Chapter 2

~Aubrey

The hospital’s room door burst open and a flurry of family members entered, their faces etched with anger and disgust.

"You're awake.” My mother in-law, Georgina Winston spat as if it was a crime. "Finally, we can get some answers."

I tried to speak, but my voice was still weak.

"You killed her, didn't you?" Richard Winston, my husband’s cousin questioned, his voice venomous. "You were always so jealous of Aubrey, and now that she's gone you're satisfied aren't you?!” Janet Winston, my husband's aunt added.

I snickered inwardly, a bitter taste in my mouth.

Their accusations cut deep, but I knew the truth, this was all a pretence, they didn't love nor care about Aubrey, my past self. They had tolerated her, abused her and now that they must have figured Kenneth was behind the accident, they needed a scapegoat to blame everything on, and who else made the perfect target asides Victoria, the timid wife of Alexander Blackwood who also happened to be the one driving the car that day?

They could blame her for Aubrey's death, for the accident that had taken her life. It didn't matter that I was now in Victoria's body, they saw only what they wanted to see, a convenient culprit.

I remembered the way they had treated Aubrey, the way they had belittled and controlled her and now with what they had all initially said, I viewed them all as pathetic hypocrites.

"You're just looking for someone to blame." I said, my voice steady. "But I'm not the one who's going to be the victim.”

They all laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "You're the only one who could have done it." Richard sneered. "You're the only one who had the motive."

"I didn't do it.” I repeated, my eyes locked on theirs and my voice stern but it seems they weren't tired of arguing.

"You were driving that day, weren't you?" Andrew Winston, my father in-law sneered. "You deserve to rot in jail for what you've done."

I met their gazes, a spark of defiance igniting within me. “How could I have planned m–Aubrey’s death when I was also inside the car that day?”

Everyone's confidence seemed to have flattered a little, knowing that my question made sense but before anyone could talk, Georgina's harsh voice cut through the silence.

"We all know you've always harboured resentment towards Aubrey, Victoria. Her perfect life, her loving husband Kenneth.. it's always been a stark contrast to your own miserable marriage to Alexander, and about how you manuevered your own death? Only you knows." Georgina's eyes narrow at me, her voice dripping with malice.

I feel a surge of disgust and repulsion at her words. Victoria never hated me nor did I hate her, we may not have been close, but we didn't have any issues either.

"And now, even though the truth is plainly out, you still wish to deny it? Don't you have any shame?” Janet chimes in, her voice equally venomous.

But before I could speak, the nurse intervenes, her firm voice a stern interruption. "That's enough. You're all causing a disturbance. Please leave.”

The room falls silent, with all eyes starring daggers at me. Georgina and Janet snicker, whispering to each other. "Can you believe her nerve?" Georgina whispers. "She thinks she's so innocent.” Janet replies.

As they slowly file out, they continue to whisper and snicker, casting dirty glances my way. I'm left alone, feeling a mix of emotions-disgust, frustration, and repulsion.

The nurse suddenly turns to me, her expression sympathetic, it seemed as if she was about to speak but I'm a little curious, and I decide to talk first."Did Mr Blackwood come to visit me throughout my stay in the hospital?"

The nurse's expression turns even more sympathetic. "No, Mrs. Blackwood, your husband hasn't been here."

I sigh, feeling a pang of sadness. Poor Victoria, she had been trapped in a loveless marriage with a ruthless man like Alexander and now, with bad luck on my side, I'm living her life.

“You'll be discharged in a week's time, but until then you'll have to stay here so we can carefully watch your progress.” I heard the nurse speak and I sighed, sinking into the bed. It's not like I had a choice, so I just nodded.

A Week Later..

~Aubrey

The nurse smiled warmly as she handed me a stack of discharge papers. "You're finally free to go Mrs. Blackwood, take care of yourself." She said and was about to leave but suddenly halted in her steps and faced me. “Ah-I almost forgot, someone's also here to see you.”

I nodded, still trying to process everything that had happened. As the nurse left, Marilyn, my best friend, suddenly burst into the room, tears streaming down her face.

"Victoria, I'm so glad you're okay!" She exclaimed, rushing over to hug me tightly.

I hugged her back, feeling a lump form in my throat. I knew why she was here-she'd heard the news, and she's come to console Victoria, probably not wanting her to blame herself for Aubrey's death.

Marilyn pulled back, her eyes red rimmed. "I was so worried about you, Victoria. I couldn't believe what I was hearing on the news."

I nodded, feeling a surge of sadness. I wondered how she'd react if I told her the truth-that I was actually Aubrey, not Victoria. Would she be shocked? Disbelieving?

But I pushed the thought aside, unsure of how to process it myself.

"I don't know what happened day, Marilyn." I said instead, trying to act my part. "I don't remember anything."

Marilyn's grip on my arm tightened. "It's okay Victoria. We'll get through this together. We'll find out what really happened."

I smiled faintly. Victoria and Marilyn were not close but she'd taken a step to come console her today which was like her. Marilyn was a very kind soul.

As we hugged again, I could sense Marilyn's thoughts whirling. She was trying to be strong for me-Victoria, but I knew she was devastated. She'd lost her best friend, and now she was trying to support me through this nightmare.

Finally, we pulled apart and headed out of the hospital but as we stepped into the bright sunlight, we were suddenly swarmed by reporters.

"Mrs. Blackwood, were you actually the one who killed Aubrey Winston?"

"Did you intentionally crash the car to get rid of her?"

“Did you an Aubrey have a falling out before the accident?”

Marilyn tried to shield me, but it was too much. I felt like I was drowning in their accusations. Just as we were about to enter Marilyn's car, a cold metallic object suddenly landed on my wrist, handcuffs.

I looked up to see a police officer standing before me, his face grim. "Mrs. Victoria Blackwood, you're under arrest for the murder of Aubrey Winston. Anything you say or do henceforth will be used against you in the court of law."