I’m Miley, 34, and this is how I went from being a happy single business woman to marrying a homeless man and having my life flipped upside down.
As long as I can remember, my parents had pushed me to marry. They seem to be counting down the seconds until my hair turns white.
Each family dinner became an accidental matchmaking event.
Martha, my mom, would say, “Miley, honey.” Remember the Johnsons’ son? His company promoted him to regional manager. Maybe you two should have coffee?”
“Mom, I’m not interested in dating right now,” I said. “I focus on my career.”
“But, sweetheart,” my dad, Stephen, would say, “your career won’t keep you warm at night. Don’t you want a life partner?
“I share my life with you guys and my friends,” I replied. “That’s enough for me now.”
But they persisted. It was continual “What about so-and-so?” “Did you hear about this nice young man?”
Then things got worse one night.
At our normal Sunday supper, my parents dropped a bombshell.
“Miley,” my dad stated seriously. Mother and I have been pondering.
“Oh boy, here we go,” I said.
“We’ve decided,” he said, disregarding my sarcasm, “that unless you’re married by your 35th birthday, you won’t see a cent of our inheritance.”
“What?” I shouted. “You’re kidding!”
“We are,” my mom said. “We’re not getting younger, honey. We wish your peace and happiness. We want grandchildren while we’re young.”
I gasped, “This is insane.” “You can’t blackmail me into marriage!”
“It’s not b.l.a.ckmail,” my dad said. “It’s incentive.”
I left their house that night, unable to believe what had happened. They gave me an ultimatum: find a husband in a few months or lose my fortune.
Not because I wanted the money, I was angry. The principle was more important. How dare they dictate my life?
I ignored their calls and visits for weeks. One evening, I had a great idea.
He caught my eye as I walked home from work, thinking about spreadsheets and deadlines. A cardboard sign-bearing man in his late 30s sat on the pavement requesting change.
There was something in his eyes despite his gruff appearance, overgrown beard, and unclean clothes. A tenderness and melancholy that paused me.
Then an idea came to me. Though ridiculous, it seemed like the perfect solution to all my issues.
“Excuse me,” I told him. This may sound weird, but…would you wish to marry?
His eyes widened in disbelief. Sorry, what?
I breathed deeply and said, “Look, I know this is weird, but hear me out. “I must marry soon. The marriage would be convenient. I would offer housing, clean clothes, food, and money. You’d play my spouse in exchange. Say what?
It felt like he gazed at me forever. Surely he thought I was joking.
“Lady, are you serious?”
“Completely,” I said. “Hi, I’m Miley.”
He replied, “Stan,” appearing confused. “And you’re suggesting marrying a homeless man you just met?”
I nodded.
“I know it sounds crazy, but I’m not a serial killer. Just a desperate woman with meddling parents.”
“Well, Miley, this is the strangest thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Is that yes? I requested.
After a lengthy glance, I saw that spark in his eyes again. “You know? Heck, why not? You have a bargain, future wife.”
That changed my life in ways I never imagined.
After taking Stan shopping for new clothes and cleaning him at a salon, I was surprised to find a lovely man below all that grime.
I introduced him to my parents as my secret fiancé three days later. They were stunned.
“Miley!” My mother exclaimed. “Why didn’t you say?”
“Oh, you know, I wanted to make sure it was serious before I said anything,” I lied. “But Stan and I are so in love, honey?”
Stan performed well. My folks loved his fictionalized tales of our brief relationship.
A month later, we married.
I got a good prenup in case my plan failed. Despite my expectations, living with Stan was good.
He was brilliant, witty, and always willing to help around the house. We became friends easily, like roommates who had to pretend to be madly in love.
However, one thing bothered me.
Stan clammed up when I asked him how he ended up on the streets. He hastily changed the topic when his eyes clouded. I was interested and frustrated by the mystery.
That day changed everything.
I got home from work on a usual day. Rose petals struck my eye as I entered the house. I entered the living room.
The living room scene left me stunned. Roses covered the room, and a large petal heart lay on the floor.
Stan was in the middle.
This Stan wasn’t my Stan. The comfy jeans and T-shirts I gave him were gone.
He wore a slick black tuxedo that cost more than my monthly rent. A little velvet box was in his palm.
“Stan?” I almost escaped. “What’s up?”
I swear my heart skipped a beat when he grinned.
“Miley,” he said. I appreciate your acceptance. You made me ecstatic. My happiness would be greater if you loved me and were my real-life wife. You made me fall in love the moment I met you, and this month has been the happiest of my life. Will we wed? Really this time?
I stood there with my eyes open, trying to understand. I had a thousand questions, but one stood out.
“Stan,” I began slowly, “where did you get the money for all this? Tuxedo, roses, and ring?
Before inhaling, he said, “I guess it’s time I told you the truth.” “I never told you how I became homeless because it was too complicated and could have put you in a difficult position. And I enjoyed our life together deeply.”
“I became homeless because my brothers got rid of me and took over my company,” he said. They took my identity, falsified my signatures, and fabricated documents. I was dumped off in this town miles from home. I never obtained help from the cops because they pulled strings. Even my lawyer was bribed.”
I listened intently as Stan told his story.
He lost everything and spent months on the streets hoping to survive. He was inspired to fight back after meeting me.
He said, “When you gave me a home, clean clothes, and a little money, I decided to fight back. “I contacted the best law firm in the country, one my brothers couldn’t influence because it represents their competitors.”
“I told them my story and promised a substantial payout,” he said. They initially refused the case without an advance, but when they discovered they could outsmart their opponents, they agreed. Thanks to them, I have returned my documents and bank accounts and have a court case next month.”
He stopped, looking at me with those gentle eyes that captured my attention.
He smiled, “I’ll be honest with you. “I’m not poor. I spent my life yearning for love, but every lady I met wanted my money. You helped me when you believed I had nothing. I liked you because of that. I regret concealing this for so long.”
I collapsed onto the couch, unable to comprehend his tale. I was shocked that the man I married on a whim was rich and loved me.
“Stan,” I said, “you’ve surprised me. I admire you too, but this new information is overwhelming.”
Nodding, he led me to the dining table. His dinner was eaten.
Stan and I discussed my sentiments after eating.
Stan, I appreciate your sweet gesture. This has never been done for me before.” Speaking brought a tear to my eye.
I’ll marry you. That’s my choice. Could you ask again in six months? We’ll marry if I stick to my decision. Let’s first observe how life goes with this new information for us both. I will help you through your difficult court case.”
Stan smiled broadly. “So happy. Yes, I’ll ask again in six months. Will you take my ring now?
He placed the ring on my finger after I nodded. Hugging and kissing for the first time. Though it wasn’t a Hollywood kiss with fireworks and music, it felt right. It felt like homecoming.
I’m still processing everything as I type this. To upset my parents, I married a destitute man who turned out to be a wealthy businessman with a kind heart. Life works mysteriously.
Inspired by true events and people, this work is fictionalized for creativity. To preserve privacy and enrich the story, names, characters, and facts were changed. The author does not imply any resemblance to real people, events, or places.
From amomama.com
