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Chapter 96: Divided by secrets
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2024-09-30 17:09:28
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The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 97: The dress fitting
Ashleyโs POVAs we stared at each other, the tension between Andreas and me grew heavier with each breath, suffocatingโthe kind of weight that wrapped around my chest and made it hard to breathe. I could feel him watching me out of the corner of my eye, and it sent a prickle of discomfort and anticipation across my skin.He finally broke the silence. โHow did your appointment go?โ His voice was casual, but an edge crept in, as if he was trying too hard to keep it neutral.I glanced at him, searching for any sign that he might knowโany hint about Ashtonโs affair with Thomas. But as usual, Andreas was unreadable. His expression was controlled, his gaze steady as he waited for my answer.Part of me wanted to ask outright. Did you know your wife was having an affair? But I swallowed the words back. Even if he knew, what would it change? Their marriage was nothing more than a contractโbound by obligation, not affection.As I opened my mouth to bring up the affairโabout Ashtonโs choices and
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-30The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 98: A delicate dance
Ashleyโs POVMy stomach twisted at his offer. It felt like a strange blend of necessity and forced interaction, the two of us trapped in this uncomfortable dynamic. โAre you sure you want to?โ I asked cautiously, a part of me dreading the thought of being so close to him while we were still caught in this tension.โWhy not?โ he replied, his gaze unwavering as it met mine. The intensity in his eyes sent a shiver down my spine. โLetโs just get this over with.โI nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle between us, thickening the air. There was a strange formality to our interaction, a reminder that while we were physically present with each other, we were still worlds apart emotionally.As Andreas moved closer to assist with the dress, the heat radiating from him was a stark contrast to the coldness that had enveloped us for so long. His fingers brushed against the fabric as he adjusted the straps, and I had to fight the urge to lean away. This was supposed to be a simple task, ye
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-30The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 99: A truce
Ashleyโs POVThe drive from the boutique to the restaurant was mercifully short, a blessing that spared us any further awkwardness. I focused on the city passing by, trying to ignore the tension radiating from the seat beside me.As we pulled into the restaurant's parking lot, Andreas turned off the engine and reached for a jacket hanging on the back seat. โHere,โ he said, sliding it on over my shoulders. โIt might get chilly on the rooftop.โI blinked in surprise, instinctively wrapping the fabric tighter around myself. โThanks,โ I mumbled, surprised by how comforting the gesture felt, despite the unresolved strain between us.We stepped out of the car, and I followed him to the entrance, my heart racing as I took in the atmosphere. As we walked through the dimly lit lobby, I could feel a faint chill in the air, a reminder that autumn was creeping in.When we reached the rooftop, the view of the city was breathtaking. The skyline sparkled against the twilight, and I couldnโt help but
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-30The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 100: A step closer
Ashleyโs POVAs we finished our meal, a comfortable silence settled around us, and I found myself grateful for this momentโone where we werenโt arguing or avoiding each other. But deep down, the reality loomed like a shadow. I had feelings for him that wouldnโt just vanish with a friendly dinner and a few kind words.The waiter cleared our plates, and I glanced at Andreas again, trying to memorize the contours of his faceโthe way his smile tugged at the corners of his lips, the warmth radiating from him. I wanted to savor this moment for as long as I could, knowing that the night would eventually come to an end and that if all things worked out, I would probably never have the opportunity to sit in front of him like this again.The drive back to the house felt like a blur. City lights streamed by outside the window, but my thoughts consumed me. I replayed our conversations, searching for meaning in every word he had said.When we arrived, I stepped out of the car, my heart racing slig
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-30The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 101:Goodnight
As we stepped out of the studio and back into the bedroom, I stole a glance at Andreas, my heart still racing from both our conversation and the portrait heโd painted of me.Why had he confided in me tonight? Not that I mindedโif anything, I hated that knowing more about him now only made it harder to convince myself that moving on was the right thing to do. And then there was the painting. What had gone through his mind when he created that? His gestures told me one thing, while his words had been painfully clear.The silence between us felt different now, layered with a meaning I wasnโt sure how to navigate.โUm, is everything set for tomorrow?โ I asked, breaking the quiet as we entered the living room. I tried to sound casual, but even I could hear the strain in my voice.Andreas shrugged, his tone light. โI hope so. I know Iโve said this already, but thank you for agreeing to come tomorrow, even if it means pretending for one more night.โโOne more night.โ The words tasted bitter
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-30The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 102: Friends?
Andreasโs POVI blinked, shocked at myself as Ashley and I stepped out of the studio and back into my bedroom. I hadnโt planned on mentioning my mother tonight, or ever. The truth was, growing up, her name was hardly ever spoken. It was as though she had never existed, my fatherโs way of trying to take for cheating on his first wife and forcing her to accept his son out of wedlock. I had been the only proof she ever lived, and even that felt like a burden. Being alive felt like a burden. Yet here he was, telling Ashley what I regarded as my biggest shame.Iโd thought it would be hard to speak of her after all these years, but it wasnโtโnot with Ashley. It was as if saying the words released a weight I hadnโt realized that I'd been carrying. I was relieved, unexpectedly so, and I understood why. It was because it was Ashley. Somehow, telling her felt right.โIs everything set for tomorrow?โ Ashley asked, breaking the silence.Her question pulled me from my thoughts, but I could still f
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-30The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 103: Tomorrow
Andreasโs POVThe truth was, I didnโt know how much Iโd be able to tell my father. This whole situation had spiraled so far beyond what Iโd ever anticipated. I was prepared to face the consequences, but I wasnโt ready to drag Ashley into it any deeper than she already was. Sheโd done enough. More than enough.The silence stretched between us again, heavy and uncomfortable. I could feel her eyes on me, studying me, but I didnโt look up. I wasnโt sure I could handle what I might see in her eyes right now.Then she spoke again, her voice soft, almost tentative. โYou know, my childhood wasnโt perfect either. Iโve always felt like I was living in someone elseโs shadow.โI glanced at her, surprised by the vulnerability in her tone. She didnโt talk about her past much, not like this. For a moment, I forgot about the weight pressing down on my chest, forgot about everything else except the raw honesty in her words.โWhat do you mean?โ I asked, my curiosity piqued despite myself.โAshton and I
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-30The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 104: Another layer
Ashleyโs POVI had spent most of the night tossing and turning on the bed, the sheets twisted around me like the chaos swirling in my mind. I should be excited that after the gala, I would finally leave this world my sister had dragged me into, a world she had abandoned me in, stolen by an unfortunate accident. But instead, I felt hollow, like a shell of the person I once was. The thought of the gala loomed over me like a dark cloud, not just because of the pretenses I had to uphold but because of what it truly representedโthe finality of it all.Once the charade was over, it would be like a stamp sealing the truth: Ashton was dead. No more pretending to be someone I wasnโt, and that also meant no Andreas. With no feedback yet from the airport regarding the possibility of remains found, I was left hanging, wondering if I might have to bury her without even a body to mourn over.Would the Thornes care about any of that? Would they even mourn my sister? I felt a knot tightening in my st
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-30
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The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 241: A new beginning
Ashleyโs POVโThank you,โ I managed, taking the bouquet from Andreas, my fingers trembling slightly. โYouโฆ you came.โHe chuckled softly, nodding. โWouldnโt miss it. Iโm proud of you, Ashley. Youโre amazing. The bookโฆitโs incredible.โ He paused, and the warmth in his eyes made my heart race. โIโve already read it, by the way,โ he added, a hint of teasing in his tone. โI couldnโt put it down.โA small, awkward laugh escaped my lips, a nervous sound. โYou read it?โ I asked, almost incredulous. โAll of it?โHe nodded, his gaze unwavering. โEvery word. You have a real talent, Ashley. Iโm not just saying that because ofโฆwell, because of us.โ He gave a small smile, almost sheepish, and I swallowed, fighting the urge to reach out and kiss him. โYouโve always had it in you. Iโm just glad the world gets to know the face behind the work.โI 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 heโd leave after I responded a
The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 240: A heartfelt reunion
Ashleyโs POVThe book launch venue was everything Iโd hoped it would beโa 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 couldnโt ignore. This moment was f
The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 239: An eventful year
Ashleyโs POVA Year LaterThe air was crisp, but the sun cast a warm, golden glow over the gravesite. I sat on the bench near Ashtonโs 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 cookiesโthe kind we used to love as kids.I arranged them carefully at the base of the stone, each movement slow, deliberate. I knew Ashton wasnโt really here, but I couldnโt shake the feeling that she was still with meโsomewhere, 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.โItโs been an eventful year, Ash,โ I murmured, feeling the weight of the words as I spoke them. โI guess you know that already, but I still need to say it. Iโve been doing a lot of things I never thought Iโd do.โI paused, looking out at the rows of grave
The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 238: Starting again
Ashleyโs 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 hadnโt known I was waiting for. My sister, my twin, had always been larger than life. She had overshadowed me in everythingโher beauty, her confidence, her charisma. It wasnโt always intentional. She hadnโt 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.โIโm sorry for all the times I overshadowed you, even without meaning to. You were always the best part of me.โThe words blurred as tears welled up in my eyes. I hadnโt 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 Ashtonโs brilliance had left behind. But now, as I read those words, I allowed myself to believe themโfor the first time in my life.โI hope you can forgive me for all the times I wasnโt there, for all the mess I le
The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 237: Rediscovery
Ashleyโs 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 elseโs tool, meant for someone elseโs 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, tooโa strange, bittersweet peace. I was no longer just pretending. I wasnโt living in the shadow of Ashtonโs 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 Swapย ย ย Chapter 236: Letting Go
Andreasโs POVMoving to the bedroom, I laid on Ashleyโs side, feeling the coldness of the sheets where her warmth had once been. Without her, it felt wrong, everything felt wrong. But I couldnโt 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 didnโt 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 wasnโt about to make her feel cornered. I wasnโt 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 didnโt ask me to wait. She hadnโt asked me to do anything, really, except to give her what she needed. But in my heart, I couldnโt shake the resolve that I would wait for her. Time would pass, and maybe sheโd find her way back to me. Or maybe she wouldnโt. But no matter what, I
The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 235: Deafening emptiness
Andreasโs 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. โYou deserve someone who fits seamlessly into your life, not someone who makes you choose.โFor the first time, I questioned everything I had built. I had spent years constructing a life that was logical, pragmaticโa 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 wouldnโt be my fatherโs 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 didnโt want to, but because I couldnโt. My heart, damaged by a condit
The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 234: A love let go
Ashleyโs 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.โI donโt know where to start,โ I whispered, my voice shaking. โI love you, Andreas. Iโve loved you for so long now, even when I didnโt know how to admit it, even when I didnโt know how to let myself feel it.โHe was silent, his dark eyes fixed on me, watching me with a mixture of concern and understanding. He wasnโt interrupting, waiting patiently as I tried to find the right words. His presence was warm, comforting even, but it only made this harder.โI didnโt 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,โ I continued, the tears that had been threatening to spill finally falling freely. โYouโve shown me love, patience, and given me the strength to face so many things, things I didnโt even realize I needed to face. Youโ
The Wife Swapย ย ย Chapter 233: Saying goodbye
Ashleyโs POVThe day of Ashtonโs burial was a blur of emotions. Grief, yesโI had expected that. But there was also relief, anger, hope, and a strange sense of peace that I couldnโt quite place.The small ceremony was held in a quiet corner of the Thorne estate, under a canopy of trees that Ashton wouldโve loved. The turnout was larger than Iโd anticipated. It wasnโt 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 Ashtonโs 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 hadnโt expected them to come, nor did I want them there. Thomas was absent too, but Sansa had made an appearance. I couldnโt help but notice how much lighter she seemed, almost radian
