He Stole My VIP Card to Marry His Mistress

To prepare for our Valentine's Day date, I loaded ten thousand dollars onto my VIP house account at a three-star Michelin restaurant.

But my boyfriend stood me up at the last minute, claiming he had to work overtime.

So, I took my best friend instead.

Only to see my hardworking boyfriend down on one knee, offering a diamond ring to another girl.

He didnt just bring his new side-chick; he also brought a whole crowd of his parasitic friends.

"Im proposing today! Eat and drink whatever you want, guysits all on me!" He held the mic, looking like the king of the world.

That was when I realized the black VIP card in my purse was missing.

Stealing my prepaid card to fund a grand proposal for his mistress? Did he really think I was that big of a fool?

When it was time for the bill, he slapped the card on the table to show off.

But the manager smiled politely and handed it back:

"Sir, the cardholder just reported this card lost. It has been deactivated. How would you like to pay this hundred and thirty thousand dollar bill?"

For tonight's date, I cancelled all my important meetings at the company and left early.

I spent three hours getting ready.

This was supposed to be our fourth Valentine's Day togethermine and Tyler's.

I was full of anticipation, waiting for him to come home.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed.

It was a Snapchat message from Tyler.

"Stella, something urgent came up at the office. I have to work overtime. I won't make it tonight."

Looking at the screen, all my excitement evaporated into cold disappointment.

My best friend, Chloe Bennett, called me. Hearing the sadness in my voice, she drove over immediately.

"Stella Vance, get a grip! You are not going to cry over some guy!"

Seeing me looking so miserable, she scolded me but dragged me off the couch anyway.

"Let's go! If he won't take you out, I will! You look too gorgeous to waste this outfit!"

Our destination was the three-star Michelin restaurant where I had just loaded ten thousand dollars onto my VIP account last week.

I had thought it would be our special romantic spot.

But as soon as our car pulled up, I froze.

In the main lobby, there was a massive rose arch. It was tacky and loud.

And standing right beneath it was none other than Tyler Sterling.

He was wearing the custom 0-05,000 bespoke suit I bought for him.

I had imagined him wearing it to propose to me a thousand times.

But now, he was down on one knee, holding a massive diamond ring, looking up adoringly at another girl.

I recognized her. Bambi Miller, the new intern at Tylers company.

Just two days ago, Tyler was complaining to me.

"These Gen Z interns don't know how to do anything. I have to hold her hand through every single task. It's exhausting."

Yet here he was, looking at Bambi with eyes so tender they could melt.

"Bambi, before I met you, I never believed in marriage."

"But now, I can't picture my life with anyone else."

That cheesy line. He had used the exact same words on me three years ago.

Bambi blushed, holding out her hand to let him slide the ring on.

His group of freeloading friends cheered wildly around them.

"Kiss her! Kiss her!"

"Shes beautiful, Tyler! Youre a lucky man!"

My blood ran cold. Anger and betrayal choked me.

Three years ago, when he started his company, he couldn't even afford a tiny office space.

I was the one who gave him 0-050,000 as seed money.

When his cash flow dried up and he was evicted for not paying rent, I took him in. I let him live in my downtown luxury penthouse.

I did everything to pave the way for his success.

And yet, he was using my money to throw a party for his friends and promise his life to another woman.

Chloe was so furious she rolled up her sleeves, ready to storm in.

"I am going to rip that bastard and his side-piece apart!"

I grabbed her arm.

Tyler's personal credit cards were completely maxed out. Where did he get the confidence to throw such a lavish party?

I looked down and opened my designer handbag.

Sure enough, the black VIP card for this restaurant was gone.

I looked back up, narrowing my eyes at Tyler under the flower arch.

Ha.

Tucked into the left pocket of his custom suit jacket was a familiar sliver of black and gold.

The host led Chloe and me upstairs to a private booth with a perfect, hidden view of the lobby.

Just as I sat down, a Snapchat notification popped up.

"Stella, this client is being super difficult. I don't think I'll make it back tonight. Go to sleep, don't wait up."

And then, another one.

"I ordered your favorite takeout to the penthouse. Eat it while it's hot. Love you!"

Through the one-way glass of the booth, I watched him.

One hand was typing the message on his phone, while the other was wrapped around Bambi's waist, his fingers tracing her skin.

My stomach churned. I felt like throwing up.

Chloe shoved her phone in front of my face, her eyes burning with rage.

Bambi had just posted on Instagram. It was a photo of her hand with the diamond ring resting against Tyler's cheek.

The caption was incredibly bold:

"An old womans money is so easy to spend. But he still loves me the most ~"

"Old woman?"

He was using my money to play the rich gentleman, while his little mistress insulted me.

Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

I pressed the button to page the restaurant manager.

In less than two minutes, a well-dressed, middle-aged man walked in.

"Good evening, ma'am. How can I help you tonight?"

I pulled up my ID and the electronic receipt of my VIP account registration on my phone.

"My name is Stella Vance. I am a Black Card member here. Ive lost my physical card, and I need to report it stolen and lock the account immediately. Please issue me a new one."

The manager quickly verified my identity on his tablet.

"Of course, Ms. Vance. I will process that right away."

Five minutes later, a brand-new black VIP card was placed in my hand.

Out of professional courtesy, the manager leaned in before leaving.

"Ms. Vance, I should inform you. Our system shows that your old card is currently being used downstairs."

"As of right now, the pending charge is thirty-eight thousand dollars."

He paused, checking my expression.

"Would you like us to call the police, or have security escort them out?"

I picked up my glass of 1982 Chateau Lafite and swirled the dark red liquid.

"No need for the police."

"From now on, my account only authorizes my signature and this new card."

The manager was a smart man. He understood instantly, bowed politely, and left.

Downstairs, the cheering grew louder.

"Tyler! I heard Vanguard Capital is officially signing the contract with you tomorrow? That's a multi-million dollar investment! You're going to be filthy rich!"

"Yeah! Don't forget about your day-ones when you make it big, Boss!"

Tyler was drunk on the flattery. He stepped onto a chair, raising his voice so the whole restaurant could hear him.

"Of course! Tonight, order whatever you want. Get the most expensive things on the menuit's all on me!"

He looked down at Bambi's adoring eyes and playfully pinched her nose.

"Babe, next month, we're flying to Paris to pick out your haute couture wedding dress. My woman deserves nothing but the absolute best!"

Hearing this, his leech-like friends exchanged looks. Eager to take advantage of his "generosity," they snatched the menus and started ordering frantically.

They didn't spare anything with gold leaf or extra zeros on the price tag.

Chloe watched with pure amusement. She pulled out her phone, logged into a burner Snapchat account, and easily slipped into their group chat.

She pretended to be a wealthy heir who knew his luxury wines.

She started sending photos of high-end bottles into the chat, adding fuel to the fire.

"Today is Tylers big day!"

"How can you celebrate without Romane-Conti? Anything less is an insult to the bride!"

The freeloaders downstairs saw the message and immediately chimed in.

"Holy crap! The king of wines!"

"Tyler! We need this! Pop a bottle of Romane-Conti!"

Tylers face froze for a second.

But he tapped the black card in his pocket.

He figured the VIP card had unlimited credit anyway, and the bill would go straight to Stella Vance.

With that safety net, he stood tall again.

"Open it! We're celebrating tonight. Let's drink!"

The server soon brought out two vintage bottles of Romane-Conti. With a loud pop, the expensive wine was poured, pushing the party to a whole new level of hysteria.

Bambi clung to Tyler like a koala, whispering sweet nothings.

"Tyler, you're so good to me."

Tyler was practically floating. He pulled a blue velvet box from his pocket.

"Do you like it? It's yours."

Inside was a Cartier diamond necklace, sparkling under the chandeliers.

My eyes narrowed.

That necklace was from my private collection. I hadn't even worn it yet!

Then, my gaze drifted to the limited-edition Herms Birkin bag sitting next to Bambi's chair.

On the handle, there was a custom-tied Alice in Wonderland silk scarf. I had tied that knot myself!

No wonder I felt like things had been going missing from my closet latelybags I rarely used, jewelry I only wore once or twice, expensive perfumes.

Whenever I asked, Tyler would lie right to my face.

"Babe, you're just working too hard and forgetting where you put things. Check the drawers again."

It turned out this leech had been treating my closet as his personal free-gift shop!

Unbelievable. Stealing from me to impress his mistress.

Bambi squealed in delight, letting Tyler fasten the necklace around her neck before taking dozens of selfies.

At that moment, Tyler excused himself to go to the restroom, walking toward the stairs.

A second later, my phone rang.

"Stella, are you asleep?"

Tylers voice came through, thick with fake exhaustion.

"I'm still out drinking with the client. My head is spinning. But hey, I have to grind for our future."

I forced down my disgust and replied quietly.

"Sounds tough."

Tyler didn't notice the coldness in my voice. He kept making promises.

"Just wait for me, Stella. Once we close the deal with Vanguard Capital tomorrow, well get our marriage license."

He hung up, put on his smug smile, and walked back to the party.

The server handed him the updated bill.

The pending charge had climbed to ninety-four thousand dollars.

Downstairs, the proposal had devolved into absolute chaos.

A tipsy Bambi kicked off her heels and stood right on the expensive dining chair.

She raised her champagne glass high.

"Thank you everyone for witnessing our love!"

The freeloaders lined up to toast them, spewing shameless flattery.

"Congrats, Boss! You got the beauty and the money!"

"You're a genius, Tyler! Success in career and love!"

"Exactly! Tylers new girl is so young and hot. Way better than that stiff, boring ex-girlfriend of yours!"

When someone brought me up, Tyler didn't stop them. He laughed even harder.

His face was red with alcohol as he waved a dismissive hand.

"Stella Vance? Please."

"She's an old woman pushing thirty. How can she compare to my Bambi? Bambi is young, fresh, and actually knows how to treat a man."

Tyler hiccuped, continuing his drunken rant.

"If she didn't have those industry connections, I would've dumped her long ago."

"Once I sign the deal tomorrow, I'll take over all her clients."

"Then I'll kick her to the curb and tell her to get lost!"

Bambi giggled, leaning in to give him a sloppy kiss on the cheek.

"You're amazing, babe. I knew I was the only one in your heart."

She looked around the room, pointing at a few tables of random diners in the corner.

"Babe, I'm just so happy today!"

"Why don't we buy a round for everyone in the restaurant? Let them celebrate with us!"

Drunk on ego, Tyler didn't even look at the menu prices. He waved his hand and roared to the room.

"No problem!"

"Tonight, everything is on Tyler Sterling!"

His friends cheered, raising their glasses.

"Now that's a real boss!"

Applause broke out across the restaurant.

I glanced at my Patek Philippe watch.

9:30 PM.

Perfect timing.

I leaned back against my chair, waiting for the show to start.

Downstairs, the noise began to die down.

A tipsy Tyler, surrounded by his entourage, walked over to the hostess stand.

He pulled out my black VIP card, pinching it between two fingers, and slammed it onto the counter.

"Charge it."

The manager looked at the card.

Then, he smiled politely and pushed it back.

"Sir, the cardholder reported this card lost an hour ago. It is deactivated. How would you like to pay this hundred and thirty thousand dollar bill?"

Tylers smug smile cracked, piece by piece.

He grabbed the card, stared at it, and slammed it down again.

"Stolen? This is my card!"

"Is your machine broken? Run it again!"

The manager remained calm and professional.

He turned the screen toward Tyler.

"Sir, our system shows that the owner, Ms. Stella Vance, verified her identity and reported the card lost in person one hour ago."