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Chapter 17: Fading to Black
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2024-08-14 22:31:21Related chapters
The Wife Swap Chapter 18: A broken promise
Ashley’s POVI blinked, disoriented, as my consciousness slowly returned. The familiar scent of hay and horse sweat filled my nostrils, and my eyes widened as I took in the surroundings around me. I was dreaming. It had to be a dream. I was back on my late aunt’s ranch, a place I hadn’t visited in years. And there, sitting alone on a bale of hay, was a younger version of myself, my eyes swollen and red from crying.A pang of sadness pierced my heart. I remembered that day so vividly. It had been weeks after our parents' funeral, and I was still unable to hold back the tears. I had cried at the dinner table, at school, and even in my sleep. Ashton, who didn't particularly like crying, had tried her best to comfort me, but I had been inconsolable. To escape the pitying glances and forced smiles in the house, I had found solace in coming to hide away in the barn whenever I wanted to cry. The quiet solitude, the gentle sway of the horses, and the comforting scent of hay had provided muc
Last Updated : 2024-08-15The Wife Swap Chapter 19: Ashton or Ashley
Ashley’s POVAs I rattled off the address to the hospital to Liv and the call ended, I stared at the ceiling, trying and failing to delude myself that all of this was just a very bad dream. The door opened and Andreas walked in, the doctor closely following behind him. "Mrs Thorne, how are you feeling today?" the doctor asked, his voice gentle with a kind smile on his face. "Your husband said you fainted from shock."I nodded, ignoring the way my spine stiffened at the sharp reminder that I was still pretending to be my missing sister, my voice a mere whisper as I responded, "He's right. I think I did."He hesitated for a moment, then continued. "If you need to talk, I'm here. Or if you'd prefer, I can get you a psychologist."I shook my head, hating the fact that tears had already begun to blur my vision again. This wasn't the time to be such a darned crybaby, Ashley. "No, it's okay. I just need to be alone for a while."The doctor nodded, his expression somber. "I understand. I'l
Last Updated : 2024-08-16The Wife Swap Chapter 20: Crafting a plan
Ashley's POVAs soon as the door closed, Liv turned to me, her expression one of disbelief. "What the fuck?" I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. My throat felt constricted as if someone had tied a knot in it. Liv stared at me, her expression a mixture of confusion and frustration. "Are you seriously still trying to keep up this charade? Just come clean to Ashton's husband about everything. Tell him the truth." I shook my head, my eyes filling with tears, "I tried, Liv. I did. But I don't know where to start." Liv sighed. "You can't keep lying to him, Ashley. It's not fair to him, because if Ashton was really on that flight, her husband deserves to know.” I knew Liv was right, hell, before she entered, I’d almost decided to damn the consequences and come clean about everything, but I had so many doubts. Too many. "What if I tell him the truth about the wife swap and it turns out that Ashton never even got on the flight? What if she’s alive and well?" Liv's eyes
Last Updated : 2024-08-17The Wife Swap Chapter 21: The balcony
Ashley’s POVI glanced at Andreas through the rearview mirror, my heart pounding in my chest. His gaze was steady and unwavering, and a shiver ran down my spine. I knew he was searching for something, something he couldn't quite pinpoint. It was clear that he was trying to piece together a puzzle and as I looked away, I prayed that he didn’t figure it out just yet. Annabel, seated beside me with Andreas in the driver’s seat remained oblivious to the staring match between her brother and me. “Ashton, you don’t have to go home tonight.” She suggested, “The doctor said…”"I'm fine, really," I interjected, my voice a bit too forced. "I just need some rest, that’s all."Annabel squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with concern. "Are you sure? We can always stay at the hospital.""No, no," I replied hastily. "I want to go home."The doctor, due to my insistence had cleared me to be discharged not long after Liv left and it was just as well because the faster I left the hospital, the faster I
Last Updated : 2024-08-17The Wife Swap Chapter 22: Sweet dreams?
Ashley’s POV“Tell me what you like, Ash” A voice whispered in my ears and even though I already knew this was a dream, the last thing I was expecting was for it to feel this real. My thoughts had moved so far away from the moment that I did not realize that my legs had been separated until a warm wet tongue licked between my folds, causing me to groan and shut my legs together around the head of my tormentor. As if that could stop him. Looking down at him, our eyes met and I sucked in a breath. Andreas Thorne. My sister’s husband. Hands moved all over my body and I felt my nipples being sucked on both sides even as the tempo increased between my legs. The pleasure was almost blinding and I could feel my insides tighten as I surrendered to the ecstasy that their ministrations brought. Maybe because this was a dream, I was able to allow myself to enjoy the pleasure of being thoroughly eaten out by him because here, we were nothing more than man and woman. Such simplicities were a lu
Last Updated : 2024-08-18The Wife Swap Chapter 23: Flight 237
Ashley’s POVI kept staring into the hallway several minutes after Andreas left before catching myself and remembering that I had a task at hand that day. A task that would either give me the good news that I was longing and hoping for or shatter all my delusions about the whereabouts of my sister, AshtonA black sedan was parked outside the front door as I stepped out, a driver waiting patiently behind the wheel. As I approached, he stepped out of the car, his face a mask of politeness."Mrs. Thorne," he said, his voice formal. "I'm here to drive you wherever you need to go."Despite Nora’s reminder the last time I was about to leave the house that I could call a driver if I wanted, I was still taken aback by the reality that my sister was married into a family where they could each have a personal driver "It's not necessary," I replied finally, trying to sound confident.He shook his head. "Mr. Thorne insisted. He said he didn't want you taking cabs."I raised my brows in confusion,
Last Updated : 2024-08-19The Wife Swap Chapter 24: Something about Ashton
Andreas’s POVThere was something off about Ashton. It wasn't just a fleeting impression; it was a nagging suspicion that had been growing stronger with each passing day. It was as if a switch had been flipped during our trip to Aspen, transforming the woman I'd married into a subdued, almost unrecognizable version of herself.Before our trip, she'd been a turbulent whirlwind, her quick wit and unwavering self-centeredness a constant source of irritation and a stubborn streak, that while admirable in some ways especially when it came to how she dealt with the rest of my family, had often made her difficult to deal with. She'd been a woman of strong opinions, quick to argue and slow to compromise. But now, she seemed quieter, more subdued. She was almost too polite, too accommodating as if she were playing a role.At first, I attributed these changes to her efforts to finally try to win my family’s approval. Perhaps she was trying to be more demure and sensitive, to make a good impress
Last Updated : 2024-08-20The Wife Swap Chapter 25: Unmasked
Ashley’s POV“The crash was catastrophic.”“It may take some time to retrieve all the information, but we can check the security footage to see if she arrived at the airport.”I didn't know how long I sat outside the airport, Liv by my side in her car with the windows down, the cold air hitting my face. I couldn't shake the feeling of numbness that had washed over me. It was as if my mind had shut down, unable to process the news we'd just received.Liv reached out and took my hand, her warmth a comforting distraction from the chill in the air. I squeezed her hand tightly, grateful for her presence. We sat in silence for what felt like hours, my mind racing with thoughts of Ashton.Finally, I whispered, my voice barely audible, “How long did they say we'd have to wait for the footage to come out?” “A week. Two at most.” Liv responded. Turning my gaze away from the window to look at her, I sucked in a breath to stop tears from escaping "What if they send for us to come and check the
Last Updated : 2024-08-21
Latest chapter
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
