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.”