Chapter 5

~Aubrey

I sat in Conner's office, my heart racing like a wild animal’s as I tried to process his proposal. "So, let me get this straight.” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "You'll help me convince Mr Blackwood that I'm pregnant, but in return, I have to get him to partner with your hospital for a charity event?"

Conner nodded. “That's right Mrs Blackwood. I believe you're the only one who can convince him, he's your husband after all.”

I could only scoff inwardly at his sentence.

But just as I was about to respond, the door suddenly burst open and Jarred walked in, his eyes fixated on me. “Mrs. Blackwood.” He said, his voice an intrusion into the tense atmosphere.

I felt a jolt of surprise, my heart skipping a beat in slight fear. What was he doing here?

Conner's expression on the other hand didn't change, but I sensed a flicker of irritation. "Ah, Mr Jarred? perfect timing, we were just discussing about Mrs Blackwood’s ultrasound."

Jarred's eyes narrowed, his gaze lingering on Conner before shifting to me, completely ignoring Conner's statement."I thought you were going to the bathroom Mrs. Blackwood?” He asked, his tone laced with a hint of suspicion.

I opened my mouth to explain, but Conner suddenly intervened before I could speak, his voice firm, but gentle. "Shall we proceed with the ultrasound, Mrs. Blackwood?"

Jarred’s eyes narrowed. “My question hasn't been answered yet.”

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, my mind racing for an excuse. "I.. I was feeling a little dizzy." I stammered. "Mr Langley saw me in the hallway and offered to help me sit.”

Jarred slowly nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. I could see he still had some doubts, but I don’t have time to press on that now.

“Can we proceed now Mrs Blackwood? I have to attend to other patients.” I hear Conner speak and I stand from my seat before heading out, following him from behind as he exited his office. We soon arrived at a room but Conner suddenly turns and faces Jarred.

“I'm sorry, you'll have to excuse us.” He says and Jarred nods, takes steps a few paces back before Conner finally shuts the door.

I lay down on the examination table, lifting my shirt slightly above my stomach as Conner had instructed, a mix of relief and nervousness swirled within me knowing this fake ultrasound was a crucial step in my plan.

Conner applied a clear gel to my stomach and operated the ultrasound machine and soon, a random image appeared, seemingly another lady's ultrasound.

"Perfect.” Conner said.

I took out my phone and snapped a photo of the projected image, wanting an extra copy for myself.

Conner soon turns to me, his expression suddenly serious. "Remember our agreement Mrs Blackwood, if you try to dodge your end of the deal, I won't hesitate in revealing everything to Mr Blackwood."

His tone sent a shiver down my spine, and I knew at this point I couldn't mess things up. I had to find a way to convince Mr Blackwood to partner with this charity event or I'll be screwed.

"I won't forget." I nodded, trying to appear confident.

Conner's gaze lingered on mine, his eyes searching for any sign of dishonesty, I met his gaze, determined not to back down and I finally see him sigh.

“I'll give you a month, the charity's in two months time. I believe by then Mr Blackwood would be more than ready to partner with us.” Conner said and handed me a towel to clean the gel off my stomach. "That's all for now.” He said.

I nodded and finally walked out of the hospital room, clutching the file containing my fake ultrasound results, I felt a mix of emotions, relief, anxiety, and determination but Cnner's warning still echoed in my mind, a stark reminder of the stakes.

Meanwhile, Jarred had waited for me in the hallway and once he saw me, his eyes lingered on the file in my hand for a while. "Everything went well, I presume?" He asked, his tone neutral.

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, all good."

Jarred escorted me to the car, we drove back to Mr Blackwood's villa, the tension in my body easing slightly with each passing mile.

But it was short-lived. Upon arrival, the butler informed us of a sudden meeting at the Winston's Villa, attended by everyone, including Mr Blackwood.

My heart skipped a beat. I hadn't anticipated this.

"I'll need to change.” I said, already heading towards my room.

The butler nodded. "Shall I inform Mr. Blackwood that you're on your way?"

I stop in my tracks and shook my head, a shiver running down my spine. "No."

Rushing to the room I was given, I settled on a plain flowery gown, not wanting to draw any unnecessary attention and my hands for some unknown reason slightly trembling as I tied my hair into a loose bun.

Soon we arrived at the Winston's Villa, memories immediately flooding my mind. The lavish decorations, expensive artwork, and the eerie feeling of being trapped.

As I entered the Winston's villa, I swept my gaze across the room, and my eyes soon collided with my husband, ex-husband–Kenneth.

As I locked eyes with him, his piercing blue gaze sent shivers down my spine, his chiseled features and dark brown hair framing a face that was both hauntingly familiar and terrifyingly menacing.

My heart didn't skip a beat, my expression unchanged.

I felt nothing.

My eyes drifted away, scanning the room once more, and they soon landed on Mr Blackwood in the corner, his eyes fixed on his device, oblivious to my presence.

"Aubrey."

The sound of my name, spoken in Kenneth's low menacing tone was like a whip cracking through the air. My neck immediately snapped towards him and the world around me soon dissolved.

How did he.. It couldn't be.. I'm in Victoria's body so how does he know?