Chapter 1

My heart pounds in my chest as the doctor's words hangs heavy in the air. Cosmetic surgery? A dead woman's face? It didn't make any sense to me.

"I don't understand," I stammer, my voice hoarse to even my own ears.

"Look," The doctor begins calmly, "Your injuries were extensive. There was no time to wait for consent."

My fingers tremble as I graze them against the bandages wrapped around my face.

"Whose face is it?" I asks, my voice a whisper.

The elderly woman, probably in her sixties, standing beside the doctor steps forward. Her voluminous gray hair is neatly combed, and her hands and neck are adorned with expensive jewelry.

"Her name is Jane." She says softly, her voice quivers though she tries to hold her emotion. "She was my daughter."

My breath catches in my throat. The weight of the revelation is too much on me.

"I know this is a lot to take in, but Jane's body was brought here after an accident. The burns you sustained meant we had no other choice. Jane's tissue was a match, and her mother consented to the procedure." The doctor continues.

"My daughter is gone, but I'm glad her face can give someone else a second chance." The elderly woman says, her voice solemn.

"What happened to me?" I ask carefully.

"You were at a car accident scene where you survived a fire outbreak. You've been unconscious for weeks, and it seems you must be suffering from amnesia." The doctor explains.

I draws a deep shaky breath, "I don't remember who I am."

"Don't worry about that. You will recover your memories, but at this moment, you need to rest." The doctor advises.

I sigh softly as I return to the bed. I had been standing at the mirror before the doctor and Jane's mother stepped in. I lie down, slowly resting my head on the soft pillow.

"Go back to sleep." The doctor says. I nod slowly, then close my eyes to sleep.

I stare down at my handcuffs tightly gripping my hands together. I have been accused of a crime that I, Nelly Berry, have no idea about. They said that I murdered my husband's father. I wasn't even given a chance to speak up for myself and the police were called to arrest me. My husband, Jeremy Warren, looked at me with disgust as the police took me out of our home.

"We are getting divorced immediately. My lawyers will bring the divorce papers to jail for you to sign." Jeremy said, a warning in his voice.

I screamed for Jeremy to believe me, but he was quiet. I feel my heart ache when I see Kyra lay an empathetic hand on his shoulder, however, a devious smirk is directed at me. Tears well intensely in my eyes. My life is over. A flash of headlight from an incoming car shines on my eyes. I wince in pain, looking away from the bright light.

"Watch out!" An officer seated in the passenger's seat screamed in fear. I am jerked violently to the front as an incoming car slams against the police car I am. My head bounces painfully on the back of the driver's seat. I moan in pain, blood slips from hairline, down to my eyes. My visions blur red. I look to my sides and see the police beside me are unconscious. A suffocating stench infiltrates my nostrils causing me to cough. I look to the twisted metallic bonnet of the car I'm in and see black smoke emitting from it.

My vision begins blur, unconsciousness sets in, but suddenly the smoke is replaced by fire. I gasp, horrified as the flame burns faster, growing.

"No," I say weakly. The heat from the fire makes my body feel uncomfortably warm. I push myself over the police officer by my left. I extends my hands to the door and open it, pushing it wide open. I let myself cry as I crawl over the unconscious officer, landing on the ground with a loud and painful thud.

I struggle, pushing myself away from the fire that has now consumed the car and officers in it. I breathe shakily and force myself up on my feet. However, the pain on my knee restrict my movement. I limp as fast as I can, away from the overwhelming heat. I can't die like this. I have to live.

An explosion occurs, the fire spreading wildly and the blast sends me to the ground. I hit her head against the floor. My breathing gets slower and black spots appear on my vision before I black out.

I slowly blink my eyes awake and see the setting orange sun over the horizon through the window blinds. Constant beeping sounds from the heart monitors echoes in the white walled hospital room. I whimper when I feel a pain shoot in my head. I remove the white sheet from my legs and slip out of bed. My vision blurs for a moment and I sit back on the bed.

I breathe steadily and soon my vision clears. I stand up, walk towards the mirror hung on the wall. But I feel something pull me back at my hand.

I look down at my side and see an IV drip connected to my hand. I trace it to the IV pole, which I grab. I steadily pull the IV pole along with me as I walk toward the mirror. I breathe shakily, grazing my finger on the bandage. I wonder how my face looks beneath these bandages.

I remember everything. My name, Nelly Berry. My husband, Jeremy. The accusation. The accident. I look up at the television hung on the wall, where a news reporter talks about headlines for the evening.

"Jeremy Warren and Kyra Stone have officially announced their wedding to take place in the next two days." The reporter announces.

I breath shakily as the news hangs heavy in the air. I can't believe Jeremy is getting married to my best friend. First, I was falsely accused of murdering my father in law, and now, my husband and best friend betray me by doing this.

I inhale sharply through my clenched teeth. They are going to pay for doing this to me.

Chapter 2

I rest my sweaty palms on my laps. The doctor stands behind me, loosening the bandages. I glance at Jane's mother, standing at my side. Her fingers are intertwined nervously as she watches me. I draw a deep shaky breath as I feel the weight of the bandages relieving off me.

Jeremy and I had been together for over five years. I loved him so much, and I thought my feelings for him were reciprocal. I had no idea I was alone in my marriage. I'd never imagine he would be so cold hearted towards me.

My heart fills with disappointment and agony as it beats painfully against my chest. I won't be a weakling anymore. I won't let my feeble nature hinder me no more. Tomorrow is Jeremy and Kyra's wedding. I plan to be there and I will make sure to ruin the wedding. After the hurt they've caused me, this will just be the beginning.

The doctor completely removes the bandages off my face and I feel cool air breeze against my tender skin. Jane's mother gasps softly. Tears pool in her eyes but she smiles through it.

"You look just like her." Jane's mother speaks, her voice quivers with emotion.

The doctor holds a square shaped mirror in front of me. I gasp softly, resting my fingers on my face. I gently stroke my skin, amazed and shocked of the difference. I look like a totally different person. My jaw is more slender. My cheek bones are refined. My red lips, plump.

I exhale softly, overwhelmed by the drastic changes.

"I don't know what to say. Thank you." I say softly. "But I don't know I can pay you for all this."

"Don't worry about it. I already paid for everything." Jane's mother says.

I look at her, my gaze softens, emotional, "Thank you. I wish there's something I can do to repay you for your kindness."

"Don't worry about that. You're alive and that's what matters."

The doctor hands me serviette, which I use to wipe the tears on my cheeks.

"You've been my helper and I don't even know your name." I sniff.

"You can call me Miriam." Jane's mother responds.

"I'll leave you both to talk." The doctor says before leaving the room.

Miriam slides a stool close to me and sits down. "My daughter was a lawyer, a very accomplished one."

I nod, sympathetic to Miriam. Life can be unexpectedly cruel.

"Have you gotten back your memories?" Miriam asks carefully.

I lock eyes with her and nod, "Yes, I remember everything."

Miriam clenches her hands together in her lap, "My daughter, Jane, was on her way to meet you."

I narrow my eyes, wondering why Jane wanted to meet her. I have never seen her before. "Meet me? For what reason?"

Miriam draws a deep shaky breath before she continues, "I was having dinner with Jane when she got a call. She didn't tell me in details but she said it was important to meet Nelly Berry, that you needed her help."

I stare at Miriam with open lips, confused on what she is talking about. "Someone called her?"

"You didn't call her?" Miriam asks.

I shake my head in the negative, "I didn't call Jane. Someone back at home must have called her to help me."

"Do you have any idea who it could be?" Miriam inquires.

I sigh, narrowing my eyes to think more clearly. That night, we were having dinner when the police came and arrested me. Jeremy, Kyra, Guinevere and I were together. I wonder who it could have been.

I hiss softly as I can't think of anyone, "I really don't know."

"It's alright. Don't worry about it." Miriam reassures.

"Why can't I? Someone framed me for a crime I didn't commit. My husband betrayed me and is getting married to my best friend. If not for this accident, I could have been jailed." I explain, my pulse racing.

"Calm down, Nelly. You're still recovering." Miriam advises.

My eyes widen in shock when it dawns on me, "The police. Do the police know I'm alive, that I'm in the hospital?"

"With the doctor's help, we made the police believe you were dead. My daughter's corpse was used. Her face was already taken out so the police believed it was you." Miriam explains.

My fatigue evaporates and my pulse begins to race, "You mean everyone I know believes that I'm dead?"

Miriam nods, "Yes, Nelly. The doctor and I are the only people that know who you truly are."

I unconsciously raise my hand over my lips. I never imagined that such a thing would happen to me.

"Nelly, this isn't the time to feel bad for yourself. You have to clear your name and find out who really killed your father in law." Miriam lays an empathetic hand on my lap.

"This person has ruined your life. You have reclaim your freedom." Miriam continues.

I clench my jaw and nod, "They took everything from me, and they think they can be happy. I won't let that happen. I will destroy everything that they hold dear."

Miriam exhales softly, "What do you plan to do?"

I lock eyes with Jane's mother before speaking, "I will be attending Jeremy and Kyra's wedding."

"Isn't it too dangerous?" Miriam asks, her voice etched in concern.

I fist my hands on my laps. I was a timid and conservative woman in my marriage with Jeremy. There were insults thinly veiled directed at me, but I did not respond to it, because I was better than them. I would always smile through the pain. Now I will show them that I am not the Nelly of before.

"I'm not scared to prove my innocence. I will do whatever it takes to clear my name, and exert my revenge on those who betrayed me." I say firmly.

Miriam nods, seemingly proud of what I just said, "And I will help you, Nelly, with whatever you want. That was the dying wish of my daughter."

Chapter 3

There are many expensive houses here in Abelcombe Hill, an enclave on the edge of Wittingham, in the Bidson Valley. Situated on the east side of the Bidson River, about a hundred miles north of New York City. There’s old money here, and new.

Down the long private drive, past a clump of birches, there it sits: the Warren home, on its vast expanse of lawn, presented like a cake on a platter. A glimpse of a swimming pool to the left. Behind is a ravine, and thick trees on either side of the property guarantee privacy. This is prime real estate. I know this place, because this was where I lived.

It’s so still and undisturbed. A weak sun is out, interrupted by scudding clouds. It’s twelve o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday. The place looks occupied. There are cars parked along the road and in the driveway.

With Miriam's connection, she was able to find out the venue of Jeremy and Kyra's wedding. It is happening on the vast expanse of their lawn behind their home. Only friends and family are invited, that's why the wedding is low key.

"Ma'am, we've arrived." My driver says softly, slowing the car to a stop.

"You can stop me here." I respond, carrying my white pulse beside me in the backseat of the Lexus car with white leather interior.

"Whenever you want me to come pick you, please don't hesitate to call or drop me a message." The driver continues.

"Sure. Thank you." I smile, trying to obscure the nervousness on my face.

I open the door and come out, closing it behind me gently. I adjust my white long gown adored with round diamonds around the chest area. I see two women exit their car and glance at her as they make their way through the guards situated at the entrance of the Warren home.

I know no other woman except the bride is supposed to wear white. I don't care about that, considering her husband and best friend's betrayal. I approach the guards at the entrance. A guard raises his hand mid air, stopping me.

"Your invitation." The guard asks.

I open my purse and take out my phone. I show the guard my invitation card. The guard inspects it closely.

"You're welcome, Miss Jane." The guard responds.

I smile a forced smile, "Thank you."

My heels click against the cobblestone path. My former home looms before me. I keep my head high, confident in my new face to shield me. Passing through the grand archway, I emerged in the backyard. Rows of white chairs lined up to the altar draped in floral arrangements.

My breath catches. There he is. The love of my life. The man I gave my body and soul to, Jeremy. He stands at the altar. His tailored black suit fits him. He glances at me, his blue eyes barely maintaining a gaze on me before looking somewhere else. His black hair was gelled and combed backwards, highlighting his sharp jaw line.

I quickly scan the gathered crowd. About twenty guests, all dressed impeccably, chatting in low voices. I slid into an empty chair at the back, my heart pounding against my ribcage.

I stared at Jeremy's face in particular. His jaw is tightened in a familiar way she'd learned to read in their years married together. He was nervous. I narrow my eyes suspiciously at him, wondering what could be making him anxious. Then the music cues in. A soft melody plays. The guests look behind them, I do so and there she is. My best friend.

She grins radiantly in her pearl white wedding dress. Her eyes are locked on Jeremy. I feel my stomach twist painfully. All the shared secrets and promises Jeremy and I whispered, gone just like that. Now to be replaced by Kyra. I grip the sides of my chair watching my best friend and my former husband, now at the altar, together.

My chest tightens as Kyra reaches out Jeremy, slipping her hands into his. The music reduces in tempo. The priest clears his throat before he begins, "We are gathered here today to join Jeremy Warren and Kyra Stone in holy matrimony."

I could barely concentrate on the priest's word and turn my gaze to the front seats and see my former mother in law, Beatrice.

I adjust myself on the seat, scooting a bit front to have a clearer view of Beatrice. She is seated stiffly in her chair with her hands clasped in her lap. Her lips are pressed into a thin line. Her eyes held no sign of happiness for the couple in her front.

"Now, if the bride and groom will please hold hands." The priest says.

During my wedding, Beatrice's eyes showed joy and kindness. She pecked me on my cheeks after the vows. She even dapped the tears streaking down her eyes when the priest began reciting the vows. I am seeing none of that today. That only means one thing. Beatrice disapproves of Jeremy and Kyra's wedding.

I watch Jeremy take Kyra's hands with no smile on his lips. Kyra's grin widens. I draw a deep shaky breath as Jeremy recites his vow after the priest, trying to calm myself. The priest reaches the end of the vows and faces the guests.

"If anyone has just cause why this man and this woman should not be joined in matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace." The priest asks.

Silence falls over the crowd. My hands tremble in my lap. My heart pounds, because this is the opportunity I have been waiting. The first stage in her plans for revenge. I open my mouth to speak, but Beatrice rises on her feet.

"I object." Beatrice states firmly. Her voice sounding loudly.

Gasps erupts through the guests, heads turning to face Beatrice. Even Jeremy and Kyra look shocked.

"I won't let you marry Kyra. I refuse to believe that Nelly is dead." Beatrice says, her voice shaky.

I feel cold shivers run down my spine.

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