unbearable, each glance from him feeling like a weight pressing down on me, reminding me of his words the last time we’d been in the presence of each other. The moment I stood, I could feel his eyes on my back, and I wondered how he didn’t even care that his wife was right beside him while he was making those not so subtle glances at me. I had to get away, at least for a moment.Faye, bless her, didn’t question my sudden appearance by her side. She simply smiled, her eyes twinkling with something knowing, and leaned in close to whisper, “I’m going to introduce you to a few people. They were…friends with Ashton.”The word friends felt strange. I knew Ashton would have friends, she was the popular twin after all but besides Faye, I hadn’t been expecting to meet any of them. I followed Faye’s lead, smiling and noddi
Last Updated : 2024-10-21
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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
