The Man Who Stole My Heart and Cries for It Back

I dont want to exist like this anymore. I want to vanish and become someone new. My voice shook, but I didnt retreat from the words. If you can make that happen for me then Ill marry you.

There was a brief silence on the line. Then came a low, deliberate laughsoft, dangerous, and far too calm.

Doing that is easy, Luigi replied smoothly. Five days, Isla. Thats all I need. His tone dipped, heavy with unspoken threats and promises I couldnt afford to doubt. But once I come for you, theres no return. From that moment on, youre mine.

I closed my eyes, squeezing them shut as if I could block out the reality of what Id just agreed to. My fingers curled tight, nails biting into my skin.

I understand, I murmured. Then I disconnected the call.

The quiet rushed in all at once, thick and suffocating. The steady rhythm of hospital machines was the only sound left. My gaze drifted to the peeling paint on the wall across from me as I fought the urge to break down again.

Luigi Villaraza. The man my family had branded as the enemy. The man I was taught to despise before I even understood why. And nowmy last refuge. Because anyone was better than remaining tied to a husband who had been deceiving me for five long years.

Everything fell apart five days ago.

That night, my parents and I had been heading to a charity gala. We were seated in the back of my fathers sleek black car, watching the city lights blur past the windows. The auction was one of those glamorous, invitation-only eventsthe kind filled with sky-high bids, crystal glasses, and neatly hidden agendas. Mateo had always attended with me before but not this time.

He said a board issue came up, I told my parents as I adjusted the emerald necklace resting against my collarbone. Hell meet us later.

My mother tilted her head, unconvinced. A sudden emergency meeting? On a weekend?

I shrugged lightly, avoiding her gaze. Thats how business works. You know that.

My father studied me carefully, fingers interlaced. Isla are you truly alright with him? Youve sacrificed so much for that man. If hes mistreating youif theres another woman

I laughed instantly, a sharp, forced sound. Another woman? Mateo would never betray me like that. Hes under pressure, thats all. He loves me. Hes just overwhelmed.

Neither of them spoke after that. The silence pressed in harder than the hum of the engine.

Then everything happened at once.

The car lurched violently. My body slammed forward as the world twisted. The brakes screamed uselessly. Steel collided with steel. Tires shrieked. Headlights blinded me. And thennothing.

When consciousness returned, I was on an operating table. Drugged. Half-lost between sleep and death. But in that haze, I heard voices.

Tell her the baby didnt make it, a man said coldly. Blame it on the crash.

I recognized that voice instantly.

Mateo.

And take out her uterus too, he added without hesitation. Its no longer necessary.

The doctor hesitated. Shes already lost her parents. If she ever learns the truth, the emotional impact could destroy her

Even better, Mateo chuckled. Maybe shell die of a broken heart and save me the effort. For now, I still need her breathing. There are documents to sign. Once I take over the company, my child with Layla will inherit everything.

Layla.

My best friend.

Five years earlier, she vanished the night before her wedding to Mateo. His family collapsed financially, their reputation dragged through every circle that mattered. Layla disappeared without a word, leaving him standing before a crowd of shocked guests and ruthless investors. I still remember watching him from the edge of the ballroomhis face frozen in humiliation, whispers slicing through the air like knives.

And Ifoolish, devoted Islastepped forward.

He wasnt free. He was still my best friends fianc. I should have stayed out of it. But I loved him. So I married him. I bore the disgrace with him. When the world turned its back, I stood at his side. I tied my familys empire to his ruins and rebuilt everything with my own hands. I gave him power again. I gave him status. I gave him my name, my loyalty, my future.

For a while, I believed I had his heart in return.

Then Layla came back.

She walked into my office without warning and said softly, Im not here to destroy you. I just want to fix what I ruined. I only want us to be friendsyou, me, and Mateo.

I should have had security escort her out.

Instead, I listened.

Mateo swore it meant nothing. He said he despised her. Said he would never forgive her cowardice. He cursed her return with fury so convincing I believed it.

But I ignored the warning signs.

The looks he thought I didnt catch. The disappearing hours. The polished lies. The unfamiliar scent on his skin. The nights he stopped reaching for me. The way his touch faded, as if I were no longer permanentjust convenient.

And now, he wanted to erase me entirely.

My body.

My child.

My existence.

He wanted Layla to take my place.

Pain tore through me as I clenched my eyes shut, choking back the scream trapped in my chest. My breathing broke into shards. The suffering wasnt only in my bodyit cut into something far deeper, something that left me empty and torn open.

No.

I refused to let it end this way.

With trembling fingers, I lifted my phone and called our lawyer.

Draw up the divorce documents, I said, steadier than I felt. Immediately. I want everything dissolvedthe marriage, the shares, everything.

A stunned pause. Mrs. Madrigal, this is sudden. Theres also a merger pending

Cancel it all within five days, I cut in. Once I leave

I ended the call.

Before I could even lower the phone, a presence filled the doorway. The light shifted.

Mateo stood there.

Once you leave? he repeated softly, amusement and suspicion twisting together in his voice. Who were you just speaking to, Isla?

Once youre gone? His tone was calm, but there was a sharp edge beneath it. Who were you talking to, Isla?

I turned my head slowly. Mateo was slouched against the doorframe, arms folded across his chest, one brow slightly lifted as if he already suspected more than he let on.

What do you mean by that? he asked again.

My throat tightened as I powered off my phone and slid it beneath the blanket, as though it hadnt just changed the course of my life. Nothing, I answered evenly.

Nothing? He scoffed and took a few steps closer. You clearly said, Once Im gone. Are you planning to leave me now?

I forced myself to meet his eyes. No. I was talking about leaving the hospital. When they finally discharge me.

He studied my face, suspicion sharpening his gaze. Youre sure? Then he extended his hand. Give me your phone.

For what?

Just hand it over.

I didnt fight him. I placed the phone in his palm and watched as he tapped the screen. Your password?

I paused for half a second too long. My birthday.

He typed quickly. Then his expression shifted. Its wrong. January twenty-six, right?

A dry laugh escaped me. Thats not my birthday.

His head jerked up. What?

Thats Laylas.

The color drained from his face as realization struck. II just got confused.

Sure, I muttered under my breath.

He cleared his throat uncomfortably. Youve been acting strange lately. Isla are you seeing someone else?

For a moment, I could only stare at him in disbelief. Then a laugh burst from my chestsharp, bitter, cutting through the sterile quiet of the room. Cheating? Thats what you think Im doing?

He shrugged, falsely casual. Well, someone already settled your hospital bills. And it wasnt me. They told me it was some man.

I looked at him, stunned. The accusation was laughable. After everything hed been hiding. After all his lies. The sneaking glances, the secret meetings, the whispered devotion meant for another woman. I had seen it all. Felt it. Denied it. And now he dared to turn it on me.

But I didnt defend myself. I was too tired for that.

Then maybe you should ask yourself why you didnt pay them, I said quietly. Maybe it was a stranger. Or maybe I locked eyes with him. Maybe youre the one whos been unfaithful.

His jaw tensed. But before he could respond, his phone lit up.

Laylas name flashed across the screen.

He glanced at it, then at me. Its work.

I thought you were taking me home.

He nodded distractedly. Something urgent came up. My drivers downstairs. Get in the car. Ill meet you later.

And just like that, he walked out.

No apology. No explanation. Not even a second glance.

I stood there staring at the empty doorway long after his footsteps disappeared. Whatever thread had still bound us together finally snapped.

I left the room alone, the chill of the hospital corridor biting into my skin. But just as I neared the exit, I heard itlaughter drifting through the hall.

I stopped.

Turned.

And saw them.

Mateo and Layla.

She was pressed against his side, smiling brightly, one hand resting on the curve of her stomach. His arm circled her instinctively, his other hand covering hers as he lowered his head to kiss her forehead. She laughed softly at something he whispered.

I didnt move.

Didnt blink.

Didnt cry.

I stood there hollow, one hand pressed to my chest where my heart should have been.

Then Layla lifted her head and met my eyes.

Her lips curved into a slow, deliberate smilecruel, victorious. Then she rose onto her toes and kissed Mateo. Not hidden. Not hesitant. She kissed him boldly, proudly, making sure I saw every second of it.

Mateo didnt pull back.

He didnt even look around.

I turned and walked out of the hospital.

The driver opened the car door for me, but I said nothing for the entire ride. The city outside blurred into streaks of color. Laylas laughter echoed in my headthe same laugh I once shared secrets with, the one that used to feel safe.

When we reached the house, I went straight to the bedroom.

To the closet.

To every drawer. Every shelf. Every box that still held pieces of himof us.

The handbags he bought for our anniversaries. The dresses he chose for our vacations. The handwritten notes he once left beside my pillow.

One by one, I carried them to the fireplace.

My hands moved without hesitation, feeding five years of memories into the flames. Silk curled and blackened. Ink faded to ash. Promises turned to smoke.

Just when I thought nothing remained that could still wound me

My phone vibrated.

I picked it up.

Layla.

With shaking fingers, I opened the message.

It was a photo.

Her lips on Mateos. Again. This time on our balconythe same place where he once held me at night while we talked about having a family.

Below the image was a message:

Oops. Sorry. But hes mine now. You took him from me once, Isla. Im just reclaiming what belongs to me. You wont mind right? But you should probably leave soon.

My vision swam. Something inside me finally ignited.

I typed back through clenched teeth:

Dont worry. Ill disappear soon. And when I do, every single one of you will regret ever crossing my path.

I hit send.

Just a few more days.

Then Ill be gone.

Mateo never came home that night. He didnt check on me. Didnt leave a message. Didnt even pretend to care whether I was alive or barely holding myself together.

But Layla did.

She sent photos.

Pictures of her wrapped in Mateos armsat upscale restaurants, inside his office, tangled together in bed. Some of the shots were shaky, taken in a hurry. Others were clearly staged, her lips curved in a smug smile, her hand always resting possessively on his chest. It was deliberate. She wasnt satisfied with taking him from meshe wanted me to witness every second of it.

Then the messages followed.

Hes always loved me. You were just a placeholder.

The unwanted extra who somehow became the wife. Funny, isnt it?

A bitter laugh slipped from my throat. I remembered it all too clearly. How she used to cling to him at parties. How I walked a step behind them like I didnt exist. Always present. Never chosen.

Maybe she was right. Maybe I had always been the outsider. Maybe I really was the third wheel from the very beginning. Maybe this was karma for stepping in on the night she ran away from her own wedding.

Still, I didnt shed a single tear.

Instead, I saved every photo. Every message. Every threat disguised as mockery. Then I forwarded the entire folder to my secretary, Cara, with only one instruction:

Release all of this after I leave. Ruin him completely. Strip his name from my familys company. Let them collapse the way they once did.

Her reply came almost instantly.

Understood, maam. But who will be taking over everything?

I stared at the screen for several seconds before typing:

My future husband.

After that, I shut my phone off.

But it stayed quiet for less than two minutes before it vibrated again.

Mateo: Theres a small celebration at the house today. I wont be able to pick you up. Come by on your own and bring something for my mother.

No apology.

No concern.

Not even a simple, Are you feeling better?

Just a commandcold and mechanicalas though I were a subordinate instead of the woman he married.

At first, I ignored it. My finger hovered over the delete button. Then I stopped.

This would be the last time.

So I dressed carefullya soft beige dress, understated but graceful. I pulled my hair back neatly, slipped into heels, and wrapped a box of imported tea his mother favoured.

The final gift I would ever bring into that house.

Laughter drifted through the hallway before I even reached the living room. The moment I stepped inside, I almost turned back.

Layla was already there.

She sat comfortably beside Mateos mother, laughing sweetly, her fingers entwined with the older womans like a devoted daughter-in-law. Her free hand rested casually against the gentle swell of her stomach.

She noticed me first. Her lips slowly curved upward.

Oh. Look who finally showed up, she said softly. The wife.

Mateos mother, Isabel, barely glanced my way.

Yes, she muttered. The ill-fated wife.

My chest tightened.

I still cant get over her parents accident, she continued, turning to Layla with a sigh steeped in false sympathy. Such tragic deaths. But the fortune teller did warn us. That girl carries disaster wherever she goes. She was always meant to bring ruin to this family. Its only right that she leaves.

My feet felt rooted to the floor.

Just a few years ago, I had been the treasure of this householdthe beloved daughter-in-law everyone praised. Isabel used to pull me into every luncheon, gripping my arm proudly as if I were a prize. She once told everyone I was like her own flesh and blood.

They all used to say, The Madrigals wouldnt have survived without Isla.

And now?

Now that my parents were gone.

Now that the companies were merged.

Now that every legal document was signed and power was ready to change hands

They didnt need me anymore.

So this had always been the plan.

Shes only still here because the divorce isnt finalized, Isabel added lightly. But dont worry, dear. That wont last long. Especially now that the heir is on the way. She stroked Laylas stomach with a satisfied smile.

My stomach churned, but I lifted my chin.

I stepped forward and placed the tea on the table. I brought what you asked for.

Isabels gaze drifted to the green diamond necklace resting at my collarbonemy mothers final gift to me.

Her eyes sparkled with desire.

That necklace suits you, she said. Hand it over.

I stiffened. No. It was my mothers. I already brought you a gift

Exactly, she interrupted, already reaching for it. Your mother is gone. It would be meaningful for you to give this to me. What use do you have for sentimental things now?

I said no, I repeated firmly, stepping back. Its mine.

She lunged forward and seized the chain.

Give it to me!

No! I cried, gripping it tightly. Let go! Thats the only thing I have left of my parents!

She yanked harder.

I said no!

All at once, Isabel clutched her chest and stumbled backward.

Her face twisted as she gasped for air, one hand gripping the armrest while the other still tugged weakly at my necklace.

Ah!

She crashed to the floor.

Her fingers trembled as she pointed at me, choking out, That cursed woman she really is bad luck! I only asked for her necklace and look what shes done to me! Ungrateful heartless

Call for an ambulance! someone shouted.

The entire room erupted in panic

And then the front door slammed open.

Mateo rushed inside.

What happened?!

Layla immediately ran to him, clinging to his arm as she burst into tears.

Its your mothershe collapsed! She was completely fine until she argued with Isla!

Isabel wheezed weakly, Shes cursed Mateo, I warned you. She only brings disaster. Look what shes done to me now!

Mateo dropped beside his mother, lifting her head anxiously.

Mom, dont talk like that. Shes my wife. What are you saying?!

I dont care, Isabel hissed, her eyes burning into me. Shes a curse! Shell destroy you toojust like her family and her child are already gone!

My vision blurred.

I turned away. I couldnt stay in that house another second.

I stormed down the corridor, gripping the strap of my bag, forcing the tears back with every step.

Isla! Layla called out behind me.

I didnt stop.

She ran after me.

And then

A heavy thud.

A shrill scream.

I turned just in time to see Layla crumpled at the bottom of the staircase, one heel twisted beneath her, both hands clutched desperately to her stomach.

Ahhh! Mateo! she shrieked. She pushed me!

I couldnt tell how long I had been trapped in that icy void. My skin felt colorless and stiff, my lips split and dry, my breathing uneven and weak. My hands were curled tightly against my chest, clinging to whatever faint warmth my body could still produce. But right before the cold completely claimed me the memories surged back.

Put her in there, Isabel snarled, every word sharp with cruelty. If she enjoys stirring chaos in my house, then let the cold teach her a lesson.

The two maids holding me hesitated, exchanging uneasy glances.

Shes ill, Se?ora this doesnt feel right

I said put her in! Isabel barked. She touched me with those cursed hands and nearly killed me and my grandchild! Layla was hurt too! Cant you see it? She is the curse hanging over this family. Let the freezing air drain the poison out of her.

I didnt mean toplease, I begged, clutching my blanket weakly, my throat raw. Please dont do this. Call Mateohe wouldnt allow this he wouldnt

But even as I pleaded, the world began to blur.

Because then I heard hurried footsteps charging down the hallway.

Mateo.

I screamed his name with everything left in me.

Mateo! Please! Mateo, I need you!

He rushed past the corridorLayla in his arms, shouting orders, his jacket barely clinging to his shoulders, panic blazing across his face.

Shes bleeding again. Prepare the car for the hospital. Nothing can happen to this baby!

He never once looked my way.

I reached out from the floor with shaking fingers.

Mateo!

But his back was already disappearing around the corner.

Already gone.

Wait please My knees buckled beneath me.

Do it now, Isabel said coldly. Before she causes more trouble.

I jolted back to awareness when someone suddenly entered.

It was Mateo.

He wrapped a blanket around me hurriedly. IslaGod, Isla! I didnt know she truly went through with it. I thought she was bluffing. You know how my mother is when shes angryshe says horrible things she doesnt mean.

My teeth rattled uncontrollably. I couldnt even form words.

He rubbed warmth back into my arms, frantic with guilt. Im sorry about the necklace too. I understand nowit was your mothers. The last piece you had of them. I was an idiot. I shouldve stopped her.

I stayed silent. The slight curl of my lips wasnt reliefit was bitterness.

Youll feel better soon, okay? he said quickly. Tomorrow well finalize the merger contract. I really need you present, so you have to recover. Afterward, Ill buy you dozens of necklaces just like that one.

He laughed faintly and kissed my forehead, as if survival had earned me a prize.

Ah. Of course.

The merger.

That was why I was rescued.

Because I was still useful.

He lifted me carefully into his arms and started toward the bedroom. Youre burning up, he said suddenly, alarm creeping into his voice. Youve got a fever. We need to get you to the hospital.

No. My voice rasped weakly, barely soundbut I forced it out.

He stopped. No?

I pressed against his chest. I want a divorce.

He went completely still. What? His voice came out fragile, disbelieving.

I want to end this, Mateo. Im done.

No, waitIsla. Youre sick. Youre emotional. I apologized, didnt I? Please, dont do this. His eyes widened in panic. I shouldve stopped my mother. I shouldnt have believed Layla. But I was scared for the baby, okay? She said she was bleeding, and I panicked. I didnt realizedidnt know it was all an accident.

A dry, painful laugh escaped me, followed by a cough.

Of course. The baby.

His gaze flickered, as if he could hear every accusation in my silence.

Its not mine.

Isnt it?

He swallowed. No. Of course not. I just she had no one. I felt sorry for her.

Pity.

The same pity that let him erase me piece by piece.

Mateo stepped closer, brushing my hair back gently. If you want me to cut her off, I will. Ill focus only on us. No divorce. Please, let me take care of you now, okay?

He lifted me again carefully, murmuring apologies under his breath.

Then the door creaked open.

Layla stood there.

Her eyes were red. Her voice trembled.

Im sorry I didnt mean to be a burden, she whispered. Maybe I should leave again. Maybe thats what you wantto get rid of me, right?

Mateo turned toward her. Layla

But Im bleeding again, she said quietly.

Everything froze.

She clutched her stomach. Maybe this baby deserves it maybe I do too.

Then she turned and ran down the hallway, sobbing.

No! Layla! Mateo shouted in panic. He set me down so abruptly my knees nearly gave out.

Mateo, I croaked. You promised

But he was already rushing after her.

Im sorry! he yelled back. Ill send someone to help youLayla needs me right now!

What about me?! I cried out.

He glanced back once, hesitation flickering across his face.

Youre strong, Isla. You always have been. The butler will take care of you.

Then he was gone.

The door slammed shut.

I waited.

Minutes passed.

Then nearly an hour.

No one came.

The cold from the freezer still lived inside my bones. My head spun, skin burning, vision trembling. I dragged myself upright using the wall for support, every step feeling like iron shackles dragging across my soul.

Somehow, I reached the car.

Somehow, I drove.

My hands shook on the steering wheel, sweat soaked through my clothes, my vision fading in and outbut I made it to the nearest hospital.

When I finally woke again, my phone rang.

Luigis voice came through the line, tight with urgency.

I heard what happened, he said. Im coming for you. Right now.

I sat silently against the far wall of the hospital room, the thin blanket still draped over my shoulders even though I no longer felt the cold. The pain had reached a point where it simply stopped hurting. There was nothing left inside me that could ache.

The gentle chime of a message pulled me back. It was from my attorney.

Divorce documents are complete. Ready for service.

I took a deep breath, ignoring the dull tension pulling at the bandages around my arm. My hands didnt shake as I typed my response.

Serve them tomorrow. At the merger event. Make the announcement humiliating. I want the entire board to witness him fall.

A few seconds later, the reply came.

Understood.

I let my phone rest in my palm, staring at the screen. Then another notification appeared. This time, it was from Isabel.

You shameless witch. I heard what happened. Dont pretend to be on your deathbed tomorrow. The merger is set and we need your signature. Dont sabotage it. You no longer have a family. All you have left is us, so cooperate and hand over control of the company.

My lips parted in disbelief, but no sound came out. I felt nothingno anger, no sadnessonly a strange, hollow calm.

I was about to toss my phone aside when another alert flashed on the screen.

It was from Luigi.

I found out the truth about the accident. Im close. Dont go anywhere.

Before I could reply, another message followedthis time with a video attached.

My heartbeat stalled.

I tapped it.

The footage was grainy, clearly pulled from an old security camera. Flickering. Silent at first. A timestamp glowed in the corner. The image sharpenedand there she was.

Isabel.

She stood in a poorly lit parking structure, her figure half-shadowed. At first, her voice was indistinct. Then the audio sharpened, and every word struck like shards of ice.

Make it look accidental. Something with the brakes. Nothing too obvious.

My stomach plunged.

I dont care how you manage it. Just do it before the auction. End it quickly. Her parents had far too much influence. Its time she remembers who really controls this family.

My lungs seized.

I replayed it.

Once.

Twice.

Then a third time.

My fingers trembled so badly I almost dropped the phone. My vision smeared at the edges, but I couldnt look away.

And as if fate hadnt finished twisting the blade, another message arrived.

This timefrom Mateo.

Stay away from Layla. Dont show up near her. Shes fragile right now and terrified youll hurt the baby. Just be present at the merger tomorrow. Afterward, Ill take you on a nice vacation to settle things.

A broken laugh forced its way out of my chest and tangled with quiet sobs. I didnt respond.

I blocked him.

Then I stood.

There was one final thing I needed to do before disappearing for good.

I moved through the sterile white corridors of the hospital until I found the room I was looking for. Mateo wasnt there.

Good.

Layla lifted her head as I entered. A slow smirk curved her lips.

Well, well. Look who decided to rise from the gravethe dead bride herself.

I stepped inside without answering.

What? she scoffed. Here to lash out at me? Dont humiliate yourself, Isla. Mateo never loved you. Even his own mother despised you. Honestly? If youd just die already, things would finally be perfect for us.

My hands balled into fists at my sides. But when I looked at her, fragments of the past surfacedcutting class together, childish secrets, pinky promises under moonlight. Two girls dreaming of futures that never imagined betrayal would be part of the story.

I used to love you, I said quietly. You were my closest friend. You were my sister before everything else destroyed that.

Layla rolled her eyes.

Dont turn this into a tragedy monologue. You stole him from me.

No, I replied, voice firm. You abandoned him. You ran when things got hard. I stayed. I married him. I built his world from the ground up.

Her laughter was sharp and bitter.

And that was your weakness.

And thisI said, reaching into my pocketbelongs to you now.

I slid my wedding ring from my finger and flung it toward her. It bounced once against the bed before landing in her lap with a hollow clink.

There, I said coldly. Put it on. Be the perfect Mrs. Madrigal. Play the role. Pretend it stands for something real.

For the first time, her smile faltered.

And dont ever let him crawl back to me, I added. Because I wont be here when he does.

She snorted.

Trust me. He wont even look for you.

I truly hope thats the case.

I turned away.

The moment I stepped back into the hallway, I saw him.

Luigi.

Dressed in black. Sunglasses tucked into the collar of his shirt. His gaze scanned the corridor until it landed on me.

There you are, he said softly, his arms closing around me. Im sorry it took so long.

Its fine, I murmured against his chest. You still came.

He nodded, brushing my hair back gently.

Are you ready?

More than I ever have been.

We left the hospital side by side.

At the airport, I walked straight to the trash bin near the gate. I pulled out my phone, snapped the SIM card clean in half, and dropped both pieces inside without hesitation.

Then I boarded the plane.

And for the first time in a long while, as the cabin doors sealed shut behind me, I could finally breathebecause soon enough, every one of them would regret what they had done to me.