The Substitute Bride's Duty

Seraphina Harmon, heiress to one of the most powerful families in the city, was in a coma after a car crash.
My brother was chosen to be her groom in a propitious marriage meant to bring her luck. But the day before the wedding, he completely snapped.
I wont do it! he screamed, his voice cracking with hysteria. Id rather die than marry her!
I was about to try and calm him down when shimmering text began to float in front of my eyes:
The male lead has been reborn! This time, he can finally escape the Harmon family.
Imagine being married to a paralyzed woman in a vegetative state. Trapped in a sexless marriage for life.
Sure, its a top-tier family, a mansion, and unlimited money, but our MC is a man who craves a passionate, whirlwind romance!
My eyes locked onto the key phrase: unlimited money.
A brilliant light bulb went off in my head.
Ill do it.
Ill marry her instead of my brother.
My brother, Ethan, was still sobbing in the living room. Marry a woman in a coma? Id rather die!
My parents had always doted on him. They saw this as a true injustice. My mother clenched her jaw. Then dont. I wont let my son suffer like this.
My father looked worried. But the Harmons theyre not a family you can afford to cross.
This marriage was only on the table because Ethans astrological chart was a perfect match for their daughters. If we back out now, what do you think theyll do to us? he fretted. He was the only one in this family with a shred of sense.
But in the next second, he gritted his teeth too. Forget it. Even if we offend the Harmons, even if we lose everything, we cant ruin Ethans life!
The comments were touched.
Thank god the MC was born into a loving family. His parents adore him.
If hed been born into a family of leeches, hed just be repeating his last life, dying miserable and unloved.
Last time, he was forced into the marriage. The Harmons luxurious estate was nothing but a gilded cage. Sure, he had endless money, servants, gourmet food, and designer clothes, but who could stand being married to a comatose wife? Our MC has always been a true romantic.
In his past life, he was torn from his college sweetheart, a beautiful but poor girl. Now that hes been reborn, they can finally be together!
So that was it. Id been wondering why Ethan was acting so differently. Hed been reborn.
My dad pulled out his phone, ready to call the Harmons and cancel the wedding.
I lunged forward. Ill do it.
Ill take my brothers place.
My dads thumb froze over the screen.
I sprinted to my room, throwing my meager belongings into a suitcase with lightning speed. I slipped into the suit meant for my brother, dragged my suitcase back out to the living room, and screeched to a halt.
My mothers eyes lit up. Thats right! We can just have Leo marry into the family!
My fathers face broke into a wide grin. Of course! I almost forgot we had another son.
I was used to being ignored. It had been that way my whole life.
Mom, Dad, tell the Harmons not to bother sending a car tomorrow. Im heading over right now.
I gave them a little wave. See ya.
The moment the door clicked shut behind me, I heard a collective sigh of relief from inside, followed by the sounds of cheerful laughter as they sat down to dinner.
I was happy too. I started humming a little tune.
Making it rain, dollar bills all day, every single one is gonna fall my way
On the way to the Harmon estate, the comments popped up again.
Wait who is this guy?
Hes the MCs younger brother. Hes barely mentioned in the book, just a background character with zero presence. I think his name is Leo Shaw or something.
Oh. He seems way too happy about this. Wait until he has to start changing catheters and giving sponge baths. The smile will fade fast.
Is it just me, or is his family incredibly biased? Theyre both sons. When the older one is asked to marry a comatose woman, theyd risk everything to protect his happiness. But the younger one volunteers, and they dont even bother to see him off.
So what? Hes a side character. My precious Ethan is the main character. The whole world is supposed to revolve around him.
I ignored the comments, pretending I couldnt see them.
Inside, I was ecstatic.
Changing catheters? Sponge baths? Big deal. At home, I slept in a cramped closet under the stairs and worked three part-time jobs just to get by.
Now, I was marrying into one of the wealthiest families in the country. No more hustling, no more sleeping in a closet.
And the best part? No nagging wife, and a bottomless bank account.
This was the kind of life I couldnt even have dreamed of.
When I arrived at the gates of the Harmon Estate, my jaw dropped. It was enormous, spectacular. Truly the mark of an untouchable dynasty.
I explained my purpose to the head butler, who drove me up to the main house in what looked like a high-end golf cart.
A woman in a bespoke silk dress, the picture of refined elegance, looked me up and down. My suit was crisp, but I could feel her assessing gaze. And you are?
Mom. Ive always been quick with sweet talk.
Since I was the substitute, I had to use my brothers name. Its me, Ethan.
Her expression softened instantly. She came forward and took my hands. My dear boy. The car was meant to pick you up tomorrow. Why have you come tonight?
This is a wedding for luck, right? Lets skip the formalities. The sooner I get here, the sooner Seraphina might wake up.
Seraphina was her only, precious daughter. My words brought tears to her eyes. You poor child, this is so unfair to you.
Im not suffering at all.
You are, she insisted, pressing a bank card into my hand. My dear son-in-law, heres two million dollars. A little welcome gift from me.
When Seraphina wakes up, I promise you, we will throw you the most magnificent wedding imaginable.
Oh, I couldnt possibly. I said, pocketing the card.
Mrs. Harmon told me my room was ready, and that I could redecorate if I didnt like it. But first, she wanted me to see Seraphina.
I had half-expected her to be monstrously disfigured, which would explain why Ethan was so dead-set against marrying her.
I couldnt have been more wrong. She was breathtaking.
Perfectly sculpted features, skin like pale marble, wisps of dark hair falling softly across her forehead as she lay still in the bed. She looked like Sleeping Beauty.
The comments went into a frenzy.
How can a human being be this beautiful? This is God just showing off.
A stunning, aristocratic heiress. The very definition of old-money elegance. Even in a coma, shes completely out of reach for ordinary people. The campus sweetheart my MC is so obsessed with looks like a common weed next to this rose.
I wish I could possess this substitute guys body. A gorgeous wife who never wakes up and unlimited money? I want to live that carefree, lavish life.
Suddenly I dont get the MC. How could he not want this?
You cant look at it that way. Shes still just a body. She cant give him any emotional connection. The MC wants love, not just comfort. The thought of emptying her catheter bag is probably what grosses him out.
I dont want love. I want comfort.
I rolled up my sleeves to grab the catheter bag, but Mrs. Harmon stopped me. Ethan, what are you doing?
Emptying her bag.
You dont have to do that, she said, her voice gentle. We have nurses for that.
All you need to do is sit with her. Talk to her.
If you can help Seraphina wake up, anything you want, I will give it to you.
All Id done was call her Mom and shed given me two million dollars. I felt like I hadnt earned it. Mom, let me at least give her a sponge bath.
You go and rest. Ill stay with Seraphina. I promise, Ill do my best to help her wake up soon.
Tears welled in her eyes again. She looked so proud, so moved by my devotion. She took off a stunning, high-grade jade bracelet from her own wrist and slipped it onto mine. Then Ill leave her in your care. Dont overwork yourself.
This was my kind of mother-in-law. When in doubt, just throw money at the problem.
After she left, I practically drooled.
I grabbed a washcloth and excitedly began to unbutton Seraphinas silk pajamas.
Hey, wifey. Its your husband.
Heres a little secret: Im actually an imposter.
Your real fianc didnt want to marry you. Said he didnt want to be stuck with a vegetable.
Everything I just told your mom was a lie. So please, whatever you do, dont you dare wake up, okay?
Hahaha
I cackled with glee.
I was so absorbed, I didnt even notice her finger twitch.
Whoops, sorry, drooled on you again. Let me just wipe that off.
Lost in my admiration of her beauty, I was startled by a sudden, frantic beeping. Seraphinas heart monitor was going crazy.
Mrs. Harmon heard the alarm and rushed in with the family doctor.
I stood there, chewing my fingernails. Was she dying? My new life couldnt be over before it even started.
The doctor checked her vitals and turned to Mrs. Harmon. Dont worry, Madam. An emotional response is a good sign.
Even though shes unconscious, she can still hear whats going on around her.
She must have heard something exciting or agitating. Thats why her heart rate spiked.
What?
She can hear?
She heard every single horrible thing I just said! No wonder her heart rate spiked. Id pissed her off from beyond the veil of consciousness.
Ethan, youre our lucky star! Mrs. Harmon exclaimed, beaming. She handed me another card. Youve only just arrived, and Seraphina is already showing improvement. It seems the marriage for luck was the right choice.
This one has no limit. Take a few bodyguards and go on a shopping spree tomorrow.
Thanks, Mom.
Not wanting to agitate Seraphina any further, I went to my own room to sleep. If she knew I was an imposter, Id be finished the moment she woke up.
I opened the door to my new bedroom and gasped. The dcor was unbelievably opulent.
Later that night, I tossed in my sleep and vaguely saw a figure standing by my bed, its gaze burning into me.
I shot up like a jack-in-the-box. Hi-yah!
I launched a kick, sending the figure flying. I flipped on the light and saw a life-sized cardboard cutout of Seraphina lying on the floor.
The comments appeared: LMAO. Mrs. Harmon was worried they wouldnt bond, so she put a cutout of Seraphina in his room to build intimacy.
Honestly, that mother-in-law of mine. She had too much time on her hands. Scared the life out of me.
Hey, man. The next morning, I was on the phone with one hand, wiping Seraphinas face with a washcloth with the other. Her pale skin was turning red under my scrubbing, and the heart monitor started beeping again, the rising line a silent scream of: Youre hurting me!
I tossed the cloth aside. I wasnt even pressing that hard. Her skin was ridiculously delicate.
Wanna go shopping? Im paying for everything today.
Did you get paid? my friend Alex asked. We went way back; if I struck it rich, there was no way I was forgetting him.
Lets go to that all-you-can-eat buffet we saw, Alex suggested. They have a special on, only forty-five bucks a person.
Forget the buffet, I said, plopping down on Seraphinas bed and crossing my legs. Im rich now. I married into a wealthy family.
And my wifes in a coma, I whispered, covering my mouth to stifle a laugh. Today, were hitting the designer stores. When we get tired, well eat at a five-star restaurant.
After that, well hit up a high-end club, get a table, maybe find a dozen girls to party with.
Are you serious? Alexs voice cracked.
Beep-beep-beeeeeep
The line on Seraphinas heart monitor shot straight up. A vein was actually throbbing on her temple.
Gotta go, see you in a bit. I hung up. In my excitement, Id forgotten she could hear me.
I leaned over her. Hey now, wifey, dont get excited. Im a traditional, faithful man.
I would never cheat on you.
Im only going out to spend money and eat good food for your sake. You know what they say, husband and wife are one. Since youre stuck in bed, I have to go out and consume things on your behalf.
If I eat it, its like you ate it. If I have fun, its like you had fun. Everything I do, I do it for you. I hope you can understand my noble intentions.
You just lie there and rest easy, I thought. Ill gladly take care of your massive fortune for you.
Gazing at her flawlessly beautiful face, I leaned down and planted a loud smooch on her lips. So soft. How was she even real? She was exquisite. I kissed her a few more times, smudging off all her lipstick.
The comments were furious.
Seraphina has severe mysophobia! She hates being touched by men! Leo is such a scumbag, taking advantage of her when she cant move.
Hey now, shes my wife. Whats wrong with a few kisses? Their outrage just made me want to do it more. I kissed her a few more times for good measure, then put on my sunglasses and sauntered out.
Bye, wifey! Im off to have some fun. No, wait Im off to have some fun for you.
And dont worry. Im a traditional, faithful man. I would never cheat on you.
Man, even the air smelled sweeter when you were rich. This was the life.
After I left, the woman in the bed suddenly shot upright, and a mouthful of blood sprayed from her lips.

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