Chapter 4

Alexander's expression changed from calm to confusion. "Is this some kind of joke to you?" He asked, his voice laced with anger.

I shook my head, my heart racing. "I'm serious."

But Alexander just laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "You expect me to believe that?”

Saying that, he reached for the door handle, ready to throw me out of the car, but I grasped his arm, desperation creeping into my voice. "Wait! Do you really want to loose the heir to your empire?"

Alexander's eyes flickered, a hint of uncertainty in their depths. I pressed on, trying to sound more convincing. "We can go see a doctor tomorrow if you wish, and you may confirm if I'm pregnant or not."

Alexander's gaze turned cold again. "Even if you were pregnant, how am I sure the baby belongs to me?"

I swallowed hard, thinking fast. "We can get yours and the child's DNA tested too."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, skeptical, but nodded curtly. He stepped on the accelerator, and soon we arrived at his mansion. The exerior of the grand building left me breathless. I stared dazed, until Alexander's movement snapped me out of my reverie.

As soon as we stepped into the living area of Alexander's mansion, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the expensive decorations and lavish furnishings but my admiration was short lived as Alexander's cold voice cut through the air, his head glancing at me over his shoulders.

"If I found out that you’re not pregnant, trust me when I say, no one will be able to save you from what I'll do to you."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as he turned and walked away, leaving me standing alone in the vast room. I ran my fingers through my hair, panic setting in. Maybe I had made a terrible mistake?

I wasn't actually pregnant. I had only said so out of desperation hoping to convince Alexander into taking me in. Now what was I going to do?

••

The next day came and I stepped out of the room I was given, still trying to gather my thoughts and come up with a plan but my mind was a blank slate, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of regret for not thinking through the consequences of my initial words.

As I walked into the living room, I saw a man who was not Alexander, waiting for me. He was tall and lean, with brown hair that was slightly dishelved. He wore a plain white t-shirt and pants, which didn't match the aesthetic of the fancy room.

“I'm Jarred." He said, his expression stoic. “Alexander sent me to take you to the hospital for the pregnancy test."

Jarred's aura was different from Alexander's, it was more subdued, less intimidating but I couldn't read him, couldn't tell what he was thinking or what his motives were.

On the other hand, I felt anxious, remembering my lie. I had no idea what to do now but I nonetheless nodded, trying to seem calm, and followed Jarred out of the house. The silence between us was uncomfortable yet none of us planned on breaking it.

During the drive, I wondered what Jarred knew about my situation. Was he loyal to Alexander, or did he feel sorry for me? If he did, I could use that to my leverage.

"So, what's going to happen at the hospital?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

"We'll get the test results and leave.” Jarred replied, his eyes on the road. "Alexander wants to know if you're really pregnant."

I nodded, feeling anxious again. What would happen when the test results come out negative? Would Alexander be angry? Would he hurt me? I didn't know, and it scared me.

We drove in silence for a while, my mind racing with thoughts and worries. Jarred didn't say anything else, just kept driving and it made me wonder what he was thinking.

Soon we arrived at the hospital, I immediately felt a wave of relief wash over me when I saw the name, Langley Hospitals, and now I had a little more confidence that my plan may actually work. Jarred, followed closely behind me, his eyes fixed on me like a hawk.

As we walked through the lobby, people began to whisper and point at me.

"Isn't that the Victoria Blackwood who killed Aubrey Winston?" Someone said.

"I thought she was in prison?” Another person chimed in.

"She still has the guts to show her face in public? Doesn't she have shame?” A third person added.

I ignored them and followed Jarred to the VIP waiting room. Once we arrived, a nurse greeted us and informed us that the doctor was currently occupied but would attend to us within the next five minutes.

As soon as the nurse left, I turned to Jarred and spoke. "I need to use the toilet. I'll be back soon."

Jarred nodded, and I got up from my seat but instead of going to the toilet, I took a different route, making my way towards the doctor's office instead. I secretly prayed that Conner, the owner of the hospital and a close friend of mine would be able to help me.

My heart raced as I knocked softly on the door. It soon swung open, revealing a tall, distinguished man with piercing blue eyes and a kind face. “Conner?" I said, my voice shaking as tears welled up in my eyes.

Conner's face etched with confusion. "You refer to me so informally.. have we perhaps met somewhere else Mrs Blackwood? I.. I don't recall ever meeting you before."

It felt like I'd been slapped across the face with the harsh reality of my situation. I knew he wouldn't recognize me. I was in a different body now, one that didn't hold the memories we shared but the pain of his non-recognition still stung.

I broke into sobs, unable to contain my emotions and Conner looked taken aback, unsure of how to react. He awkwardly patted my shoulder, trying to console me, but it only made me cry harder.

"Mrs. Blackwood, please, what's wrong?" He asked, his voice softening, but laced with a hint of wariness. I finally stopped crying, wiping my tears away with a trembling hand. I took a deep breath and explained everything to him, my situation, Alexander, and the reason why I needed his help.

"Please, Conner, I need you to forge a fake pregnancy test and ultrasound. If you don't, Mr–my husband will throw me out." I begged, my voice cracking with desperation.

Conner's expression suddenly turned stern. "I'm afraid I can't do that Mrs. Blackwood. It goes against my principles as a doctor."

I felt a wave of panic wash over me. I couldn't liose him, not now. I begged him more, my desperation growing. "Please you have to help me. I have nowhere else to turn too. He'll hurt me, he'll..."

Conner sighed, his resolve weakening. "Okay, I'll do it but just this once, and only because I believe you're in danger."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, followed by a deep sense of longing. I wanted him to remember me, to recognize the friendship we shared but that was impossible now.

"Thank you Conner." I said, wiping my tears with my sleeves.

Conner's expression suddenly turned serious, his eyes locked on mine. "But you have to promise me one thing.”