Married To My Husband's Uncle [Second chance at Love]

The car sped down the highway, its tires screeching in protest as it was now out of control. I was trapped, unable to do anything as the world around me became a blur. Tears streamed down my face as I frantically tried to search for an escape but it was no use. My phone suddenly rang and Kenneth's name flashed on the screen. I hesitated for a bit, my heart racing, before answering.

"Kenneth.. Kenneth.. please help us. The brakes.. they're not working."

"Aubrey, my love." His voice came out gentle yet cold, sending shivers down my spine. "I'm afraid I had to take drastic measures."

"What.. what do you mean?" I stammered, my mind racing with different thoughts. I knew what he was capable of, but he wouldn't go this far, right? ..I did not want to believe that my own husband.. no.

But his next words immediately shattered me. "I cut the brakes Aubrey, I had to ensure our little problem went away. You understand, don't you?" He paused, his tone dripping with malice. "You were going to go behind back, Aubrey. You were going to expose my secrets. I couldn't let that happen."

My phone slowly slipped from my trembling hand, my eyes now filled with tears.

"Aubrey, what did Kenneth say?" Victoria who was in the driver's seat, still trying to handle the steering asked.

But I'm frozen, unable to speak, unable to breathe.

"Aubrey, what is it?" Victoria asks again, her voice laced with concern. I turn to her, tears streaming down my face, my voice barely a whisper. "Kenneth.. he cut the breaks. He wants me dead."

Victoria's eyes immediately widen in shock. "Kenneth cut the breaks?!"

I slowly nodded, breaking into uncontrollable sobs. Suddenly, a shrill, ear piercing sound comes from nowhere, filling the car. I turn to my left and see that it was Victoria who had screamed, her eyes wide in horror as she gazed ahead. I followed her gaze and noticed that we were about to run off a bridge.

I slowly shut my teary eyes, accepting my fate and knowing that there were no escapes. My husband who had claimed to love me had planned my death with his very own hands, but what pained me most was that, Victoria who had no involvement was also going to die.

Soon, a deafening and disorienting noise suddenly filled the air and then, everything went pitch dark.

••

~Aubrey

The haze of unconsciousness slowly lifted, like a veil being pulled away from my eyes. I blinked, and the blurry room gradually came into focus. The beeping sound of machines and the faint smell of antiseptics made me realise that I was in a hospital and with IV drips plunged deep into my veins.

As I struggled to sit up, a gentle voice suddenly broke the silence."Oh my goodness, you're finally awake Mrs. Blackwood!"

Mrs. Blackwood?

I tried to speak, but my voice came out barely as a whisper. The nurse helped me sit up and handed me a glass of water. I sipped gratefully, feeling the cool liquid soothe my parched throat.

Soon memories began to resurface as I sipped the water, disoriented images of a car crash, a scream, and a lifeless body flashed through my mind but why couldn't I remember anything clearly? The more I tried to recall, the more my head spun.

"Can you help me to the toilet?" I asked, my voice still weak. The nurse nodded and assisted me out of bed, my legs trembling beneath me, unaccustomed to bearing my weight after such a long time of bederiding. Every step felt like a struggle, as if I was learning to walk again.

Once in the bathroom, I stared at the mirror, expecting to see my own reflection but the face staring back at me was unfamiliar, younger and prettier. A jolt of fear immediately coursed through me. Who was this person?

"Mrs. Victoria Blackwood?" The nurse called from behind and it finally dawned one me.. that name, it belonged to Alexander Blackwood's wife, my husband's uncle.

A wave of panic instantly washed over me. What was happening? Why was I in her body? I stumbled backward and the nurse caught me by my waist. "Steady Mrs. Blackwood. You're still recovering."

But I wasn't recovering. I was lost. Trapped in someone else's life. I felt like a ghost possessing a body that was not mine.

The nurse guided me back to bed, her expression concerned. "Do you want me to call in any family member of yours? They've been waiting outside."

My heart skipped a beat, not in anticipation but in fear. Unfortunately, before I could respond, the nurse stepped out and informed my so called family about my consciousness and soon, the door to the hospital room flung open with a loud bang.

~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?

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."

~Aubrey

As I'm dragged away in the police car, I feel a wave of despair wash over me. I'm trapped in a living nightmare, with no escape and not only have I been reborn into the life of a mistreated wife, but now I'm being charged with murder. The injustice of it all feels suffocating.

As I think about Marilyn's distraught face, tears start to pour down my cheeks. She believes in my innocence and is trying to save me from this nightmare, but she has no idea that I'm actually Aubrey, trapped in Victoria's body. Her loyalty and trust in me only make this situation more heartbreaking.

The police car suddenly screeches to a halt right outside the station and I'm dragged out of the car and thrown harshly into a cold, dark cell. I bruise my elbow badly on the concrete floor in the process, but the pain is nothing compared to the anguish in my heart.

The police officers snickered. "Can't believe a pretty lady like her is actually a killer.. never judge a book by its cover, huh?"

"Yeah, and I even heard that she was having an affair with her husband's business partner."

"And I also heard that her husband never once came to visit her during her stay in the hospital, and look, he isn't here either.

"Ha! I guess he's been trying to get rid of her for years and has finally gotten the opportunity to do so."

Their gossip and laughter echo through the cell, making me feel sick to my stomach. I slam my fists angrily against the bars. "You have no right to take me in without evidence! This is unjust!"

But they just ignored me, leaving me alone in the cold cell.

And then it hits me, this must be the doing of The Winstons. They must have paid the police handsomely to arrest me. I tiredly slumped to the ground, feeling hopeless. I had no one to turn to, no money to hire a lawyer and asking Marilyn to help me with the bail money would be too much of a burden, I knew she was struggling financially as it is. I slowly hugged my legs, my face buried into my knees, I was completely alone.

"Mr Blackwood?!" A policeman suddenly said in shock, his voice echoing through the cold, sterile hallway.

I immediately lifted my head, my eyes scanning the doorway, and that's when I saw him, Alexander Blackwood, standing tall and imposing, his presence commanding attention. His eyes, cold and detached, swept past me without a flicker of emotion.

Why was he here?

He strode towards the officers, his movements fluid and purposeful, and he began to speak in a low yet authoritative tone. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but the officers nodded hastily, their faces lighting up with gratitude. One of them took a thick stack of cash from Alexander, and my eyes widened in shock.

Was he bailing me out? Why? I thought he hated Victoria?

As Alexander was talking with the officers, he turned towards my cell, his gaze finally settling on me, but his eyes didn't soften, nor did his expression change. He looked at me with a bland and disinterested expression, as if I were some worthless artefact, a mere inconvenience.

But why was he helping me? What did he want from me?

I felt a shiver run down my spine as he approached my cell, his presence suffocating and his gaze unyielding. Once he was some metres away, I couldn't help but notice his dark hair, which was neatly gelled back revealing his piercing black orbs that seemed to bore into my soul.

His nose was straight, his jawline chiseled, and his lips thin. He was currently putting on a black suit, the fabric accentuating his strong arms and broad shoulders. I remembered that he was 10 years older than my past self, Aubrey, which made him 15 years older than Victoria, the age gap only added to his intimidating presence.

As he reached the cell door, he adjusted his cufflinks, his movements precise and calculated. His gaze finally settled on me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. He didn't say a word, just gestured for me to follow him and I did.

As we walked through the police station, Alexander's silence was oppressive, weighing heavily on me. I tried to speak, to ask him why he was helping me, but he just raised a hand, silencing me and I felt like a child, scolded and insignificant.

We arrived at his car that was sitting outside, a black sedan with tinted windows. He gestured for me to get in, I hesitated, unsure of what laid ahead but nonetheless I got in, and he followed.

As soon as we were alone in the car, Alexander finally spoke, his voice low and cold. "I bailed you out because of my reputation, I couldn't have my wife rotting in prison." He suddenly tossed a huge stack of money at me, the bills fluttering everywhere. "Take it and leave, never show your face again, the world will think you're dead, and it will benefit us both. I don't need to be married to you, and you don't need to face the consequences of your actions."

"I'm not going anywhere." I said with a firm voice. That was far from the plan I had in mind. I couldn't just disappear without getting revenge on The Winstons now that I had the chance. I had to make them pay for all the maltreatment they'd done to me.

Alexander raised a brow, surprised by my refusal. "What makes you think I won't just get rid of you and simplify things?"

I gazed up at him, a fierce determination burning within me. "You cannot kill me, because you'd also take the life of your unborn child."