The Man She Lost

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.”