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Chapter 158: Growing suspicion

Author: Siena Faye
last update Huling Na-update: 2024-10-31 23:58:36
Ashley's POV

“Look at the words,” Sandra said, her voice strained as she pointed. I swallowed hard, forcing my eyes to focus on the jagged letters that marred the painting’s surface. The message was clear and sinister, a chilling reminder that someone was watching, someone who knew more than I realized. One thing I was certain of was that whoever this was knew I was not Ashton.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” I said, my voice shaking as the reality of the situation crashed over me.

“Who do you think it could be?” Sandra asked, her brow furrowing. “A rival gallery? What if they’re trying to get inside our heads? This feels targeted, like they’re playing a sick game.”

“I know,” I said, even though I suspected that this had nothing to do with the art business at all. I couldn’t tell Sandra that though. She was already spooked.

“I’ve told the police everything I know and I’m sure they’ll take action. They can’t ignore physical evidence like this,” Sandra said, her voice firm. “This i
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  • The Wife Swap   Chapter 159: Two dolls

    Ashley’s POVAfter Thomas left, I returned back to the wreckage of Ashton’s office, the feeling of unease gnawing at me. The slashed painting had been horrifying enough, but now I was alone, combing through the mess left behind, trying to make sense of it. It felt like walking through a minefield, every shattered piece of glass a reminder of how exposed I felt. Andreas had gone back to speaking to the officers, leaving me with my thoughts and the growing fear that I was missing something.I needed to find a clue, anything to tell me why this was happening. My hands trembled slightly as I sifted through papers scattered across Ashton’s desk, the scent of paint still heavy in the air. I glanced around the room, desperate for something out of place, something I could piece together. And then I saw it.The display case.Or what was left of it.I moved closer, my heart pounding in my chest. Shards of glass glittered on the floor like tiny shards of ice. Among the broken pieces and toppled

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-10

  • The Wife Swap   Chapter 160: A dark turn

    Ashley’s POVWhen I finally stepped out of the bathroom, still feeling shaky and lightheaded, I almost collided with Sandra, who was waiting right outside. Her eyes were wide with alarm, taking in my disheveled appearance, the remnants of panic still evident on my face.“Ashton, are you okay?” she asked, her voice laced with genuine worry.I forced a smile, but it felt like a grimace at the reminder that I was still pretending to be my missing sister. I knew I looked anything but okay. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I lied, my voice sounding hollow even to my own ears. “Just…it’s been a long day. A lot to take in.”Sandra didn’t look convinced. She stepped closer, lowering her voice as if she was afraid someone might overhear us. “You don’t seem fine. Maybe you should sit down, take a breather. This is…it’s all really intense.”I swallowed hard, trying to muster a reassuring tone. “I appreciate it, Sandra, really. But I can’t rest. Not right now. There’s too much happening, and I need to figure ou

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-10

  • The Wife Swap   Chapter 161: Safe for now

    Ashley’s POVAndreas cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "You don’t have to talk about it if you’re not ready," he said quietly. "But I’m here when you are."I swallowed hard, feeling a lump in my throat that wouldn’t go away. "It’s just... I feel like I’m being watched," I finally managed, my voice barely more than a whisper. It felt like such an understatement, like calling a hurricane a gentle breeze. "Not just today. It’s like every step I take, someone is there, waiting, watching."His grip tightened on the steering wheel. "You’re safe with me, Ashley," he said, his voice low but filled with an intensity that almost made me believe him. "I promise you that."I wanted so badly to believe him. I wanted his words to be a shield, to block out the fear gnawing at my insides. But I knew better. I knew this wasn’t going to stop just because someone promised it would. He had no idea about the stalker. Whoever was doing this wasn’t going to back down because I had someone by my side

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-10

  • The Wife Swap   Chapter 162: I need a break

    Ashley’s POVI paced back and forth in Ashton’s bedroom, the phone pressed tightly against my ear as Liv’s breathing filled the line. I could hear the shock in her silence as I recounted everything that had happened at the gallery—the slashed painting, the dolls, the vandalism, the taunting message. I paused for a moment, giving her a chance to process it all. I knew it was a lot; it was overwhelming for me too, and I had been right there, staring at the destruction with my own eyes.“You’re telling me someone went to Ashton’s gallery and did all that?” Liv finally said, her voice a mix of disbelief and horror. “And you think it’s related to the messages you’ve been getting?”I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “I don’t know, Liv. It’s too much of a coincidence, don’t you think? The messages, the vandalism, the memories tied to those dolls—it feels like someone’s trying to get inside my head. But…” I trailed off, glancing toward the kitchen where Andreas was busying

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-11

  • The Wife Swap   Chapter 163: Escape to Vermont

    Ashley’s POVLiv's voice brightened on the other end of the line, and I could almost see her grinning. "You know what you need?" she quipped, breaking the tension I’d been carrying like a weight on my shoulders.I sniffed, still wiping away the remnants of my tears. "What’s that?" I asked, half-laughing, half-sobbing at her sudden shift in tone."A girl’s trip!" she declared, her excitement palpable. "Just you and me, Ash. We’ll go to Vermont tomorrow. You can do your digging, and we can get away from this whole mess, even if it’s just for a couple of days. We both need this."I blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion. "Wait, what? Tomorrow?""Yes, tomorrow," she insisted. "No point in wasting time. We’ll pack up, hit the road in the morning, and just take a couple of days to breathe. It’ll give us a chance to reset, and who knows, maybe getting out of this city will clear your head a bit."I let out a shaky laugh, the thought of an impromptu trip with Liv already making me feel l

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-11

  • The Wife Swap   Chapter 164: Nostalgia

    Ashley’s POVI was feeling light as I closed my suitcase and zipped it up for the hundredth time, certain that I was finally ready for the trip with Liv. When I told Andreas I was going to Vermont with her, he’d smiled in that way of his that always made my heart skip a beat. Even though I knew he was a bit disappointed that he couldn’t come along, he had supported the idea, saying it would do me good to have some time away. His exact words had been, “You need this, Ash. It’s good you have Liv. I’ll be here when you get back.”The tenderness in his voice had made me want to cancel the trip right there and stay with him, wrapped in his arms. But I knew I needed to do this. I needed to clear my head, to find some semblance of order in this chaos. We’d shared a lingering kiss before I left, and I couldn’t help but think how lucky I was, even in this mess, to know that what we had was real even though deep down, I didn’t know for how much longer.On the drive up, Liv and I slipped back in

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-11

  • The Wife Swap   Chapter 165: Unmasking obsession

    Ashley’s POVI swallowed hard, unsure where this conversation was headed. Was he talking about Ashton? I couldn’t tell, and it unnerved me. Maybe I was even reading too much into it. “I’m sorry to hear that,” I said quietly. “It’s hard when things end like that.”“Yeah, it is,” he agreed. “But I guess it’s just part of life, right? Learning to let go, even when it’s the last thing you want to do.”As Kennedy continued speaking, I could hear the undercurrent of sadness in his voice, the kind that comes from years of lingering regrets and unanswered questions. He chuckled awkwardly, but it didn’t quite mask the emotion behind his words.“You know, back then, it felt like my entire world revolved around this person,” he admitted. “It got to a point where I couldn’t move on, even after she did. I kept thinking, maybe if I just did one more thing, one more gesture…I could win her back. It was like I couldn’t let go.”His voice softened, trailing off as if he were lost in the memory. I felt

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-11

  • The Wife Swap   Chapter 166: Veiled intentions

    Ashley’s POVI shifted in my seat, looking out the window at the Vermont twilight settling over the landscape. “Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kennedy,” I said, trying to keep my tone light. “I didn’t mean to get so deep.”He laughed again, this time softer. “It’s no problem. I guess I needed that too. It’s been a while since I’ve had a real conversation like this. You know, where you actually talk about something that matters.”I paused, feeling a twinge of guilt. Was I manipulating him by pretending this was just a casual chat? Maybe. But I needed to know, and this seemed like the only way to gauge his true intentions. “Yeah,” I agreed quietly. “It’s nice to have these talks sometimes. It reminds you that you’re not alone in all of this.”Kennedy’s voice dropped to a near whisper, and I had to strain to hear him over the crackling line. “I’m glad we could talk. I’ve missed you, Ashton. I know things have been...busy, plus you’re married now so I can see how that can be awkward bu

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-11

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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

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