17/06/2026
Stolen Heart, Stolen Life
A Novel by Purple Hibiscus
Chapter 1: The Friend Who Wanted Everything
I never imagined that the person who would destroy my life would be the same person I trusted with all my secrets.
My name is Amelia Carter, and for ten years, Vanessa Brooks was my best friend. We laughed together, cried together, and shared dreams of a bright future. She was like a sister to me.
Then I met Ethan Harrison.
Ethan was handsome, kind, and successful. The moment he walked into my life, everything changed. He treated me with respect and made me feel special in a way no one else ever had.
When I introduced him to Vanessa, she smiled warmly.
"Amelia, he's perfect for you," she said.
I believed her.
What I didn't know was that behind that smile was a heart filled with jealousy.
As weeks passed, Vanessa became strangely interested in Ethan. She constantly asked questions about him, wanted to know where he was, what he liked, and when we were meeting.
At first, I thought nothing of it.
She was my best friend.
Why would I suspect her?
But soon, I noticed the way her eyes followed him whenever he entered a room.
The way she laughed a little too hard at his jokes.
The way disappointment flashed across her face whenever Ethan wrapped his arm around me.
Vanessa wasn't happy for me.
She wanted what I had.
One evening, I overheard her speaking on the phone.
"If Amelia wasn't around, Ethan would be mine," she whispered.
My heart froze.
I couldn't believe what I had heard.
Surely she didn't mean it.
Surely my best friend wasn't jealous enough to wish me gone.
I convinced myself I was overthinking.
Unfortunately, I was wrong.
Very wrong.
Because Vanessa's jealousy was growing into something much darker.
Something dangerous.
And before long, it would cost me everything.
To be continued...