Despite my parents’ disapproval, I married a homeless man. When I returned home a month later, I was stunned by what I saw.
When I proposed marriage to a destitute stranger, I thought I had everything worked out perfectly. Without any restrictions, it seemed like the best way to please my parents. I had no idea that a month later I would be surprised when I walked inside my house.
I’m Miley, a 34-year-old single professional woman, and here is the story of how I went from being a happy single lady to getting married to a homeless man, only to have my life entirely turned upside down in the most unexpected way.
My parents have been encouraging me to get married for as long as I can remember. I feel as though they have a countdown running in their heads and are always keeping track of the seconds till my hair starts to turn white.
As a result, every family meal turned into a casual opportunity for matching.
My mother, Martha, would say, “Miley, honey.” “Do you remember the Johnsons’ son?” At his company, he was just elevated to the role of regional manager. “Perhaps you two could get together sometime for coffee.”
I would say, “Mom, I’m not interested in dating right now.” “My career is my main priority.”
But my dad, Stephen, would interrupt, saying, “Your job won’t keep you warm at night.” Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to spend your life with?
“I share my life with my friends and you,” I would reply. “That’s sufficient for me at this time.”
But they would not compromise. The never-ending stream of “What about so-and-so?” “Have you heard about this good-looking young man?” was unrelenting.
One night, things took a precipitous turn for the worst.
During our usual Sunday supper, my parents made a surprise announcement.
My father said, “Miley,” in a serious tone. “Mom and I have been contemplating.”
“Oh boy,” I whispered, “here we go.”
“That you will not receive a penny of our inheritance unless you are married by your 35th birthday,” he added, ignoring my pessimism.
“What?” I spoke my viewpoint suddenly. “You’re not serious!”
“We are,” my mum said again. “We are not getting any younger, my dear.” We look forward to seeing you happy and satisfied. In order to appreciate them, we would also like to have children while we are still young.
“This is absolutely crazy,” I cried. “I can’t be forced into marriage by blackmail!”
“It’s not blackmail,” my dad argued. “It’s an incentive, I guess.”
That night, unable to understand what had happened, I stormed out of their house. They had given me a deadline, saying I had to either find a husband in the coming months or forfeit my inheritance.
I was furious, but not because I wanted the money. The principle of the thing was more significant. And how dare they try to control my life like this?
I avoided answering their phone or going to see them for weeks. After that, one night I had a great idea.
I ran into him on my way home from work, thinking about spreadsheets and deadlines. A man with a cardboard sign asking for change was sitting on the sidewalk; he was probably in his late 30s.
He looked gruff, his beard was dishevelled, his clothes were filthy, but there was something in his irises. A melancholy and kindness that made me stop.
I had an idea at that same time. It was ridiculous, yet it seemed like the perfect solution to all my problems.
I expressed my regret to the person. “I know it sounds crazy, but would you like to marry?”
The man’s pupils expanded in shock. “I apologise, but what?”
“I know this is out of the ordinary, but I beg you to take my side,” I said, taking a deep breath. “I have to get married as soon as I can.” It would be a convenient union. I would provide you with a place to live, hygienic clothes, food, and money. And you would have to play the part of my wife in return. How would you respond?
He kept his eyes on me for a long moment. I was positive he thought I was kidding.
“Lady, are you serious?” he asked.
“Yes,” I assured him. “By the way, my name is Miley.”
With a puzzled expression, he answered, “Stan.” “And you’re actually proposing to marry a homeless man you recently met?”
“I gave a nod.”
“I know it sounds illogical, but I promise you that I am not a serial killer or anything.” A distressed woman whose parents meddle
“I have to admit, Miley, this is the most bizarre thing that has ever happened to me.”
“So, is the answer yes?” I asked.
He stared at me for a long time, and I can see the light in his eyes returning. “You know what?” There’s no excuse for not doing it. “Your future wife, you’ve landed a deal.”
When that happened, my life changed in a way I never could have predicted.
I took Stan shopping for new clothes, and once he was cleaned up at a salon, I was pleasantly shocked to discover that he was actually a pretty man underneath all that filth.
I told my folks that he was my secret fiancé three days later. It would be an understatement to say they were surprised.
“Miley!” said my mother. “What kept you from telling us?”
I lied when I said, “Oh, you know, I wanted to make sure it was serious before I said anything.” “But, honey, aren’t Stan and I incredibly in love?”
Stan gave a great performance. He enthralled my parents with stories he made up about our wild love affair.
After a month, we were married.
I made sure that I secured a solid prenuptial agreement in case my plan didn’t work. But I found that living with Stan was not as bad as I had expected, which was a pleasant surprise.
He was funny, smart, and always willing to help out around the house. We became simple pals, like tenants who sometimes had to pretend to be in love.
But there was only one thing that disturbed me.
Every time I asked Stan about his history, or how he had ended up homeless, he would say nothing. His eyes would darken, and he would suddenly change the topic. I found the mystery both fascinating and frustrating.
Then came the day that changed everything.
It was a normal day when I got home from work. As soon as I stepped inside the house, I noticed a trail of rose petals. I was led to the living room by it.
The image that met my eyes in the living room left me stunned. The whole space was covered with roses, and on the floor was a huge heart made of flowers.
At the centre of it all was Stan.
But this was no Stan that I knew as well. I had given him some comfy trousers and T-shirts, but they were gone.
Rather, he wore a sleek black tuxedo that looked like it cost more than my rent each month. In his palm was a little velvet purse.
“Stan?” I managed to get away. “What’s happening?”
I swear my heart skipped a beat when he grinned.
“Miley,” he answered. “I would like to communicate my appreciation for your approval.” You have made me very happy. If you truly loved me and became my wife—not just in name, but in actuality—I would be much happier. From the first time I saw you, I loved you, and the last month we’ve spent together has been the happiest month of my life. Are you open to marrying me? Really, this time?
My eyes were wide open as I stood there trying to make sense of what was happening. I had a thousand questions racing through my head, but one stood out.
“Where did you get the money for all of this, Stan?” I enquired cautiously. That ring, the tuxedo, the flowers?
“I guess it’s time for me to tell the truth,” he said, and let out a long sigh. “You see, I never told you the story of how I ended up homeless because it was too complicated and might have put you in danger.” And I also loved that we were together.
He went on to say, “My brothers decided to get rid of me and take over my company, which led to my homelessness.” “They faked my signatures, falsified documents, and stole my identity.” They once dumped me off at this town, hundreds of miles away from where I lived. The authorities pulled strings when I tried to get in touch with them, and I never got any help. They even made a bribe offer to my lawyer.
Stan spoke softly as he told his story, and I watched him closely.
He described how he had been trying to survive on the streets for months after losing everything. At that moment, he described how his experience with me had given him the will to resist.
He claims, “I chose to fight back when you gave me a house, clean clothes, and a little money.” “I reached out to the nation’s top law firm, which my brothers were unable to sway because it represents their rivals.”
The person claimed, “I told them my story and promised them a substantial payout.” “At first, they were reluctant to take the case without an advance, but after they realised they could outsmart their rivals, they finally agreed.” Because of their efforts, my bank accounts and documents have been restored, and a court case has been set for next month.
He stopped and looked at me with the same gentle eyes that had first caught my sight.
“I will be forthright with you,” he said with a smile. “I don’t live in poverty.” My whole life has been devoted to finding love, yet every woman I met was only concerned with my financial situation. You were kind to me, however, when you thought I had nothing. That’s why I started to feel something for you. For the long time I kept this information from you, I really apologise.
I fell back on the couch, not understanding what he was telling me. I couldn’t believe the man I’d married on a whim was actually rich and had real feelings for me.
I finally managed to remark, “Stan, you have really caught me off guard.” I am feeling the same feelings of love for you, but the amount of fresh information is overwhelming.
With a nod of assent, he pointed me towards the dining table. He cooked us a supper, which we ate.
After we finished our supper, Stan and I talked about how I was feeling.
“Thank you for your lovely gesture, Stan. In my entire life, no one has ever done anything like this for me. A tear escaped my eye as I was speaking.
“I’ll marry you.” That’s what I’m doing right now. However, would you mind following up with me in six months? If my choice doesn’t alter, we will have a real wedding. First, we ought to see how this new knowledge impacts our lives. You are facing a difficult legal battle, and I will give you the assistance you need.
There was a smile on Stan’s face. “I am very, very happy.” Sure, I’ll ask again in half a year. However, are you open to accepting my ring right now?
I nodded, and he put the ring on my finger. For the first time, we kissed and hugged each other. It seemed natural, but it wasn’t a Hollywood kiss complete with fireworks and upbeat music. I had the impression that I had come home.
As I write this, I am still having trouble understanding what has happened. I married a homeless man to annoy my parents, but I later discovered that he is a wealthy and compassionate businessman. The way that life functions is genuinely mysterious.