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Chapter 35: The Thorne estate
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2024-08-27 19:17:07Related chapters
The 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 : 2024-08-28The Wife Swap Chapter 37: The announcement
Ashley’s POVThe rest of the dinner passed in tense silence. I tried my best to avoid making eye contact with anyone because the last thing I wanted was for them to notice was how fidgety I had started to become as dinner went on. The worst part was that every time I looked up, certain that someone was watching me, I was always surprised to find that it wasn't even Ashton’s in-laws who kept staring at me so unabashedly but Andreas', his gaze intense and unwavering. I tried to ignore him, to focus on my food, but it was almost impossible, the tension in the room suffocating. As we finished our meal, Alfred announced that dessert would be served in the living room. Everyone stood up and followed him, their footsteps echoing through the empty hallway. When we arrived in the living room, we were greeted by a table already prepared. As we sat down, Alfred cleared his throat. "Now, to the reason why we have gathered here tonight, I have an announcement to make," he said, his voice filled
Last Updated : 2024-08-29The Wife Swap Chapter 38: One unit
Ashley’s POVAs I wandered through the hallway looking for a restroom, it felt like the walls were starting to move or perhaps it was because I was suddenly feeling dizzy, overwhelmed by the anxiety attack that had just hit me in the presence of Andreas and his entire family. I was lost, and disoriented, and my mind was racing as I struggled to comprehend that a new problem had just arisen as if Ashton being missing was not enough. I had no single idea what this anniversary thing was about but from Amarinth and Adam’s retort at what Alfred had said, it was a big thing and I certainly could not accept to do such a thing, especially with Ashton yet to be found. I had to tell Andreas the truth about everything as soon as possible. Realizing that I had spent so much time thinking that I hadn’t been focusing on my surroundings, I looked around, wondering which path to take back and I was about to break down in tears when Andreas appeared, reaching for my hand and pulling me into a large,
Last Updated : 2024-08-30The Wife Swap Chapter 39: Shockwaves
Ashley’s POVAndreas's touch sent a shockwave through my body, freezing me in place. His hand grazed the fabric of my panties, and for a split second, the world around me blurred. Every nerve ending in my body screamed for more, for the connection that I knew was dangerous but suddenly felt so right. I could feel his breath warm against my skin, and all the reasons why this was wrong seemed to melt away in that moment.But then clarity crashed over me like a wave, cold and relentless. What was I doing? What were we doing? This wasn’t just a mistake—it was a betrayal of everything I stood for, everything I’d promised myself. Andreas was my sister’s husband. And Ashton... my sister was missing, possibly dead. The thought struck me with the force of a punch to the gut. How could I even entertain the idea of sleeping with him, knowing that?Shame clawed at me, wrapping itself around my throat until I could barely breathe. My vision blurred, and before I knew it, tears were streaming down
Last Updated : 2024-08-31The Wife Swap Chapter 40: A part of the family
Ashley’s POVWhen we finally entered the room, the conversations came to an abrupt halt. Every eye turned to us, and the weight of their gazes was almost unbearable. I forced myself to stand tall, even as my heart threatened to burst out of my chest.Clearing my throat, I mustered up a small, apologetic smile. "I’m so sorry for disappearing like that," I began, trying to keep my voice steady. "It seems... it’s my time of the month, and it caught me off guard."I saw the understanding nods, the polite expressions that flickered across their faces. Except for Amarinth. She sat back in her chair, a sly smile playing on her lips, and then she snorted—a sharp, dismissive sound that cut through the tension like a knife."A shame," Amarinth said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I hope you aren't too disappointed by this, darling. Just try harder again next month."Her words hit me like a slap, and I had to fight to keep my composure. I knew she was trying to provoke me, to make me feel smal
Last Updated : 2024-08-31The Wife Swap Chapter 41: Where is the real Ashton?
Ashley’s POVThe ride home was cloaked in an oppressive silence, more suffocating than I could have imagined. The tension between Andreas and me was palpable, like a heavy fog pressing down on us. The streets blurred past outside the car window, each streetlight casting shadows that seemed to echo the turmoil inside me.I kept stealing glances at Andreas, but he was fixed on the road, his expression unreadable. I couldn’t tell if he was brooding over the events of the evening or if he was merely lost in his thoughts. Either way, the silence was unbearable. My mind raced with the countless implications of what had happened.What would his reaction be when he discovered the truth? The woman he had kissed, the woman he had nearly slept with—it wasn’t his wife Ashton but me, her twin sister. The realization made my heart pound harder. Andreas had no idea that it was me in her place, living her life, pretending to be her. The guilt and shame I felt were almost overwhelming. How could I have
Last Updated : 2024-08-31The Wife Swap Chapter 42: Intentional or not
Ashley’s POVSince I returned from Aspen and learned about the plane crash, my mind had been consumed by the thought of how I would reveal the truth to Andreas. The possibility that Ashton might be dead only intensified my anxiety. I had rehearsed what I would say, how I would explain everything, but standing here now, looking into his eyes filled with rage and betrayal, I realized that nothing could have truly prepared me for this moment.Andreas’s eyes bore into me, a storm of emotions swirling within them. His expression was one of pure accusation, and I could feel the weight of his anger pressing down on me. The enormity of what I had done seemed to close in on me, suffocating me with its gravity.I fidgeted nervously, my hands twisting together as I tried to gather my thoughts. The words that had seemed so clear in my mind now felt like they were tangled in a knot. I opened my mouth to speak, but no coherent words came out. I stumbled over my own thoughts, my voice catching as I t
Last Updated : 2024-08-31The Wife Swap Chapter 43: The contract
Ashley's POV Andreas scoffed, his frustration palpable. "I've never been so deceived in my life," he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "And honestly, I'm not surprised by any of this. I just got off the phone with someone from the airline. I had thought that you, Ashley—" he gestured towards me, his expression twisted with anger—"were the one who was in the crash. Even though you told me not to worry, I felt compelled to help, like a real husband would. Only to find out that my actual wife was scheduled to be one of the passengers on the flight, right around the same time you and I were in Aspen."My eyes widened in shock. "What? Is there any news about the survivors?" I asked, my voice trembling with urgency.Andreas shook his head, his frustration evident. "No, there isn't. They haven't confirmed if Ashton was on the flight. Isn't that convenient for both of you? For all I know, this could be some sort of ploy between the two of you. Maybe there's something more sinister at pl
Last Updated : 2024-08-31
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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
