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Chapter 134: The weight of secrets
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2024-10-29 01:42:52Related chapters
The Wife Swap Chapter 135: New Terms
Ashley’s POV"Don’t you see?" Alfred pressed, leaning forward with a gleam in his eyes. His tone was almost triumphant, like he’d won some invisible battle. "If you leave now, if you let this unravel, it won’t just be you who suffers. It will be Andreas, the family, the company. Everything we’ve worked so hard to maintain will fall apart if the truth gets out now, especially without knowing if Ashton is dead or alive. Your role, Ashley, is crucial. You've done a remarkable job keeping things together, and to walk away now would be irresponsible. Reckless, even."I clenched my jaw, every muscle in my body tense as I glared at him. "So, what you’re saying," I said slowly, my voice low and controlled, "is that you want me to keep lying. Keep pretending to be my sister even though she might still be out there somewhere.""Yes," Alfred said bluntly, not even bothering to soften the blow. His eyes met mine without flinching, as if daring me to defy him. "For the sake of the family. For the
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Wife Swap Chapter 136: The confrontation
Ashley’s POVThe car ride had been silent, the kind of silence that felt too thick to break. I stared out the window, watching the blur of city lights, my mind racing through everything that had happened in the last hour. I could feel Andreas’s eyes on me occasionally, like he was waiting for me to say something, to shout, to accuse, to do anything—but I didn’t. I was too angry, too hurt, and too tired to unravel the mess we were in.By the time we pulled up to the house, I felt like a tight coil ready to snap. I got out of the car without a word, but just before I reached the front door, I stopped. I couldn’t go inside, couldn’t pretend everything was fine until I had more answers. My hand was on the doorknob when I turned back to face him, my voice flat and cold.“What exactly did the private investigator tell you, Andreas? What made you think Ashton might still be alive?”He looked startled by my directness, as if he had expected me to wait until tomorrow, or the day after that, or
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Wife Swap Chapter 137: A twisted game
Ashley’s POVHe nodded and pulled out his phone, scrolling through it with shaking fingers. A moment later, he held it out to me, the screen showing a grainy black-and-white image of a woman standing in the shadows outside a run-down hotel. It was hard to make out her features, but there was something unmistakably familiar about her—something that made my breath hitch in my throat. I couldn’t tell if it was really Ashton, or if it was just my mind playing tricks on me because I wanted it to be her.“That’s the only image we have,” Andreas said quietly. “The investigator’s still looking for more leads, but it’s like she vanished after this. No records, no sightings, nothing.”I stared at the screen, my emotions a tangled, aching mess. I didn’t know what to think, what to feel. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted it to be Ashton, because if it was… if it was, then everything I thought I knew was a lie, and I didn’t know if I was strong enough to handle that.I could feel the room tilting, th
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Wife Swap Chapter 138: A woman on a mission
Ashley’s POV“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper now, trembling with the weight of it all. “Why did you keep this from me?”“I didn’t know what to do,” he said again, and this time his voice cracked, raw and exposed. “I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to think that she could have done something like this, and I didn’t want to hurt you with something that might not even be true. I was hoping… I was hoping that I was wrong, that she was just another victim of the crash, that there was some other explanation.”“You were hoping I’d just keep playing along, that I’d never find out,” I said bitterly, the words lashing out before I could stop them. I saw him flinch, and a part of me felt satisfaction at the pain in his eyes, even as another part of me hated myself for feeling that way.“It wasn’t like that,” he said softly, desperately, and I could hear the truth in his voice, the rawness of his emotions, but I didn’t know if I could believe him anymo
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Wife Swap Chapter 139: Honesty is just another complication
Andreas’s POVHours earlierAs I pushed open the café doors, a familiar mix of dread and resignation settled over me. The place was immaculate, an embodiment of my father, Alfred’s tastes: crisp white linens, muted tones, and a kind of hushed elegance that was unmistakably his. He sat at his usual spot in the corner, stirring an espresso, a slight, approving smile appearing on his face as he gestured for me to join him.As I sat, he started talking about the gala, surprisingly giving it a warm review, though he still added a few of his usual critiques. I nodded along, barely listening, just waiting for the right moment, though I wasn’t even sure what that looked like. Finally, he asked about the anniversary plans.A lifeline. I seized it, my heart pounding as the words stumbled out. “Actually, Dad, there’s…something you need to know. About Ashton.”His gaze sharpened, and I could see the careful lines of interest and suspicion forming in his expression. “Something I need to know?”I l
Last Updated : 2024-10-30The Wife Swap Chapter 140: In the Shadow of Expectations
Andreas’s POV “And if Ashley doesn’t…fall in line with whatever you decide?”I flinched, remembering the promise I’d made to her—the promise to let her go if that was what she wanted. I’d held back what the investigator had found, knowing it might tempt her to stay. As much as I wanted her by my side, it couldn’t be under false pretenses.“She doesn’t have to,” I replied, defiance lacing my voice. “If she wants to leave, I’ll respect that.”An eyebrow arched, a shadow of amusement crossing his face. “You’ve grown soft, Andreas. Are you forgetting what’s at stake if anyone gets even a whiff of what you just told me?”“I’m not forgetting,” I said firmly. “But Ashley…she deserves the opportunity to do what’s best for her.”His gaze hardened. “You’re letting sentiment cloud your judgment. You don’t get where I am by indulging emotions.”I fought to hold my ground. “Maybe not. But I’m not willing to turn this into a game of manipulation.”Silence settled over us, thick with tension. His d
Last Updated : 2024-10-30The Wife Swap Chapter 141: The sidelines
Ashley’s POVI woke to the first sliver of morning light creeping through the blinds, its pale warmth doing little to shake the lingering exhaustion weighing me down. I was tempted to close my eyes again, pull the blanket over my head, and pretend that everything was fine, that last night’s events hadn’t happened. But it was no use; there was too much to do, too many questions without answers. And the worst of it? The thought of Andreas—how we’d left things, his anguished expression, the edge in his voice… It twisted in my chest like a knife.With a sigh, I grabbed my phone, planning to call Liv and tell her everything about the investigator’s findings and the possibility that Ashton might still be alive. But a message from Thomas lit up the screen instead: I miss you. Let’s meet up. I rolled my eyes, irritation flaring. This was the last thing I needed. I’d had enough of Thomas’s messages, his attempts to stay in Ashton’s life as if he somehow deserved a place here. Ignoring him, I t
Last Updated : 2024-10-31The Wife Swap Chapter 142: Messy or complicated
Ashley’s POV“I’m already mixed up in it,” I replied, my voice steady even as my heart hammered. “Look, I want to meet with the investigator. I need to know everything you know, every detail—no matter how messy or complicated.”He sighed, looking down for a moment, his brow furrowing as if he was weighing something heavy in his mind. When he looked up again, his gaze had softened, and he nodded, albeit reluctantly. “Alright,” he said. “We’ll go together.”A rush of relief flooded me, though I was careful not to let it show. I nodded, managing a small smile. “I can live with that.”A faint smile ghosted across his face, and for a moment, the tension between us seemed to ease, leaving something else in its wake—something unspoken yet almost tangible. He released his hold on me, and I took a step back, missing his warmth instantly.Andreas’s hand remained wrapped around mine as we made our way toward the dining table. His grip was warm and steady, and though he didn’t look back, I could
Last Updated : 2024-10-31
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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
