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Chapter 66: Crossing Lines
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2024-09-19 06:44:21Related chapters
The 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 : 2024-09-20The Wife Swap Chapter 68: Unexpected encounters
Ashley’s POVI stared at Andreas, my mind spinning. The idea of continuing this charade—keeping up the pretense that I was Ashton—felt unbearable. Every instinct screamed that my sister was gone, and yet here I was, being asked to act like nothing had changed. Was this really the right thing to do?Andreas must have noticed the hesitation in my eyes because his expression softened, his gaze locked on mine. “Give me three days,” he said, his voice measured but urgent. “That’s all I’m asking. Three days.”“Three days?” I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper, still processing the request.“There’s a charity gala in three days,” he continued, studying my face for a reaction. “You don’t even have to go with me if you don’t want to. I can handle it alone. After the gala, I’ll speak to my father. I’ll tell him everything. He’s the only one whose opinion really matters in all of this.”I blinked, taken aback. “Your father?”Andreas nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. “He’s the only
Last Updated : 2024-09-20The Wife Swap Chapter 69: Tension and Temptation
Andreas’ POVAs I pulled up to the restaurant where Ashley had asked me to drop her off to meet up with her friend Liv, the glow of the entrance sign flickered, mirroring my restless thoughts. I glanced at Ashley, her expression a mix of determination and uncertainty as she gathered her things. Part of me wanted to reach out and reassure her that everything was going to be okay, but even I knew that it was a lie. Nothing was okay. Her sister was most likely gone, and I was grasping at straws by trying to private investigator. Worse, I couldn’t shake the memory of Jake’s unexpected appearance and the way my jaw had tightened in response. The way Jake had approached her—so familiar, so casual—had ignited something primal within me. Jealousy. It was a feeling I hadn’t expected to surface, especially given the nature of our situation. Why had I reacted so strongly? Why had it bothered me so much when I thought the guy was Ashley’s ex-boyfriend?What was wrong with me?“Be careful,” I said,
Last Updated : 2024-09-20The Wife Swap Chapter 70: Shadows of Uncertainty
Ashley’s POVI walked into the restaurant where I had arranged to meet Liv, the familiar scent of coffee and pastries mingling in the air. It felt surreal to be here as if life had continued spinning outside while mine was trapped in a frozen moment of uncertainty.Liv was already at a corner table, her expression a mix of concern and warmth as she spotted me. She rose, wrapping me in a gentle embrace that spoke volumes. I felt the weight of the last few days pressing down on me, and it was a struggle to not break down in her arms and sob. “Hey, you,” she said softly, pulling back to study my face. “How are you holding up?”I shrugged, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “You know... one foot in front of the other.”She nodded, her eyes searching mine for the truth beneath the surface. “You can tell me anything, Ash. I’m here.”As I settled into my seat, the reality of my situation flooded back—everything from the airport to the gut-wrenching moments since. I took a deep
Last Updated : 2024-09-20The Wife Swap Chapter 71: Off limits
Ashley’s POVAs we stepped into the bar, the atmosphere enveloped us—laughter and music mingling in the air, creating a comforting buzz that pushed away the shadows for a moment. I could already feel a sense of relief washing over me, happy that I’d chosen to do this tonight. Liv and I settled into a small booth near the back, the dim lighting casting a warm glow around us.We ordered drinks—something fruity and strong for me, something stronger for Liv. As the first round arrived, I raised my glass. “To distractions,” I said, a hint of a smile breaking through.“To distractions,” Liv echoed, clinking her glass against mine. We both took a sip, the sweetness mingling with the alcohol, igniting a flicker of excitement in my chest even though I knew it was temporary.For the next hour, we laughed and shared stories, the burden of the last few days feeling lighter with every sip. Liv kept checking in on me, her concern still lingering, but I brushed it off, determined to enjoy this momen
Last Updated : 2024-09-21The Wife Swap Chapter 72: On the edge
Ashley’s POVAs I downed the rest of my drink, the bar's noise swirled around me, but a nagging sense of loneliness settled in as I waited for my cab. My thoughts drifted back to the conversation with Andreas. What had I been thinking, calling him? I cringed at the memory, chastising myself for reaching out in a moment of vulnerability. I wasn’t supposed to need him.Just as I was about to dive deeper into my thoughts, a man slid into the booth across from me. He had a confident smile, the kind that was all too familiar in a bar setting. “Hey there, what’s a pretty girl like you doing alone?”I blinked, surprised at his forwardness. “I’m not alone. My friend just stepped out,” I replied, trying to keep my tone polite.He leaned back, undeterred. “Well, she must be missing out. How about we chat while you wait?”I shook my head firmly. “I’m really not interested. Thanks, though.”His smile faltered, but he pressed on. “Come on, I promise I’m fun. What’s your name?”“Ashley,” I said, ho
Last Updated : 2024-09-21The Wife Swap Chapter 73: Cracks in the Armor
Ashley’s POVThe ride back was silent, save for the occasional hum of the engine and the rhythmic turn of the tires on the pavement. Andreas hadn’t said much since he’d put me in the car, and I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. Every now and then, I’d steal a glance at him, but his face remained unreadable—cool, detached. The same Andreas I’d come to know, and yet... not.My forehead rested against the cool glass, the dark streets blurring into a haze. My pulse still hadn't settled, riding the aftershocks of adrenaline from the bar encounter. I wanted to pretend I was fine, that everything was fine, but something inside me had shifted. I felt unmoored, as if my grip on reality was slipping.The silence stretched on, thick and pressing. I was suddenly hyper-aware of the space between us, of how little we’d said since leaving the bar. Every unspoken word hung between us, suffocating. I hated the tension, the waiting.I broke the silence first. “You didn’t have to say that,” I
Last Updated : 2024-09-21The Wife Swap Chapter 74: In the Shadows of Grief
Ashley’s POVI stepped into the house, the weight of the conversation with Andreas still pressing heavily on my chest. My body felt sluggish, the exhaustion from the night creeping in. Each step toward the stairs felt heavier than the last, like my legs were barely able to support me.As I reached the base of the staircase, I misjudged my footing. My foot slipped on the edge of the step, and before I could stop myself, I was tumbling forward. The sudden rush of air caught in my throat, and I braced for the inevitable impact—But strong arms wrapped around my waist, yanking me back just in time.“Andreas,” I breathed, my heart hammering against my ribs. I hadn’t even realized he was behind me, following me in.His hands remained firm on my waist, holding me steady as I caught my breath. “Careful,” he murmured, his voice a soothing rumble close to my ear. “You’ve been through enough tonight. Don’t hurt yourself on top of everything.”I nodded, trying to smile, but the relief was short-l
Last Updated : 2024-09-21
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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
