You Stole Him

The news interrupted the business report playing on Stephen Anderson's office television. He barely looked up until the anchor mentioned a familiar name, making him freeze in disbelief.

“Breaking news. Popular actress Isabella Hartley has reportedly been involved in a serious accident while returning from a movie shoot. Sources confirm she is currently in a coma.”

Stephen stared at the screen, his whiskey glass halfway to his mouth. Isabella's photograph appeared beneath the headline, showing her smiling at a recent film premiere. “No,” he muttered.

The anchor continued speaking, but Stephen barely heard anything. His fingers tightened around the glass until it slipped from his hand, shattering against the office floor. “Damn it!”

He sprang to his feet, knocking his chair backward. “How could this happen to her?” His assistant hurried inside, startled by the sudden noise coming from his office.

“Sir? Are you all right?” the assistant asked. Stephen pointed at the television. “Do I look all right? Can't you see what's happening?” His voice carried more anger than concern.

“I'm sorry, sir. I hope she recovers.” Stephen turned sharply. “Hope she recovers? She's in a coma! Do you understand what that means?” The assistant struggled to respond.

“The doctors haven't released many details yet, sir.” Stephen dragged a hand through his hair and paced around his desk. He had spent months trying unsuccessfully to secure Isabella's attention.

He had sent proposals, requested meetings, and approached her personally, only to receive repeated refusals. Now she was lying in a hospital bed, unable to speak or make decisions.

The thought unsettled him. He had imagined Isabella starring in a Blackwood Productions film, her name appearing on promotional posters and attracting attention to his growing company.

Now that opportunity seemed impossibly distant. “Find out which hospital she's in,” he ordered. His assistant hesitated. “Sir, may I ask why?” Stephen shot him a warning look.

“Because I want to know what happened to her. Is that not enough?” “Of course, sir.” Stephen continued, “Contact her management team. I want to know whether we can help.”

After his assistant left, Stephen returned his attention to the television. He searched Isabella's name on his phone, finding several reports about her accident and critical condition.

For the first time in months, Isabella was more than the actress he wanted for his next production. She was a woman whose future had suddenly become uncertain.

Across the city, Lucy Hart sat on the sofa with her best friend, Vanessa. They had known each other for years, and Lucy trusted her with almost everything.

Vanessa knew about Lucy's financial struggles, the sacrifices she had made for Stephen, and the loneliness gradually consuming her marriage. At least, that was what Lucy believed.

“Lucy, you look exhausted,” Vanessa said, reaching for her hand. “When was the last time you had a proper night's sleep?” Lucy managed a weak smile.

“I don't even remember.” Vanessa leaned closer. “That's not good enough. You can't keep living like this.” Lucy sighed, admitting that she knew things were getting worse.

“Then why are you allowing it?” Vanessa asked. Lucy looked down at their joined hands. “Allowing what?” Her friend answered without hesitation, mentioning Stephen's increasingly dismissive behaviour.

“The way he speaks to you, the way he ignores you whenever you try talking. You're his wife, Lucy, not some stranger begging for attention.” Lucy swallowed painfully.

“Things weren't always like this,” Lucy replied. “I know, sweetheart. But things have changed, haven't they?” Vanessa squeezed her hand, encouraging her to speak honestly about their marriage.

“Sometimes I feel like I'm living with a completely different man,” Lucy admitted. “We used to discuss everything, even the smallest things that happened during our days.”

She paused, fighting back tears. “Now I barely know what's happening in his life. He leaves for work, returns late, and gets annoyed whenever I ask questions.”

Vanessa tightened her grip. “And you think that's how a marriage should be?” “No.” “Then why are you accepting it?” Lucy looked toward the window, unable to answer.

She had built her entire life around Stephen, investing her savings in his dreams and sacrificing her ambitions to help him succeed. Now leaving him frightened her deeply.

“I don't know what I would do without him,” she admitted. Vanessa's expression softened. “You don't have to remain in a marriage that makes you miserable. You should leave.”

“Leave him?” Lucy repeated. “Yes. You're still young. You can start over.” The words sounded simple coming from Vanessa, but Lucy knew rebuilding her life would not be easy.

“And go where?” Lucy asked. “How would I support Bryan? I don't have a job that pays enough, and most of what I have belongs to our shared life.”

“Then find a way to stand on your own feet.” Lucy gave a sad laugh. “You make it sound easy.” Vanessa insisted she deserved better despite the difficulties.

“You've done so much for Stephen. You helped him build that company when he had nothing. He should appreciate you, not treat you like an inconvenience.”

Lucy began crying. “Sometimes I wonder whether he remembers any of it.” Vanessa rubbed her back. “Of course he remembers. He just doesn't appreciate you anymore.”

Lucy leaned against her friend's shoulder, unaware that the woman comforting her would eventually help destroy her marriage. Vanessa continued stroking her hair, maintaining her gentle expression.

“Promise me something, Lucy.” “What?” “Don't let Stephen destroy your confidence. You're a good woman. You deserve to be loved properly.” Lucy pulled away and looked at her.

“Thank you, Vanessa. I don't know what I would do without you.” Vanessa smiled. “You don't have to worry about that. I'm always here for you.”

For Lucy, those words brought comfort. For Vanessa, they represented an opportunity to move closer to the life she wanted, regardless of the woman she would hurt.

A car pulling into the driveway interrupted their conversation. Lucy glanced toward the window. “Stephen is home.” Vanessa quickly reached for a tissue and wiped Lucy's cheeks.

“Dry your face. You don't want him coming in and seeing you crying again,” Vanessa advised. Lucy laughed weakly. “Why should I hide it? He's the reason.”

“Because you know how he gets when he feels you're blaming him for everything.” Lucy fell silent. Moments later, the front door opened, and Stephen entered the living room.

He loosened his tie when he noticed Vanessa sitting beside Lucy. “Vanessa? What are you doing here?” She stood with a friendly smile, explaining that she had come visiting.

Stephen glanced at his wife. “Is everything all right?” Lucy quickly wiped her face. “Yes. We were just talking.” Vanessa gently explained that Lucy missed spending time with him.

Stephen's expression tightened. “Vanessa, I appreciate your concern, but Lucy and I can handle our marriage.” Vanessa raised her hands. “Of course. I'm only worried about my friend.”

Lucy felt uncomfortable. She appreciated Vanessa speaking up, but knew Stephen disliked anyone challenging him about their marriage. “It's fine,” she said quickly, hoping to end the conversation.

Stephen checked his watch. “I have work to finish. I'll be in my study.” He walked away without another word, leaving Lucy watching him disappear down the hallway.

Vanessa touched her arm. “See what I mean?” Lucy lowered her gaze. “Please don't start again. I don't want to argue with him tonight.”

“I'm not trying to make you feel worse,” Vanessa replied. Lucy stood, explaining that they were running low on groceries and she wanted to prepare dinner.

Vanessa stared at her. “After everything you've told me, you're still thinking about cooking for him?” Lucy offered a tired smile. “He's still my husband, Vanessa.”

“That's exactly the problem. You keep putting him first, even when he doesn't do the same for you.” Lucy picked up her handbag, hoping things would improve.

“What about Bryan?” Vanessa asked. “He's asleep. I'll return before he wakes up.” Vanessa offered to stay with him, and Lucy gratefully accepted her friend's help.

“Thank you. You're the best,” Lucy said, embracing her. Vanessa returned the hug. “Go on. I'll take care of everything here.” Lucy left without suspecting anything.

For several minutes, Vanessa remained in the living room, listening until the front door closed completely. Once the house became quiet, she turned toward Stephen's study.

She had noticed his brief reaction when he entered and was convinced she had caught his attention. Vanessa had never been satisfied with the life she possessed.

She wanted comfort, money, and the kind of attention that made a woman feel important. She had watched Lucy struggle, then watched Stephen become wealthy and successful.

Lucy had everything Vanessa wanted: a husband with money, a comfortable home, and a family. Vanessa believed she deserved that lifestyle and refused to remain satisfied.

If Stephen was no longer happy with his wife, Vanessa wondered why she should stand aside. She walked toward his study and knocked lightly. “Come in,” Stephen called.

Vanessa entered and closed the door. Stephen glanced up from his laptop. “Is something wrong?” “No. I just wanted to check on you,” she replied.

“I'm fine.” Vanessa stepped closer. “You seemed upset when you came home.” Stephen returned his attention to the screen. “It's been a long day.”

“Is it because of Isabella?” His fingers stopped moving. He looked up sharply. “How do you know about that?” Vanessa explained that she had seen the news.

Stephen leaned back. “It's terrible. She's a talented actress.” Vanessa studied him. “You seem very concerned about her.” He insisted her accident was terrible news for everyone.

“Stephen, can I ask you something?” Vanessa continued. “What?” “Are you happy with Lucy?” He stared at her, immediately questioning why she would ask.

“That's a simple question,” Vanessa replied when he challenged her. Stephen closed his laptop. “I don't think that's any of your business.” She reminded him of Lucy's unhappiness.

“Perhaps not, but I've known Lucy for years, and I hate seeing her hurt.” Stephen responded that Vanessa should stop encouraging his wife to question everything.

Vanessa looked surprised. “Did she tell you I said that?” Stephen explained that Lucy made him feel guilty whenever he had work to do, despite his responsibilities.

“Maybe she only wants to feel important to you,” Vanessa suggested. Stephen looked away. “I'm tired of having this conversation.” Vanessa lowered her voice and changed direction.

“Then don't talk about Lucy. Talk about yourself for once. Tell me what you want.” Stephen turned toward her, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of their conversation.

“Stephen, you spend your entire life trying to make everyone else happy. Don't you ever want something just for yourself?” she asked, holding his gaze.

“What are you suggesting?” Stephen questioned. Vanessa placed her hand over his. “I'm suggesting that you deserve to be happy, too.” He should have pulled away.

He should have reminded her that Lucy was his wife and that Bryan was asleep upstairs. Vanessa was supposed to be Lucy's closest friend, someone he should respect.

Instead, Stephen remained silent. “You shouldn't be here, Vanessa,” he finally said. “Why?” she asked. “Because Lucy could come back at any moment.”

Vanessa gave him a faint smile. “Then perhaps you should tell me to leave.” Stephen looked at her hand resting over his, but made no effort to move away.

“Tell me to leave, Stephen,” she whispered. He looked into her eyes, yet remained silent. Vanessa leaned closer, and he failed to stop what followed.

When Vanessa kissed him, Stephen hesitated briefly before returning the kiss. In that moment, he crossed a boundary he had once promised never to approach. They pulled away only long enough to look at each other. Vanessa knew they had crossed a line, but neither showed any intention of ending what had begun.

“Stephen, we shouldn't,” she whispered, briefly remembering Lucy's presence in the house. He reminded her that Lucy had gone to the market and would not return immediately.

Vanessa searched his face, giving him another opportunity to stop. Instead, Stephen drew her closer, choosing to ignore the consequences of betraying his wife. They moved away from the doorway, their conversation giving way to an intimacy neither could honestly pretend was accidental. The study door remained closed as they continued. For Stephen, the moment marked a deliberate betrayal of the woman who had supported him when had nothing. For Vanessa, it was the beginning of something she wanted.

Neither considered Lucy, who was somewhere outside buying groceries and planning a special dinner for her husband. She still trusted Vanessa completely and believed their friendship was genuine and while she prepared to return home, the two people closest to her were destroying the very life she had sacrificed so much to build.