Chapter 68: Unexpected encounters

Ashley’s POV

I 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