Before He Became A Monster

Eight years earlier, Lucy Hart worked two jobs and had barely enough savings to survive. Although exhaustion followed her everywhere, she remained determined to build a better future.

“Lucy, are you taking another double shift today?” Martha asked as Lucy tied her apron. “Yes. Someone called in sick, and they need another person,” Lucy replied.

“You worked late last night. When exactly do you plan to rest?” Martha questioned. “When I have enough money to stop worrying about rent,” Lucy answered, reaching for her notepad.

“You cannot keep living like this.” “I know, but worrying won't pay my bills.” Martha warned she might collapse someday. Lucy laughed. “Then make sure you tell them I was hardworking.”

Lucy had no wealthy parents, influential relatives, or special connections to make life easier. Everything she wanted required hard work, but she believed determination could create a better future.

That afternoon, after finishing her shift, Lucy stopped at a shop near a film studio. Outside, she noticed a young man sitting alone, holding a crumpled sheet of paper.

“Excuse me, are you all right?” Lucy asked. The man lifted his head. “Do I look all right to you?” he replied bitterly. Lucy nearly walked away, but stayed.

“Honestly? No. You look like someone just told you the world is ending.” He laughed without humour. “Not the world. Just my future.” Lucy asked what had happened.

“I failed an audition,” he explained. He had prepared for weeks, travelled across the city, and waited for hours, only to receive three minutes before the casting director rejected him.

“They didn't even give me a proper chance,” he complained. “They looked at me as though I was wasting their time.” Lucy sat beside him, listening to his frustration.

“Or maybe they only want people with connections,” he added. “Could be,” Lucy replied. Surprised, he asked, “You're not going to tell me to keep chasing my dreams?”

“Would you listen if I did?” Lucy asked. “No.” “Then why should I waste my breath?” Her answer finally made him laugh, easing the tension between them.

“What's your name?” he asked. “Lucy.” “Stephen Anderson.” They shook hands. Stephen apologised for meeting her on his worst day, but Lucy said she had experienced plenty of bad days.

Stephen recognised that Lucy understood what it meant to work hard without getting anywhere. Then he looked at his audition paper and declared that he was not giving up.

“One day, I'll make films of my own,” he said. “I'll build a production company, hire people I believe in, and make movies audiences actually want to watch.”

Lucy asked whether he wanted to start his own production company. Stephen said yes, explaining that if nobody gave him a chance, he would create opportunities for himself.

“That sounds expensive,” Lucy observed. Stephen laughed. “You don't have to remind me. I have enough ideas for a hundred films and barely enough money to pay for one.”

“Then start with one,” Lucy advised. She explained that he could make one good film, find people who believed in his work, and gradually grow his business.

“Stop waiting for someone to give you permission to start,” she told him. Stephen stared at her, then admitted, “I think I needed to hear that.”

Lucy checked her watch and stood. “I should go. I have another shift.” Stephen quickly asked, “Can I see you again?” Lucy raised an eyebrow.

“You just told me you were having the worst day of your life. Are you sure you want another problem?” “What problem?” Stephen asked. “Getting to know me,” Lucy teased.

“I think I'll take my chances,” Stephen replied. Their first meeting became a second, then a third, as they gradually grew closer and discovered how much they enjoyed each other's company.

Stephen sometimes waited outside Lucy's workplace. They bought inexpensive food, sat in nearby parks, and walked through the city, discussing their ambitions and the future they hoped to build.

Lucy discovered that Stephen feared remaining ordinary. He hated being dismissed and believed less talented people often received opportunities through connections. More than anything, he wanted to prove himself.

One evening, Stephen arrived at Lucy's apartment carrying a notebook. “I've worked out a plan,” he announced. Lucy looked up from preparing dinner. “What plan?” she asked.

“My production company.” He showed her lists of equipment, potential employees, and film ideas. On the first page was the name he had chosen: Blackwood Productions.

“You've really thought about this,” Lucy said. Stephen explained that he could not keep auditioning for people who did not believe in him. He needed to build something himself.

Then Stephen admitted there was one problem. “Money?” Lucy guessed. He nodded, explaining that his savings were insufficient and nobody wanted to invest in an unestablished company.

Lucy understood what he needed. She went into her bedroom and returned with a small envelope. Stephen stared at it. “What's that?” he asked. “My savings,” she answered.

“Lucy, I can't take your money,” Stephen protested. “You've worked hard for it.” She replied, “And so have you. It might help you take the first step.”

“Why are you doing this for me?” Stephen asked. “Because I believe in you,” Lucy answered. He lowered his head, visibly moved by her willingness to support him.

“What if I fail?” he asked. “Then you'll learn from it and try again,” Lucy replied. “What if I lose everything?” “Then we'll figure out what to do next.”

Stephen pulled her into his arms. “I promise you, one day I'll give you a life you've never imagined. You'll never have to work yourself to exhaustion again.”

“I don't need a perfect life,” Lucy whispered. “I just want us to build one together.” “You and me. Always,” Stephen promised. Lucy believed him without hesitation.

Blackwood Productions began in a rented office with second-hand equipment and Stephen's determination. The early months were difficult; some projects failed, while others barely covered the company's expenses. Lucy supported him through every setback while continuing to work. She answered calls, organised paperwork, and stayed awake helping him prepare proposals whenever his assistant was unavailable. Whenever Stephen doubted himself, Lucy reminded him why he had started. “You cannot expect everyone to believe in you immediately,” she told him while they reviewed his business plan.

“What if nobody ever does?” Stephen asked. “Then you'll have to give them a reason,” Lucy replied. He smiled, grateful for her encouragement, and pulled her closer.

“You're going to be the reason I succeed,” he told her. “No, Stephen. You're going to succeed because of yourself. I'm just reminding you that you can,” she answered.

When the company secured its first major project, Stephen took Lucy to a restaurant they had often passed but could never afford. He held her hand across the table. “One day, we'll come to places like this without checking prices first,” he promised. Lucy laughed. “I'm already checking them.” Stephen then reached into his pocket and produced a ring.

“I can't give you everything you deserve right now,” he said, “but I want to spend the rest of my life trying.” Lucy's eyes filled with tears.

“Are you asking me to marry you?” she asked. “What do you think?” Stephen replied. “Yes!” Lucy laughed through her tears as he slipped the ring onto her finger.

Their wedding was simple, but Lucy remembered it as one of the happiest days of her life. Stephen promised never to forget the woman who believed in him. A year later, Lucy discovered she was pregnant. Stephen was overjoyed. “We're having a baby?” he asked. “Yes,” Lucy replied. He lifted her happily, promising their child would have everything.

“We'll give our child everything,” Lucy corrected. When Bryan was born, Stephen cried while holding their son and promised to protect him. Lucy watched, certain she had everything.

For a while, they were happy. Then Blackwood Productions grew, attracting investors and larger audiences. Their financial struggles faded, they moved into a better home, bought a car, and relaxed. Lucy was proud of Stephen, but success changed him. He spent more time at meetings, became absorbed in his phone, and increasingly dismissed her opinions about the company.

At first, Lucy made excuses. When Stephen missed dinner or Bryan's school event, she told herself he was under pressure and reassured their son that Daddy had important work.

One evening, Lucy brought coffee to Stephen's study. “Bryan has been asking when you'll take him to the park again,” she said. “Not now, Lucy. I'm busy,” he replied.

“You've been busy for weeks,” Lucy said. Stephen continued reading. “Then take him yourself.” She reminded him, “He wants to spend time with his father.”

“I'm trying to build a future for him,” Stephen snapped. “Do you think money grows on trees?” Lucy quietly said she had never claimed that, then left.

She kept hoping their marriage would improve when the company became established. She did not realise Stephen's ambition was growing faster than his gratitude, or how far he was drifting. Stephen's attention soon turned to Isabella Hartley, one of the country's most popular actresses. Her films attracted huge audiences, and major production companies competed for opportunities to work with her.

Isabella carefully chose projects that strengthened her reputation. Stephen believed casting her in a Blackwood production would attract investors, expand the company's audience, and establish his name throughout the industry. His interest, however, became more personal. He admired Isabella's beauty, followed her career, and watched her interviews and films repeatedly. Lucy often found him watching the same movie again.

“Is that the actress you keep talking about?” Lucy asked one evening. “Isabella Hartley? Yes. She's brilliant,” Stephen replied, turning away from the television.

“You've watched this film before,” Lucy observed. “And I'll watch it again. Do you know what her appearance could do for my company?” he asked.

Lucy suggested sending Isabella an offer. Stephen admitted he had already sent several, but she had not accepted. Lucy suggested Isabella might simply be busy with other commitments. “She's the kind of actress who works with the biggest production companies,” Stephen complained. “She doesn't need a company like mine.” Lucy advised him to keep growing Blackwood.

“That's exactly what I'm trying to do,” Stephen replied, turning back to the screen. Lucy noticed how completely his attention had shifted, but tried to dismiss her discomfort. She told herself his fascination was professional admiration. Stephen was a producer, after all, and wanting to work with a famous actress was hardly unusual, even if his interest unsettled her.

Over the following months, Stephen sent proposals through Isabella's management, requested meetings, and attended industry events. Each attempt ended with representatives declining, explaining she had other commitments.

After another rejection, Stephen complained to his assistant, “They haven't even given me a chance.” The assistant carefully suggested approaching Isabella again when Blackwood had a stronger project. “I'm not asking her to do me a favour,” Stephen insisted. “I'm offering her a role in a film that could be excellent.” His assistant had no answer.

Stephen stared at the rejection on his desk. He had built a company, secured investors, and established his name, yet Isabella still seemed to consider him unworthy.

He could not accept it. He decided he would make her notice him, recognise what Blackwood could become, and eventually give him the opportunity he believed he deserved.

A week later, Stephen attended an industry event where Isabella was appearing. He arrived early in an expensive suit and searched the room for an opportunity to approach her.

At last, Isabella finished speaking with a director. Stephen approached. “Miss Hartley, it's a pleasure to finally meet you.” She turned politely. “Thank you,” she replied.

“I'm Stephen Anderson. I run Blackwood Productions, and I've been hoping to discuss a project with you,” he said. Isabella answered, “My team handles those enquiries. Send your proposal through my office.”

“I've already sent several proposals,” Stephen reminded her. “Then my team has reviewed them,” Isabella replied. He forced a smile and asked to explain the project personally.

He believed she would be perfect for the lead role, but Isabella said she was not interested in another project. Stephen asked whether they could arrange a meeting later.

“If my schedule allows it, my team will contact you,” Isabella replied with a brief professional smile. She excused herself before Stephen could say anything more and walked away.

Stephen watched her disappear into the crowd, feeling dismissed once again. His fingers tightened around his glass as he promised himself she would regret treating him that way.

One day, Isabella Hartley would know exactly who Stephen Anderson was. And when that day came, he would make certain she remembered him, no matter what.