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."

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.

I didn't expect Beatrice would speak out against Jeremy and Kyra. I sit forward, still maintaining my composure. Jeremy's jaw tightens, his face a mix of pity and anguish.

"Mom, please." Jeremy says, his voice strained.

"Nelly is dead. You have to come with terms to it." Kyra says softly.

" I refuse to believe it." The discontent in Beatrice's voice is strong.

Kyra shoots a helping look at a family friend, Vivian. She nods, as if acknowledging Kyra's unspoken words. She quickly get up, hurrying to Beatrice. She places a gently hand on her shoulder, "Come on, Beatrice. Let's go somewhere quiet for a moment."

Beatrice breathes shakily. She tries resisting, her eyes pleading with Jeremy. However, Vivian coaxes her down the aisle, into the mansion through the back door.

She lets herself be escorted out by the blond woman. I narrow my eyes at the both of them as they enter the mansion.

"I apologize about my mother. Her health hasn't been well lately. The death of my first wife, Nelly, took a toll on her." Jeremy says, his deep voice dripping with sadness.

I feel my heart ache for my former mother in law. Beatrice always showered me with love and care since I started dating Jeremy, and until he married me. There was never a time they had a misunderstanding. I lost my parents at a young age due to an accident. Beatrice became like a mother to me. It hurts to see how her death has affected Beatrice.

The priest clears his throat. Then he speaks sympathetically, "Shall we continue?'

Jeremy turns to Kyra and smiles. The priest begins. The ceremony moves forward and soon the priest speaks, "You may now kiss the bride."

I stand abruptly, my face pale and fists clenched. I can't bear to watch Jeremy and Kyra kiss. I turn and swiftly walk out. I enter the mansion through the back door, hopefully with no one trying to stop me.

I slip in the living room unnoticed. The house is grand with polished, glossy white marble floor beneath an elaborate, tiered chandelier in the entryway, fresh flowers on a side table. Just how it was the last time I was here. I find Beatrice sitting alone on the couch. Her face is buried in her hands as she sobs silently. The sight breaks my heart. I have never seen Beatrice cry. It hurts so much and it's like watching her mother cry.

"Mrs. Beatrice," I say carefully while approaching her.

Beatrice looks up, her slightly reddened eyes wide with surprise. She quickly wipes the tears on her cheeks. "I'm sorry, but who are you?"

My lips hang open. I hadn't thought of this before calling for her. I smile a forced smile.

"I'm Jane, Nelly's friend." I answer carefully.

Beatrice nods, a small smile creeps on her lips, "Jane, you're welcome. Please sit."

I sit next to Beatrice and lay a gently hand on her back, stroking it carefully.

"I'm really sorry you're seeing me like this." Beatrice sniffs.

"No, please. Don't apologize. It's normal to feel this way." I say encouragingly, "You were very close to Nelly. I can understand how you feel."

"I thought I could handle it, but... seeing him with her. It's not just right." Beatrice says, her voice cracking.

"Everything is going to be fine. Nelly wouldn't want to see you like this. She would be heartbroken." I say, hoping that Beatrice calms down.

Beatrice swallows hard, "I don't want to believe Nelly is dead. I can never forgive myself for what I did."

I narrow my eyes at Beatrice. She does not understand where the statement is coming from.

Beatrice stands up, trying to smile, but her eyes still look sad, "I'm sorry. I don't know what I'm saying. I shouldn't take your time anymore."

I slowly stand on my feet, "It's not a problem."

I open my purse and take out a small jotter and pen. I tear out a piece of paper from the jotter and write down my mobile number.

I extend the paper to Beatrice, "Please call me whenever you feel like talking. Nelly said a lot about you and how you were like a mother to her."

Beatrice musters a brave smile, though a tear streaks down her cheek, "I don't want to disturb you."

"Please, I insist." I state firmly, hoping Beatrice takes the paper.

"Thank you, Jane." Beatrice takes the paper. She freezes, her eyes on my palm. I quickly take it away, hiding my hand behind my purse. Beatrice looks up at me, her eyes casting a suspicious look. I smile, trying to hide my nervousness, though I don't know why Beatrice was looking at my hand.

She looks at my mobile number and back at me. "I'll call you soon. Thank you."

"I'll be expecting your call." I respond, "Please take care of yourself, mom."

I inhale sharply as I realized I called Beatrice mom. Beatrice's lips hang open.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. You just remind me of my mom." I say quickly.

Beatrice smiles, nods, "I understand."

"Goodbye." I say before walking away. I intended to ruin Jeremy and Kyra's wedding by claiming Jeremy had an affair with me. I would spill believable facts because I was his wife after all. That would have been my first plan of revenge, but I couldn't do it.

I walk out of the mansion, heading to the gates. I have to find another way to begin my revenge. I halt abruptly when I realize I could start by creating partnership between myself and the Warren Enterprise, owned by Jeremy. I smirk as the plan continues to make more sense. My shares are in the company. I can quickly draft out a contract handing my shares to Jane with my signature on it and it would look authentic.

I take a step towards the gate.

"Stop right there!" A familiar voice sounds.

I turn around and see Beatrice heading towards me with a stern expression.

"You're Nelly, right?" Beatrice states firmly.