CHAPTER TWO

ONE MONTH EARLIER

As the car sped past buildings, I stared blankly out of the car window, the faint memories of what happened before I died playing in my head.

I had hoped that it would stop playing but it didn't.

The day it all happened…. It was our wedding anniversary, I had called Raymond earlier that I couldn't make it because of a meeting but fortunately, the meeting was canceled.

Excited about seeing my Raymond, I rushed back home to surprise him. But Instead, I was surprised.

There was a romantic setup in our living room. Candles were lit. Rose petals were scattered beautifully across the floor, and gifts were on the table. It was the perfect anniversary…or so I thought.

Why would he light the candles when he knew that I wasn't home? I asked myself. Just then a loud laughter erupted from the bedroom, it was Paige’s voice.

I was shocked but there had to be a reasonable explanation, so I went into the room. They were both naked and he lay on top of her writing on her chest with his index finger. I guess it tickled a lot because she wouldn't stop laughing.

My memory was a blur from there. The next thing I remember, my head was in the bathtub. I remembered struggling to set free but his grip was too tight.

“Elizabeth!” Damien's voice cut through my thoughts bringing me back to reality.

We were already in the house. I didn't notice. I also didn't notice that I had been giving Raymond a death stare. He sat in the living area far away from the entrance of the house where we stood. He stared at the iPad in his hand, sipping wine from a glass, not taking a single glance at me.

“Why would you come back home dressed like that?” Damien asked with a look of disapproval on his face.

I glanced down at my outfit. It was still in the hospital gown. I had forgotten to change. “I'm sorry” I managed to let out.

He took a step closer to me, his cold gaze searing into my skin. “Stop staring at my business partner as if you are going to devour him.”

“Perhaps I was too obvious,” I thought.

“You may have lost your memory but surely you have not lost your manners, go into your room and change” he barked.

They didn't share a room? It was obvious Elizabeth and this man did not have a happy marriage. He spoke to her like an object and not with love.

But that wasn't any of my business. Finding a way to get revenge on Raymond and get my company back was a top priority. But not yet. I had to play the waiting game.

My eyes searched the place. I didn't know where my Elizabeth Was.

Damien seemed to notice, grabbing my hand tightly and led me upstairs into a room.

The room was gigantic. Just like my old room. Elizabeth seemed to like the color blue very much. It had a blue aesthetic.

Damien's voice cut through my thoughts “Stay here, your nanny will be here anytime soon?”

I turned to look at him “I understand” I said with a gentle nod.

He turned to leave immediately, the door shutting loudly behind him.

I sighed softly. This was my new life. Elizabeth Blackwood was my life now. A woman with a husband who cared not even about the hair on her head. At least he showed his hatred, unlike Raymond. He was a snake. A poisonous one.

I turned to observe the place once more. The curtains covered the window but opened just enough for a little sunshine to come in. I walked towards the window and pulled the curtain aside letting the sun in.

My gaze moved across the compound from the room. There was a pool out there. My brow creased. Strangely It seemed rather familiar. Like I had seen it before. Been in it.

I felt my throat clogging. It started to get harder to breathe. But it got worse. As I gasped for breath I crumbled to the floor.

It was a dream… I saw myself standing in front of the pool. No.. Not me, Elizabeth, I could see her reflection in the pool as she gazed into it with no expression on her face.

Footsteps were approaching from behind. I could feel the curiosity with Elizabeth grow as she turned around to see a beautiful redhead woman. She was clad in a black suit and black heels. Her red hair was put neatly in a nun and she had a sneer on her face.

Elizabeth’s heart skipped a bit. It seemed she feared her.“Hello Anastasia” she managed to let out.

The lady smiled. I had never seen anybody smile like that before. A smile of disgust progress? I didn't think that was possible.

“You are not worthy to utter my name,” she said with a sneer.

Elizabeth bowed her head, turning to walk away.

“Halt!” The redhead snapped, startling Elizabeth to a halt. Her head stayed bowed as the lady's footsteps approached. “How does Elizabeth feel? To know that Damien will never love you?”

“I'm fine with my marriage as it is,” Elizabeth responded.

The lady screamed. Words were coming out of her mouth but they were inaudible. They had begun to argue but I heard nothing. Only I could still feel the fear Elizabeth felt.

She said something. Elizabeth. I couldn't hear but whatever it was it pissed off the fehwad lady. Moving towards Elizabeth in anger she pushed her into the pool.

Elizabeth struggled in the pool. She was screaming for help but none came. She was frowning. I was drowning.

“Maam?” I heard a lady's voice yell. “Maam!”

I sat up with a loud gasp. I was back in the room.

“Are you okay ma'am?” a blond middle-aged lady stared back at me with concern in her eyes.

I nodded. “Yes.” my chest weaving.

I think I just got a front-row seat to how Elizabeth almost died. I was getting her memories.

She almost drowned. Like me. I guess we were more alike than I thought.