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Chapter 28: Red-handed
Last Updated:
2024-08-23 21:43:13
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The Wife Swap Chapter 29: Asshole
Ashley’s POVTwo words. I'm fucked. "What could I possibly be hiding?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. Fear gnawed at my insides as I met his cold, calculating gaze. Had he finally figured out that I wasn’t Ashton? And what was I even going to say if he said that he had?Andreas smirked, his eyes glinting with triumph. "I got a very interesting call from the bank today," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "It seems you made a rather large withdrawal on Friday." My heart pounded in my chest. What was he talking about? I tried to play it cool, even though the only thing I remembered doing on Friday was boarding that darned plan to Aspen after agreeing foolishly to pretend to swap places with my sister. "A large withdrawal?" I stammered, trying to keep my voice steady. "Indeed. A million dollars. I was told that the withdrawal was made around noon and while I wouldn't care what you do with your time, I was told you wanted it in cash, but when I called the house last w
Last Updated : 2024-08-23The Wife Swap Chapter 30: A fishing trip
Ashley’s POVThe river glowed under the soft glow of the moon, its surface bubbling like a steaming mug of coffee.A wave of déjà vu washed over me. I recognized this place. It was the river where Ashton and I used to go fishing with our uncle. Ashton had never really liked the water, always preferring the safety of the shore. But I had loved the thrill of casting my line, the anticipation of feeling a fish tugging at the end of my line, and the peace and quiet. As I sat on the boat, staring at the flowing water, I realized I was dreaming again. These dreams had been haunting me since Ashton's disappearance. They were vivid, and detailed, and always left me feeling more terrified than before. I tried to shake off the dream, to force myself awake. But the dream persisted, its images and emotions swirling around in my mind. This time, the dream was different. It didn't show us as children. It was Ashton and I, grown up, sitting on a small boat. Ashton was complaining, as usual. "I'd
Last Updated : 2024-08-24The Wife Swap Chapter 31: Another day gone
Ashley’s POVI rushed into the bathroom and knelt over the toilet, my stomach churning. Whoever it was that had held me on my bed followed me, holding my hair back as I vomited. The vomit was a sickly green color, and it tasted as horrid as my sorrow. The dream had been so vivid, so real. It felt like I had experienced it. And the fact that Ashton was still missing made everything worse. When I was finally done vomiting, I turned around to see who had held me when I roused. My heart skipped a beat when I realized it was Andreas. He was standing there, his face etched with worry. His dark eyes, usually so full of intensity, were now filled with a soft concern that I had never seen before. "You were screaming," he said, his voice gentle. "Your door wasn't locked, so I thought there was an intruder." I remembered the kiss we had shared last night, his abrupt dismissal. My face reddened as I looked away from him. "Don't you have to be at work?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper and d
Last Updated : 2024-08-24The Wife Swap Chapter 32: The Art Gallery
Ashley's POV"Nothing?" Liv's voice echoed through the phone as I stepped out of the house. I inhaled sharply as I made myself comfortable in the backseat, a knot tightening in my stomach. The thought of having to pretend in front of Andreas and his family again filled me with dread. I was already trying and failing where Andreas alone was concerned, not to mention his family which made me feel like I was a sheep amid wolves. Adam, my driver, nodded in greeting as I slammed the door shut. I wanted to ask him to just hand over the keys to me because having a driver felt a bit excessive, and quickly remembered that he would probably politely decline since he was here on Andreas’ orders. "Nothing," I repeated, my voice barely a whisper. I looked out the window, watching as the city passed by. The buildings seemed to blur together, my mind racing with thoughts of Ashton. After Andreas had dropped that bomb about us having dinner at his parent's house and left, I'd practically ransacke
Last Updated : 2024-08-25The Wife Swap Chapter 33: Ethereal blue
Ashley’s POVI had no idea how long I sat in my sister’s office but when my phone beeped, the alarm I'd set to remind me to prep for the dinner with Andreas’ family, I rose to my feet and headed out, my heart pounding in my chest. I was nervous, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. Dinner at Andreas' parents' place was going to be a challenge, to say the least, and even though I'd managed to survive the weekend in Aspen undetected, I had a strong feeling that I might not be so lucky again. As I stepped inside the mansion, I was surprised to see Nora, the housekeeper, waiting for me. "I've already called a makeup artist," she said with a smile. "She'll be here soon to prepare you for dinner." I was about to ask if this was what usually happened when there was an event, but I quickly held my tongue. Asking that would only confuse Nora and make her suspicious of my identity. "Thank you," I replied, trying to sound casual. Heading upstairs, I paused when I saw a large package outsid
Last Updated : 2024-08-26The Wife Swap Chapter 34: Surviving dinner
Ashley’s POVAs the makeup artist left, I reached for my phone, my heart pounding in my chest when I saw that I had a missed call from Faye. I quickly dialed her number, my fingers trembling slightly. "Faye," I said, heart in my mouth, "Have you heard anything?" "I'm sorry, Ashley. I haven't been able to get any information," Faye responded, her voice filled with concern. "How about you?" I sighed, the weight of my worry pressing down on me. "I went to the gallery today. But I didn't find anything,"Faye was quiet for a moment and I thought she'd hung up until she spoke again, "You should probably try to file a stolen phone report," she proposed. I nodded, my heart sinking as the dreary reality of the situation started to draw even closer. "I'm thinking about doing that. If I don't get any news tomorrow from the airline, I'll confess everything to Andreas." Faye gasped. "Are you sure that's a good idea? I thought you were going to wait till next week to hear from them," she asked
Last Updated : 2024-08-27The Wife Swap Chapter 35: The Thorne estate
Ashley's POVThe tension in the car was so thick, I could feel it hanging over me like a dark cloud. I shifted in my seat, trying to find a comfortable position. But nothing worked. I was too uneasy, too tense. I didn't know whether it was because of my proximity to Andreas or the unfinished conversation he had said we'd have. The thought of him confronting me about our unfinished discussion filled me with worry. From the corner of my eye, I could see him scrolling on his iPad. He seemed so calm, so collected. How could he be so relaxed when I was falling apart on the inside? Well, he wasn't the one pretending to be his missing twin who could be dead so why would he have anything to worry about? I looked away, trying to be busy on my phone. I saw a message from my neighbor, asking if I had traveled because she hadn’t seen me around and that she missed me. I let out a shaky breath, a pang of homesickness hitting me. I missed the warmth of my cute apartment, my simple life. I misse
Last Updated : 2024-08-27The Wife Swap Chapter 36: Dear Lord…
Ashley’s POVI did a double take as I took in the interior of the mansion, my mouth falling open in awe. The grand, double-height entrance hall was decorated with detailed marble floors and towering columns. Moonlight streamed through stained glass windows, and a grand staircase, spiraling up to the second floor, dominated the center of the room.As Andreas and I were led towards the dining hall, I couldn't help but wonder if this had initially been built as a castle and then remodeled, or if the architect was simply that talented. The mansion was a testament to the power of affluence. I could only imagine my sister’s face the first time she had visited here. I was sure that she would mentally kick her feet up, giddy that she had finally gotten the Cinderella lifestyle that she used to talk about all the time when we were kids. As we drew closer to our destination, the awe that had gripped at the beauty of this place turned into anxiety, my stomach tightening into knots.When we arriv
Last Updated : 2024-08-28
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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
