The Life Thief

Ashleigh had always known there was something different about her. She was a confident and independent woman who didn't need anyone else to make her happy. But when she discovered her powers, everything changed. It started one day when she was browsing through a second-hand bookstore in downtown London. She found an old book hidden away in a corner of the store, almost as if it was waiting for her to find it. She picked up the book and opened it, expecting to see nothing but dust and cobwebs. But as she turned the pages, she felt a tingling sensation in her fingertips. Suddenly, the book started to glow and Ashleigh felt a rush of energy surging through her body. Her vision became blurred and then, everything went black.

When Ashleigh woke up, she was no longer in the bookstore. She was in her flat, sitting on her sofa. She had no recollection of how she had returned home, but she felt strangely energized and powerful. She made to get up, but stopped halfway, noticing the book sitting on the coffee table. It looked as old and worn as before, but seemed to be pulsating with energy. Ashleigh picked up the book and opened it to the page that had started it all. There, in bold lettering, was the phrase "The Power of Possession".

Ashleigh read the text carefully, and as she did, she began to understand her newfound powers. She discovered that she could possess the body of any person she chose, taking control of their life and memories. But more than that, she could do so without relinquishing control of her own body. It would be controlled by another power, managing her old life whilst she enjoyed another's.

Ashleigh felt a rush of adrenaline as she realized the possibilities of her new power. She could experience life as a man or a woman, a doctor or a lawyer, a politician or a criminal. She could have all the wealth and prestige she had ever wanted, and all the pleasures and experiences she had always desired. She could be anyone she chose, and live any life she wanted.

As she thought about her potential, Ashleigh's mind turned to her ex-husband, Teddy. Their marriage had gradually fallen apart, and their divorce had been bitter and acrimonious. But Ashleigh couldn't help feeling curious about his new life with his new wife, Louisa. She had foolishly looked him up online a few weeks ago, and had seen pictures of the two of them together. Teddy had seemed happy and content, and Ashleigh couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

But there were other options out there, other lives she could assume. Perhaps Ashleigh's thoughts of could wait for another time...