The Man She Lost

“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.”