Yet, no matter how often I tried to clarify my point, they just wouldn’t back down. Every chat seemed to morph into a talk about the newest eligible bachelor, and it really got under my skin. I believed I had everything figured out, or at least I thought I did.
The Surprising Ultimatum
That one unforgettable Sunday dinner turned everything upside down. What was meant to be just another ordinary evening quickly transformed when my parents shared news that would completely change everything for me.
“Miley,” my dad said, his tone more serious than usual. “I’ve been having a chat with your mom.”
“Oh boy,” I whispered to myself.
“We’ve come to a decision,” he said, ignoring my sarcasm. “If you haven’t tied the knot by the time you turn 35, you won’t see a dime of our inheritance.”
“Hold on, what?” I spoke without thinking, the words escaping before I could catch them. “Are you really serious?”
“We are,” my mom said, her expression sincere. “We truly hope to see you find your place and settle down.” We really look forward to having grandchildren while we’re still young enough to truly enjoy their company.
I was completely taken aback. “Are you really serious right now?” “Are you really trying to push me into marrying someone just to secure my inheritance?”
“This isn’t blackmail,” my dad stated, his voice steady. “It’s… inspiration.”
I was in disbelief at what I was hearing. I was so angry that my parents believed they could dictate my personal life like this. I left their house that night in a whirlwind of emotions, feeling utterly betrayed and like no one really understood me.
For weeks, I kept my distance, allowing my anger to brew beneath the surface. It wasn’t about the money—I didn’t need their inheritance—but the way they believed they could push me into something I wasn’t prepared for really troubled me on a deeper level.
An Outrageous Thought
One day, while I was strolling home from work, a completely ridiculous thought popped into my head. I walked by a homeless man on the sidewalk, holding a sign that asked for some change. He looked a bit unkempt, sporting a scruffy beard and tattered clothes, yet there was an undeniable depth in his eyes—something soulful that drew me in.
Suddenly, I found myself saying, “Hey, what do you think about getting married?”
The man gazed upward, disbelief etched on his face. “Huh?”
“I realize this may seem a bit out there,” I said, my thoughts tumbling over each other as I spoke. “I really need to get married soon.” I can provide you with a place to stay, some food, clean clothes, and a bit of cash. You’d simply need to pretend to be my husband in return. What are your thoughts on that?
He looked at me for what seemed like an eternity, obviously convinced I was just kidding around. “Are you for real?”
“I am,” I said, a smile creeping onto my face at the ridiculousness of it all. “Just so you know, I’m Miley.”
“Stan,” he said slowly, his voice laced with uncertainty, as if he were trying to figure out whether this was all just a joke. “Hold on, are you actually proposing to me?”
“I get that it might seem strange, but it’s the only way I can handle the pressure from my parents.” I’ve been handed an ultimatum. I really need to find a husband, and I need it to happen quickly.
Stan paused, his mind swirling with uncertainty, but he took a moment to think. “Are you really serious about this?” This is honestly the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me.
“What are your thoughts?” I found myself asking again, secretly wishing he would just say no.
To my surprise, he said, “Looks like we have a deal, my future wife.”
Starting Off on an Unforeseen Journey
Over the next few days, we focused on getting Stan all cleaned up and prepared to meet my parents. I was still reeling from what I had done, yet there was an unexpected sense of comfort in it. We went out shopping, picked him up a whole new wardrobe, and even took him for a salon visit. To my surprise, beneath all the dirt, I discovered that Stan was actually pretty handsome.
A few days later, I introduced him to my parents as my future husband. Their faces showed it all; they were completely at a loss for words.
“Miley!” my mom shouted, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “Why didn’t you let us know?”
“I just needed to make sure it was the genuine article before I spoke up,” I admitted with a slight hesitation. “But Stan and I are in love, right, sweetheart?”
Stan joined in seamlessly, sharing enchanting stories of our whirlwind romance with my parents. A month later, we got married in an intimate, private ceremony.
I took the time to set up a strong prenup, just to be prepared in case things didn’t turn out the way I hoped. Living with Stan ended up being quite a pleasant experience. He had a way about him that was charming and funny, always ready to lend a hand around the house. We soon found ourselves in a cozy rhythm, much like two roommates acting as if they were truly in love.
However, there was something that troubled me. Whenever I brought up his past or how he found himself living on the streets, he would just close off completely. He grew more distant, and the enigma surrounding him only intensified.
The Truth is Revealed
After a long day at work, I stepped into the house one evening and was greeted by an unexpected sight. As I walked down the hallway, I noticed rose petals scattered along the floor, guiding me into the living room. There, I was greeted by a stunning heart crafted entirely from roses. In the midst of everything, there was Stan, looking sharp in his sleek black tuxedo, cradling a small velvet box in his hands.
“Is that you, Stan?” I couldn’t believe it and asked in disbelief. “What’s happening?”
He smiled with warmth, his eyes brimming with feeling. “Miley,” he started, “I really appreciate everything you’ve done.” These past few weeks have been filled with so much joy because of you, and I would feel even happier if we could be genuine with one another. I really hope our relationship goes beyond just a business arrangement.
I stood there, completely still, struggling to take it all in. “Stan, where did you find all this?” “The tuxedo, the flowers, the ring?”
Stan inhaled deeply, his face shifting to a more serious demeanor. “I need to be honest with you,” he said. “I didn’t always feel this way.” I didn’t always find myself without a home. I once had it all—wealth, a thriving business, everything I could have wanted. Yet my brothers turned against me. They stripped me of everything I owned and cast me aside, leaving me with absolutely nothing. I found myself stuck here, completely unable to defend myself. That’s when I found myself living on the streets.
He shared his story of being exploited, detailing how his brothers had taken his identity and leveraged their power to strip him of everything. “When you entered my life, you brought me hope,” he said. “You recognized me as an individual, not merely someone to feel sorry for.” That’s the reason I fell for you.
I sat there quietly, taken aback by what he had just revealed. Stan wasn’t just the homeless man I had married out of obligation. He had suffered from a harsh betrayal, and I found myself drawn to him—not for his possessions or lack thereof, but for the person he truly was.
“I’m not poor,” he said with a gentle smile. “I’ve been feeling a bit low lately.” But I’m ready to stand my ground. I’ve got a lawyer on board, and my case is set to go to court next month. I’m going to reclaim everything.
In that moment of feeling overwhelmed, it hit me that everything had shifted. I wasn’t just married to a man who needed help; I was married to someone with his own story, one filled with strength and resilience.
As I sat there, holding his hand, I realized that no matter what came next, I was no longer just existing to meet my parents’ expectations. I discovered something genuine—something I never anticipated, yet it felt more right than anything I had ever experienced.
It appears that life has a quirky knack for catching us off guard. I ended up marrying a homeless man for reasons I never saw coming, and in exchange, I discovered love in its truest and most surprising form.
