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Chapter 59: The cold hands of grief
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2024-09-13 23:58:25Related chapters
The Wife Swap Chapter 60: Loose footing
Andreas’ POVThe weight of Ashley’s body in my arms lingered long after I let her go. Her sobs, the sound of her breaking, were still in my ears as I stood in the dimly lit hallway, watching her retreat up the stairs. For a moment, I couldn’t move. My hands, which had instinctively reached out to steady her, felt foreign, like they didn’t belong to me.I should’ve headed to my bedroom the moment we stepped into the house. That was the plan. I had no business staying after everything that had transpired, after all I could convince myself that I had no emotional tie to Ashton even though she was my wife in paper and as such shouldn’t care that she could be dead.And yet, I stayed.The moment she fell apart, something in me reacted before I could stop it. I hated how easy it was to reach out to her, how natural it felt to hold her together when she was falling apart. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t what I wanted.I pushed a hand through my hair, feeling the tension coiled tight in my chest. T
Last Updated : 2024-09-14The Wife Swap Chapter 61: The unspoken weight
Ashley’s POVI don’t remember falling asleep, but when I woke up, the sheets were twisted around me like a cage. For a split second, I expected Ashton to be there, sitting at the foot of the bed like she used to when we were kids and she wanted me up to participate in activities with her. But today, there was nothing—just silence. My heart sank, hollowness spreading through me. I had thought maybe she’d come to me again, like some sign that she was still out there, still fighting. But no dream, no Ashton. Just emptiness.The morning light filtered in through the curtains, but it didn’t feel like morning. It felt like I was stuck in some eternal twilight, where time had no meaning. My phone buzzed on the nightstand. Liv’s name lit up the screen.I had forgotten I’d texted her last night, after leaving for the airport. She must be worried. The ringing continued, a shrill reminder of how I wasn’t ready for the conversation that was waiting on the other end. Liv would ask questions, questi
Last Updated : 2024-09-15The Wife Swap Chapter 62: Unfinished business
Ashley’s POVThe hallway seemed to stretch on endlessly as I made my way toward the gym, my legs moving almost of their own accord. Part of me dreaded this—talking to Andreas. What were we supposed to say to each other after everything that had happened? But another part of me knew we couldn’t keep avoiding it. We had to talk about what came next, how we would face his family, how I could end this charade.When I finally reached the gym, the sound of rhythmic breathing and soft grunts hit my ears. I paused at the entrance, my fingers resting lightly on the doorframe. Through the open door, I could see Andreas.He was naked from the waist up, muscles tense as he held himself in an exercise position—probably a plank. Sweat glistened on his skin, the light from the large windows casting a golden sheen over his toned back and arms. For a moment, I just stood there, frozen.I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be staring. But I couldn’t seem to tear my eyes away. The way his body moved—controll
Last Updated : 2024-09-16The Wife Swap Chapter 63: About us
Ashley’s POVI veered around to make my way out of the gym, my chest tight and my mind a chaotic mess. I didn’t know what just happened—what that moment with Andreas even meant—but the tension was suffocating. My hand was on the doorframe, ready to make a quick exit, when I felt it. A hand—Andreas’ hand—firmly gripping my arm.I gasped, the sound soft and almost startled as goosebumps shot up my arm. My body betrayed me, reacting to the warmth of his touch, and I froze in place, my heart pounding like it was trying to break free from my chest.Andreas didn’t say anything; he just held on to me, his grip steady, his eyes locked on mine. I realized he was still on the call, but that didn’t stop him. He shook his head slightly, a wordless signal telling me not to go.I swallowed hard, trying to process what was happening. My eyes flickered down to where his hand still held me, and the heat of his touch felt like it was searing through my skin. When I gave a small nod, he finally released
Last Updated : 2024-09-17The Wife Swap Chapter 64: The discussion
Ashley’s POVAndreas glanced at his watch. “Give me a few minutes to get dressed. Meet me in the foyer in twenty?”I nodded, though the idea of waiting felt like an eternity. “Sure. I’ll see you then.”As I turned to leave the gym, I could still feel the weight of the conversation pressing down on me. I needed this break, this brief escape from the tension of the house and the unresolved feelings that were threatening to overwhelm me. I walked quickly down the hall, my steps echoing in the empty corridor.My mind was a storm of thoughts as I made my way to my room. I needed to prepare for the meeting with Liv. The thought of discussing the situation with her, someone who knew me well, was both a comfort and a daunting task. I had so much to unpack, so many emotions to navigate. But for now, I had to focus on getting through breakfast with Andreas, even if it was going to be difficult.When I finally reached my room, I took a deep breath, trying to calm the flutter of anxiety in my che
Last Updated : 2024-09-18The Wife Swap Chapter 65: Unspoken tension
Ashley’s POVSitting across from Andreas in the crowded café, I had thought the chatter of strangers and the clinking of cups would diffuse some of the awkwardness that had lingered between us after the gym. But there we were, in a public space, and the tension hadn’t dissipated. If anything, it felt more pronounced, like an invisible cord stretched taut between us.I reached for the menu at the same time as Andreas, our hands brushing, and I jerked mine back as though his touch had burned me. A nervous chuckle escaped before I could stop it. "You can, um, order for us if you want," I said, trying to sound casual, but my voice came out thin, almost breathless. I quickly glanced around, hoping the room's noise would swallow up the weird energy buzzing between us.He didn’t meet my eyes, just nodded stiffly. "Sure," he murmured, barely looking at the menu as he gestured for the waiter.I bit my lip, feeling my cheeks flush for reasons I couldn’t explain. Maybe I was imagining this. Mayb
Last Updated : 2024-09-19The Wife Swap Chapter 66: Crossing Lines
Ashley’s POV"I know you want to believe she’s still out there," I added softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "And it's quite commendable of you to be this supportive and willing to help solve this matter even though you and her aren't really married but if there’s anything I know about Ashton, it’s that she never would have left me hanging this long."Andreas inhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. "I get that," he said after a long pause. "But what we have now is a just a high probability, not certainty and I don't now if I can work with that."I closed my eyes for a second, feeling the weight of his words. I understood that feeling. I understood the unwillingness to accept what was staring us both in the face. But holding on to hope was dangerous. It kept you in limbo, kept you from moving forward, even when the world was pushing you to.When I opened my eyes again, Andreas was watching me, his gaze softer than before. "I didn’t apologize because I feel like I have to," he said, h
Last Updated : 2024-09-19The Wife Swap Chapter 67: Balancing the lies
Ashley’s POV“I can’t do this anymore,” I said, my voice barely a whisper, but the weight of it echoed in the room. “I can’t keep pretending to be Ashton.”Andreas turned his head toward me, his brow furrowing in response, but he didn’t say anything. The silence between us felt charged, as if both of us were waiting for the other to make the next move.I swallowed hard, trying to find the words. “You don’t have to be the one to deal with the fallout, Andreas. I’ll tell your family. I’ll tell them everything—about the swap, about Ashton disappearing. They don’t have to know that you found out eventually and tried to cover it up. I’ll take all the blame. That way, you can—”“No.” Andreas cut me off, his voice quiet but firm. He shook his head, his eyes narrowing as if he was trying to work through the situation in his mind. “Even if you do that, it won’t matter.”I blinked at him, confused. “What do you mean? It’ll be easier for you if they think I was the one who orchestrated all of th
Last Updated : 2024-09-20
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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
