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Chapter 198: Where is Ashley?
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2024-11-24 21:33:35Related chapters
The Wife Swap Chapter 199: I have an idea
Andreas’s POVThe air in the room felt thick, oppressive, as if we were all breathing through water. Liv’s frantic breaths echoed in the silence, her footsteps pacing back and forth. Her eyes flickered between Ashton and me, searching for any sign, any answer that would make sense of this nightmare.Her voice trembled when she finally spoke, “We need to call the police. They can help find her—”“No.” The word came from both Ashton and me at the same time.Liv froze, her eyes widening in disbelief, then narrowing with something that almost looked like anger. She opened her mouth to argue, but I cut her off before she could say anything more.“No police.” My tone was firm, low, but unwavering. “We can’t involve them. Not yet.”Liv threw up her hands, her frustration boiling over. “Are you kidding me? Andreas, Ashley is missing! She could be—God, I can’t even say it, but you know what I’m thinking. And you’re just going to sit here and not call the police?”Her words hit me like a punch
Last Updated : 2024-11-24The Wife Swap Chapter 200: You always have a choice
Andreas’s POVThe shock on Faye’s face was almost comical if the situation weren’t so dire. I watched as she tried to form a coherent thought, her eyes darting from Ashton to Liv to me, as though searching for some kind of explanation.Ashton raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with sarcasm. “Yes, it’s me. Surprise, I guess? You can pick your jaw up off the floor now.”Faye’s knees buckled slightly, and she clutched the back of the couch for support. Liv moved quickly to steady her, one hand on her arm to keep her upright.“Deep breaths, Faye,” Liv said gently, guiding her to sit down.“I—I can’t believe this,” Faye stammered, shaking her head. “You’re alive? How is that possible? We thought—”“That I was dead, yeah,” Ashton interrupted smoothly, leaning against the wall with a nonchalant air that felt painfully out of place given the circumstances. “I get that a lot these days.”Faye’s eyes snapped to her, still wide with disbelief. “But…how? Why? What is going on, Ashton? You can’t
Last Updated : 2024-11-24The Wife Swap Chapter 201: The right moment
Ashley’s POVWhen I opened my eyes, the world around me was still a gray blur. The room—the same windowless prison I’d woken in before—felt like it was closing in on me. The walls seemed to hum with a silence so heavy it pressed against my chest. I had no idea how long I’d been there. Days? Hours? Time felt meaningless. My body ached from sleeping on the hard bed, and my wrists throbbed from the tightness of the ropes Kennedy had used to bind me.I couldn’t remember falling asleep again, but I must have, because the nightmares had come again. Disjointed images of Ashton, of Andreas, of faceless figures chasing me through endless darkness instead of saving me from Kennedy. I jolted awake with a gasp, my heart hammering against my ribs, only to freeze as I saw him. Kennedy. He was sitting just a few feet away, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. He was calm—too calm. Like he’d been watching me for hours. The corner of his mouth twitched upward in what I assumed was mea
Last Updated : 2024-11-25The Wife Swap Chapter 202: We belong together
Ashley’s POVKennedy cut another piece of steak, the knife scraping softly against the plate. The sound set my teeth on edge, but I forced myself to take another bite of my own food, the metal fork trembling in my hand. My mind was a whirlwind of panic and revulsion, but I couldn’t let him see that. I couldn’t give him any reason to snap.As I chewed mechanically, Kennedy leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning me with a strange mixture of admiration and something far darker. “You remind me so much of Ashton,” he said, his voice almost wistful. “But better.”The words sent a cold shiver down my spine. I swallowed hard, placing my fork down carefully. “Better?” I echoed, my voice barely steady.He smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Ashton was bold. Confident. She had this... fire about her. I admired that about her at first.” His expression darkened slightly, and he jabbed his fork into his steak with unnecessary force. “But she was also selfish. Reckless. She thought the wo
Last Updated : 2024-11-25The Wife Swap Chapter 203: Back from the dead
Andreas’s POVThe Thorne Mansion loomed before us, its towering presence more fortress than home. I walked beside Ashton, frustration tightening my chest. For days, we’d been chasing shadows, desperate for any sign of Kennedy, hoping he’d slip up. But every lead came up empty, and time was slipping through our fingers. With Ashley still missing, the pressure felt unbearable, each passing moment a reminder of how little progress we’d made.Ashton hadn’t spoken much on the way here, and I hadn’t pushed her for conversation. I could feel the tension in the air between us, and a part of me felt terrible for going off on her and adding to her guilt but there was no time to feel sorry for what I’d done. Not when every second felt like a countdown. Her plan to lure Kennedy out was risky, and I wasn’t sure it was working. Every corner we turned, every glance we cast over our shoulders, felt like it was leading us deeper into a game I wasn’t sure we could win.I tried not to look at the mansio
Last Updated : 2024-11-26The Wife Swap Chapter 204: The cost of power
Andreas’s POVAlfred chuckled lightly, though there was a calculating gleam in his eyes. “To what do I owe the pleasure? Surely you didn’t come all this way just to share your resurrection.”I stepped forward, cutting off any chance of further banter. “We need your help. Ashley’s been taken.” The words felt heavy as they left my mouth. I didn’t need to embellish; Alfred didn’t appreciate beating around the bush.His expression sobered immediately. “Taken?” He gestured for us to sit, leaning forward as I explained everything—Kennedy’s obsession, the danger Ashley was in, and the lengths he’d gone to take her. I kept my voice steady, detailing every move we’d made so far, how close we were to the edge. “If this leaks to the press,” I finished, “he will disappear and we will never be able to find him.” And then I spoke about the part that might appeal to him, “And if he announces the wife swap, it will hurt our reputation.”Alfred listened intently, his fingers steepled under his chin. W
Last Updated : 2024-11-26The Wife Swap Chapter 205: A sister’s guilt
Andreas’s POVThe weight of my father’s words still stayed on my mind as I walked toward the entrance of the mansion. It wasn’t quite an apology—Alfred Thorne didn’t do apologies—but it was close enough. A subtle acknowledgment of his failures, wrapped in his typical challenge for me to prove myself. Somehow, it was enough. For now.Ashton stood near the grand iron gates, arms crossed as she stared out at the driveway. She looked restless, her sharp eyes scanning the approaching rain clouds. I was about to call her name when the sound of footsteps drew both of our attention. Amarinth and Thomas were walking toward us, their umbrellas raised against the growing drizzle.“Amarinth,” I greeted stiffly, nodding to her and intentionally saying nothing to Thomas. I had nothing to say to him and it was a miracle that I was still able to comport myself without reaching out to punch his face for what he’d tried to do at the birthday party.Thomas barely spared me a glance, his attention fixed
Last Updated : 2024-11-26The Wife Swap Chapter 206: Desperate pursuit
Andreas’s POVThe apartment was eerily quiet, save for the constant tapping of my fingers against the kitchen counter as I reviewed the scattered papers in front of me. Every lead we’d chased down so far had turned up nothing but dead ends, and I was becoming increasingly frustrated. Somewhere out there, Ashley was counting on me to find her, and I felt like I was failing her. The visit to my father had been necessary, but it left me more drained than I’d anticipated. The man had a way of stirring old wounds while simultaneously piling on fresh ones.Ashton sat across the room, her legs curled under her on the couch. She was scrolling through her phone, presumably checking for any updates from Faye or Liv. I could see the tension in her posture, the slight tremble in her hand as she gripped the device. Despite her outward calm, I knew the fear for her sister was eating away at her, especially after her break down in the car.“No updates from Liv or Faye?” I asked, though I already kne
Last Updated : 2024-11-27
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
