“What brings you here, Talia?”

Josh forced a smile, his voice hoarse.

“I heard that Cass moved out. I came to see if you needed a hand with anything.”

I stepped into the house and picked Teddie up for a gentle cuddle before sorting out the absolute disaster.

Standing motionless, Josh watched my back as I worked. “Talia, am I that much of a loser?”

I looked back at the steadfastly stoic man whose eyes welled up.

Cupping his flushed face between my hands, I stared into his eyes. “Cass is blind to see what a great catch you are.

“You’re in the top 20% elite. Your qualities extend beyond your looks. You’re a devoted husband, a competent worker, and a man of integrity. Cass can’t see how lucky she is, but I can.”

“Talia…” Josh’s face turned red. He looked at me with a complex of emotions.

I blushed. “The truth is, I’ve always had feelings for you, but you only have eyes for Cass.”

We used to work together seven years ago. He had joined the firm two years before me. Sharp and efficient in his approach, Josh was always there to lend me a hand.

I fell for him back then. However, my reserved nature held me back from ever spilling my feelings out.

When Cassidy, vibrant and flamboyant as she was, came into the picture, I knew it was my cue to step aside.

“I admire the way you take on life. I look up to your strength and sense of responsibility. I’m drawn to your kindness. I can only dream of being the woman you love.”

The flat-out compliment sparked a light in Josh’s eyes, and I seized the moment to take his hands in mine.

“Will you let me be Teddie’s mother?”

…

In the coming days, I took it upon myself to care for Teddie.

I would stop by Josh’s place every day after work to cook, clean, and keep Teddie occupied.

Josh was polite at first, then increasingly dependent on me. Our connection deepened in the routines of home.

One rainy night, I tucked Teddie into bed before leaving. Josh walked me to the door and grabbed my hands.

“Thank you, Talia. Without your help, I honestly don’t think I could’ve pulled through.”

His grip was tender yet firm, and his eyes held a gentleness I’d never seen before.

Josh took his time to look at me before opening up in embarrassment.

“Do you still mean what you said earlier?”

As rain pattered against the window, the silence of the room was broken only by the sound of our beating hearts.

I met his sincere gaze and nodded ever-so slightly.

A kiss fell upon me, soft and silent.

Less than three months after his divorce from Cassidy was finalized, Josh and I got our marriage license.

We skipped the grand affair and opted for an intimate celebration with our close friends.

I shared my marriage license on social media with the caption, “The wait is over, and I finally have you.”

The post included a tag for Josh, deliberately meant to catch Cassidy’s attention.

Minutes later, Cassidy left a comment. “Heh. Funny how you’re so proud of taking over my leftovers.”

I replied calmly, “Yeah. Thank you for giving up on him, babe. I couldn’t ask for a better husband.”

Setting my phone down, I watched with a smile as Josh fed Teddie with a bottle.

Married life basically turned me into the ultimate simp wife.

Josh earned 50,000 dollars a month, working in a tech firm. While he was no millionaire, I felt like I hit the jackpot since I made a monthly income of 3,000 dollars.

Just two days into our marriage, Josh gave me full control of his bank accounts.

“You’ll manage the money for our family, Talia.”

Moved to tears, I gave him a huge hug and a big smooch on his cheek.

“The only things that make my heart race are heavy rain and you. You’re so wonderful, I love you, babe.”

Compliments must be Josh’s love language because blush crept across his face, and his lips curled into a smile.

He reached out to pull me closer into his arms and said in delight, “You’re my wife, silly. Of course, I’m going to take care of you.”

Josh made me feel like a princess, showing up after work with a different surprise each day.

Sometimes, it was a bouquet. Other times, my sweet tooth would be in for a treat.

He was always quick to help around the house at home, often saying, “I can’t let my wife overwork herself, can I? Take a break. I’ve got this covered.”

I’d get creative in preparing his lunches, making sure he had a balanced diet of meat and vegetables. I even used cutters to make adorable shapes of his food.

The smile never left his face whenever he was home at night.

“Since the meeting ran late today, I had my lunch in the conference room. Edmund from the other department was completely green with envy when I opened my lunchbox. Apparently, the only food his wife would get him is from takeout.”

I said with a playful pout, “Duh, my husband deserves the best lunch in the world.”

Dragging Josh to the mall, I picked out some well-made clothes for him that were made to last.

My eyes sparkled as Josh tried on new things.

“As expected, you look amazing in everything. This piece, especially, makes you look fit and lean.”

I ran my hands over his abs and gushed, “This outfit is made for you. You look so good!”

Each time Josh and I attended social events with his friends or colleagues, I made sure to dress up and behave in a way that reflected well on him.

When the conversation turned to work or life, I would stare at Josh with pride and admiration.

“You’ll have to ask my husband. He’s the expert.

“He’s the glue that holds the family together. I don’t have wild ambitions. I’m just there to support him.”

Friends often teased that Josh married his number one fan.

He’d pull me closer with a smile, the proud look on his face visible for all to see.

At first, Josh couldn’t get used to my open affection and constant adoration.

There were times he’d shyly tell me to take it down a notch.

However, it didn’t take him long to get hooked on being needed and depended on.

Josh didn’t stop at wiring his monthly paycheck to my bank account. He’d even transfer bonuses or incentives from wrapping up a project successfully.

“A little something for the lovely missus. Don’t worry about the money. Just treat yourself.

“Spend what you need to. You deserve the best.”

…

I stared at my bank balance, my eyes sparkling. In the past, I could never dream about getting my hands on 50,000 dollars a month.

It was my cue to lay on the charm. “I feel bad because you work so hard to earn your keep. I’ll be sure to spend wisely.

True to my word, I spent every penny.

The designer bag I’d been eyeing? I went ahead and bought it.

The jewelry piece that caught my eye? Bought it.

High-end skincare? Done.

Meanwhile, Cassidy’s quest to bag a billionaire husband hadn’t been quite successful.

Leveraging her looks and tactics, Cassidy befriended several rich heirs and tagged along to upscale venues.

Her social media remained a highlight reel of luxury goods and extravagant dinners as she bounced from one high-end party to the next.

While these wealthy heirs showered her with lavish gifts, they would never introduce her at important family gatherings or important events.

Whenever she dropped hints about a future or commitment together, these men would shut her down by changing the subject with a joke or buying her a more expensive bag.

Over time, Cassidy’s photos started to reveal the strain behind the glamor. Beneath the flawless makeup lay a forced smile and weary eyes.

I shared a photo of our family picnic at the park. The moment couldn’t be sweeter.

Cassidy left a bitter comment. “You have no shame to pick up my unwanted junk, Talia.”

“I’d be happy to pick up a few more like Josh.”

I posted a loving picture of Josh and me on social media.

“Oh, wow. Even nannies have upgraded to include bed services.”

I replied to her comment in composure, “Exactly. Thank you for the opportunity, Cass. I’m lucky to be my husband’s all-in-one nanny. :)”

Then, I posted a shot of Josh carrying Teddie on his shoulders, their faces beaming with pure joy.

I showed off on social media the necklace Josh had bought me with his project bonus. It was a modest yet uniquely designed piece.

Not to mention, I tagged Cassidy on the post with a caption. “A gift from my husband to show his appreciation.”

Cassidy was quick to comment.

“I guess you’re left to pick up my leftovers now that I’m gone. Is something of this caliber worth posting online?”

Not even the least bit bothered, I replied, “A gift is only as valuable as the thought behind it and the happiness it brings.

“Once again, thank you for giving him away. [Folded hands emoji]”

My response garnered quite a few likes from our mutual friends.

“You seem pleased to help yourself with my unwanted junk. That’s sick.” Cassidy shot back with another comment.

I typed, “I certainly love this junk. Send a few more my way if you have any.”

That day, Josh took me on another shopping spree. This time, we acquired better jewelry pieces on the higher end.

I kept the posts coming, adding pictures of my lovely family of three. It was clear who the real winner was.

Several months later, the doorbell rang on a cold, rainy evening.

Despite her hoarse voice, the visitor desperately acted like she was in charge.

She barged into the house and sat with her legs crossed like she owned the place.

“What do you want, Cass?”

Cassidy lifted her chin, her eyes brushing past me.

“I don’t have time for you. I’m here for Josh.

“Where is he? Get him out now.”

“He’s not home. You can tell me whatever it is.”

My tone of voice was calm as ever.

“What’s the point of talking to you? Are you the one to make the call? I have cancer, and I need a lot of money for treatment. Josh must pay up.”

Her sense of entitlement was the most absurd thing I’d seen.

“What makes you think Josh owes you anything? Your divorce was a while ago.

“Why should my husband’s money go to you?”

Raising her voice, Cassidy said assertively, “I’m the mother of his child. He wouldn’t even have a son if it weren’t for me.

“Josh wouldn’t have the drive to get to where he is today if I hadn’t married him. Now that I need help, it’s his obligation to cough up the money.”

…

With a mocking sneer, she snapped, “You’re nothing more than my replacement, Talia. Do you think he loves you?

“He’s just using you to fill a void I left behind.

“I can tell that Josh still has feelings for me. He’ll come crawling back to me the second I offer him a chance to pay for my treatment.

“Once I’m all better, I might consider taking him back. That’s when you can pack your bags and get out.”

The door unlocked, and Josh strolled right in with a briefcase and a nice box of cake in hand.

He was taken aback to see Cassidy.

Furrowing his brows, Josh didn’t hide his surprise and displeasure.

“What are you doing here?”

His tone went cold.

With Josh present, Cassidy put on a look that was a mix of hurt, defiance, and sultry.

“There you are, Josh. I’m terribly sick, and I need money to get better.

“I know that you’re still in love with me. You’re only together with Talia because she reminds you of the old me.

“Here’s your chance to win me back. If you help me through this, maybe we can—”

“Enough!”

Josh brushed her outstretched hand off and stopped her short.

“I didn’t think you could get any more insufferable, Cassidy, or make up such ridiculous nonsense!

“We’re divorced now, so what you do is none of my business.”