The Stand-In Wife and His Only Obsession

The day before my arranged marriage to Joey Vance, the scion of New York's elite, my sister was reborn.
She ran to our parents, crying and screaming that she wanted to call off the engagement.
Just as I was about to ask what was going on, a stream of comments flashed before my eyes:
【Wait, how did the female lead get reborn? Author, explain yourself! This can’t be right.】
【This is a dark romance! It’s supposed to be a ‘she runs, he chases’ story. If she doesn’t marry him, what am I even reading?】
【Chill, everyone. Maybe a second chance is good. The heroine loves her freedom. Imagine a life where your food is flown in on private jets, your clothes are all custom-made, and your billionaire husband even dictates the brand of your toothpaste. A life with no struggle, no hardship… how could she possibly endure such a thing?!】
My eyes lit up. I was ready to volunteer as tribute.
She couldn't endure it? I sure as hell could.

1
I was pretty sure my sister, Eleanor, had been reborn.
There was no other explanation for it. Just yesterday, she was blushing and showing off her engagement ring. Now, after a single night's sleep, she was wailing and trying to back out of the deal of a lifetime.
In the living room, she was pleading with our parents, tears streaming down her face. She claimed that Joey Vance, the golden boy of New York society, was a possessive, controlling monster behind his gentlemanly facade.
This was news to all of us, considering she'd never even met the man.
Just as I was about to speak, the comments appeared again:
【Seriously, why did the main character get a do-over?】
【This is a dark romance! The whole point is the possessive male lead! If she doesn't marry him, the plot is dead!】
【Hey, don’t get so worked up. A choice is a choice. The heroine values her freedom. A life where your groceries are flown in daily, your wardrobe is haute couture, and your husband micromanages every little thing… a future of effortless luxury with no challenges? What a nightmare for her!】
My eyes practically glowed. This world was insane.
I didn't love freedom.
That so-called nightmare was the ultimate goal for a socially anxious lazybones like me.
But the insanity didn't stop there.
My parents, their faces etched with concern, helped Eleanor up. They declared that they would break the betrothal, arranged since our childhood. They were willing to risk bankruptcy and the wrath of New York’s entire upper crust to protect their daughter's freedom.
Hello? Weren't they forgetting someone? Had they never heard of the old sister-swap trope?
I watched as my father’s trembling hand reached for his phone.
I dropped to my knees with a thud.
"Dad! Mom! If Eleanor doesn't want to, I'll marry him! Is that okay?"
The living room fell silent for two long seconds.
My mother grabbed my father's arm. "Oh, honey, we forgot about Lynn! She's willing to go! This is perfect. Don't make the call yet, dear. The original agreement never specified which of our daughters it had to be."
My father let out a huge sigh of relief and put his phone down.
And just like that, everyone was happy.

2
That night, I was happily packing my things in my little room.
The comments continued to scroll by:
【Who is this random side character? How did she just waltz in and steal the female lead's role?】
【She looks pretty happy about it. Does she really think a life without freedom is so great?】
【Ummm, does anyone else notice the huge difference in how the family treats the two daughters?】
【To the person above, I noticed it in the living room. And look at their rooms. The sister gets the master suite with a private bathroom, and the younger one gets a tiny room converted from the maid's quarters. It’s blatant favoritism.】
【So what if they’re biased? Our Eleanor is the main character! The whole world should be biased in her favor.】
I ignored the bickering and continued to neatly fold my clothes.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Eleanor stood in the doorway, her eyes filled with uncertainty.
"Are you really going to take my place and get engaged to Joey?"
My stomach dropped. She wasn't having second thoughts, was she?
"Well… should I not go then?" I asked tentatively.
Eleanor didn't answer, biting her lip. "Joey is a terrifying man. You have no idea. He's so ruthless in business that he's driven people to their deaths."
Business deals didn't have much to do with me.
"But does he hit people? Does he make them do chores?"
Eleanor stared at me, then shook her head with a bitter smile. "It's ten times worse than that."
My heart clenched.
"He'll monitor your social life," she continued, "and control your every move!"
Oh. Is that all? Phew, no problem then.
Social life? I was a low-energy introvert. I hated socializing.
Going out? I was a homebody. Leaving the house was my personal kryptonite.
Seeing my visible relief, Eleanor looked confused and was about to say more. I quickly cut her off, claiming I was tired, and closed the door.
My whole life, if anything ever went wrong for her, our parents would blame me. I was terrified of her. Now, finally, I had a chance to escape it all.

3
The next day, our entire family boarded a private jet to New York.
Of course, we couldn't afford it. The flight was chartered by the Vance family.
The engagement ceremony was held in a lavishly decorated ballroom. In the bridal suite, I met the legendary Joey Vance for the first time.
All I can say is… damn.
I thought, with the way Eleanor described him, he’d be average-looking at best. I never imagined he’d be this tall, elegant, and impossibly handsome.
I had hit the absolute jackpot.
During the ceremony, he took my hand and gave me a warm smile. "Let's go, my fiancée."
My heart hammered against my ribs.
The comments went wild:
【I can't breathe, he's so hot. I volunteer to possess the fiancée for just five minutes.】
【OMG, did you hear how he stressed the word 'my'? I'm melting.】
【What are you all shipping? Didn't you see Eleanor in the audience? She's about to cry. This was supposed to be her engagement ceremony.】
【Person above, are you dense? She's the one who gave it up!】
After the ceremony, my sister dragged our parents over to say goodbye. She even reached out to shake Joey's hand.
I immediately intercepted, grabbing her hand myself. "Thank you so much, sis! I'll remember everything you said. My fiancé will, too!"
Joey glanced at me, a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
Eleanor bit her lip, looking both resentful and relieved at the same time.

4
That evening, Joey took me back to the Vance family mansion.
Staring at the enormous bedroom with its panoramic views and private balcony, I asked hesitantly, "Is this really for me?"
When he nodded, I almost cried.
But the real surprise was yet to come.
Seeing how much I liked it, Joey immediately instructed his butler to draw up a contract to transfer the mansion's deed into my name.
Happiness had struck so suddenly it felt like a dream.
"You're really giving me the mansion, too?"
Joey leaned down and kissed the top of my head. "As long as you never leave me, everything I have is yours."
I immediately swore an oath to the heavens, ready to bow down and worship my new benefactor.
The comments reappeared:
【There it is. That's my kind of deliciously dark, possessive vibe~】
【I'm not jealous at all. She may have gotten a multi-million dollar mansion, but she lost her precious freedom. sobs】
【No, why does she get everything? All of Joey's things should belong to Eleanor! This side character needs to know her place. She’s so shameless.】
【Okay, person above, I'm gonna have to fight you.】
After signing the contract, I drifted off into the most blissful sleep of my life.
Sometime in the night, half-awake, I felt a burning gaze watching me from the bedside.

5
Maybe it was because the engagement had gone so smoothly, but I let my guard down.
When I woke up the next morning, I found that my luggage had been taken away by the staff.
Just as my mind started spinning with dramatic scenarios of high-society power plays, a maid came to ask me to the dressing room. Joey was waiting for me there.
It was less a dressing room and more of a luxury boutique, twice the size of my family’s living room. Rows upon rows of clothes and handbags were arranged by color.
The thought of a future where my tears of joy would be designer, too, made me chuckle out loud.
"What are you laughing at?"
Joey had appeared silently beside me, holding a dress.
I waved my hand dismissively. "Are all these clothes for me?"
He looked down at me, his eyes dark and intense. "I had all of these brought in last night, tailored to your measurements… I imagined you in every single one of them. From now on, only I will decide what you wear. Is that alright?"
His words made my eyes burn. I quickly lowered my head.
The comments started exploding.
【Here we go! In the original novel, the heroine Eleanor flipped out at this line, called him a psycho, and their relationship went downhill, making him even more possessive.】
【The original book was just angst for the sake of angst. He doesn't mean it maliciously. He just wants to express that they belong to each other.】
【OMG, look! Lynn's reaction is even stronger! She looks like she's crying from anger! Joey thinks she hates him; his whole expression has changed!】
Reading that, I snapped my head up.
My eyes met Joey's dark, stormy gaze.

6
I snapped my head up, my eyes meeting Joey’s stormy gaze.
His lips were pressed into a thin line, the light in his eyes dimming as a terrifying pressure filled the room.
【Oh no, oh no, why is she crying? He’s definitely going to think she finds him creepy too.】
【For the love of God, explain yourself! You said you were into this! Don't blow it now!】
【Is she faking it? Pretending to go along with it so she can escape later? Clever girl.】
Seeing Joey's hurt but stoic expression, my heart ached.
I wasn't crying because I was angry!
I was crying because I was touched!
I grabbed his hand, my eyes welling with tears as I looked up at him.
"I… I'm just so moved."
"No one… no one has ever been this good to me before."
"My parents only ever had eyes for my sister. I always wore her hand-me-downs. My room was a converted maid's quarters. Even my name, Lynn, was chosen because Eleanor means 'shining light.' They wanted me to be plain, quiet, so I wouldn't compete with her."
"I've never had so many beautiful clothes. I never dreamed someone would do all this for me overnight."
The more I spoke, the more emotional I got, tears streaming down my face.
"Joey, you're too good to me. I'm afraid this is all a dream."
Joey was stunned. He reached out and gently wiped the tears from my cheeks with his thumb. His touch was light, tentative, as if he were afraid I might break.
"So… you don't hate me for controlling you?"
I shook my head so hard it was a blur. "No! Not at all! Please, by all means, control me to death!"
The darkness in Joey's eyes vanished, replaced by a smile that he couldn't contain. He pulled me into a fierce hug, resting his chin on my head and letting out a contented sigh.
"Lynn, you're wonderful."
【??? I did not see this coming.】
【Holy crap, she hit him with the reverse-uno psychology. She just fried his circuits.】
【This is what I call a pro move! Ladies, take notes! When a possessive billionaire tries his controlling nonsense, don't fight back. Cry and tell him he's too good to you and you can't handle it!】
【Person above, got my notepad out. I'll use this in my next life.】
The days that followed were pure bliss.
I'd wake up whenever I wanted. Joey would have already left for work, but my breakfast was always hot, with dozens of options to choose from. After eating, I'd curl up in the home theater or spend hours in the game room. In the afternoon, professional beauticians and masseuses would come to the house.
Every evening, Joey would be home right on time for dinner.
He was exactly as my sister had described, "monitoring" my social life. He bought me a new phone and, right in front of me, registered his own fingerprint.
"From now on, I can check your phone whenever I want."
I nodded obediently. "Of course. The passcode is your birthday."
He paused for a second, then leaned down and kissed my forehead, a smile in his voice. "Good girl."
【AAAAAAH, I'm dead, this is the cutest thing I've ever seen!】
【Lynn: I have no social life. Check my phone? You'll be checking my grocery list.】
【LMAO, I bet she has less than twenty contacts, and ten of them are food delivery bots and brand newsletters.】
The comments were spot on.
My only social interaction was with my mother. Our chats were simple.
Mom: 【Lynn, dear, how are you? Is Joey treating you well?】
Me: 【He's great.】
Mom: 【That's good to hear. Your sister has been in a bit of a funk lately. Could you ask Joey to introduce her to someone nice? She sacrificed so much for you.】
I almost snorted at the word "sacrificed."
I handed the phone directly to Joey. "Here. My mom wants you to find my sister a boyfriend."
Joey took the phone and scrolled for a few seconds, his brow furrowing. "Have they always treated you like this?"
"Pretty much," I shrugged. "I'm used to it."
He didn't say anything. He just took my phone and blocked both of my parents' numbers. Then he looked up at me, his eyes serious.
"From now on, I'm your family."
"I want you to rely only on me. Okay?"
What else could I say?
I launched myself at him like a tiger, tackling him onto the sofa. "Okay!" I yelled, overcome with emotion. "You're my one and only family! My one and only… daddy!"
Joey: "..."
【BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!】
【'Daddy'? Lynn, what is going on in that head of yours?】
【Joey: I thought you were my wife, but you see me as your father? We've got a problem here!】

7
The days passed, and Joey and I grew closer. I realized he wasn't a monster at all. His so-called "control" was more like a clumsy, awkward form of caring.
He didn't want me going out because he thought the world was dangerous and was afraid I'd get hurt. So every time I did go out (dragged by him), I was flanked by eight bodyguards. The procession looked like a royal visit.
He controlled my diet because I had a sensitive stomach and was a picky eater. So he hired a team of nutritionists and chefs to create an endless variety of delicious, healthy meals for me. After a month, my face was noticeably rounder.
As for controlling what I wore… Looking at the acres of designer clothes, bags, and shoes in my closet, all I could say was, "Please, sir, may I have some more?"
One day, I was lounging on the sofa, eating cherries that had been flown in that morning, when Joey handed me an invitation.
"There's a charity gala tonight. I need you to come with me."
I frowned. "Do I have to?" I despised social events. They were noisy, exhausting, and required a lot of fake smiling.
Joey pinched my cheek. "You have to. This one is important. A lot of my business partners will be there."
"Please? For me?" he added softly.
With him putting it like that, I reluctantly agreed.
That evening, wearing a stunning, star-dusted gown Joey had chosen for me, I arrived at the gala on his arm. We were a striking couple, and we immediately drew the attention of the entire room. I shrank back, feeling a little self-conscious.
Joey noticed and whispered in my ear, "Don't be afraid. Just stay by my side."
He introduced me to a few important people, and all I had to do was smile, nod, and look pretty. Just as I was plotting my escape to the dessert table, an unwelcome guest appeared.
My sister, Eleanor.
She was wearing an elegant white gown, her makeup flawless. Beside her stood a gentle, scholarly-looking man. When she saw me, a flash of jealousy and resentment crossed her face before she masked it with a look of concern.
"Lynn, what are you doing here?"
Before I could answer, Joey spoke, his voice cool. "She is my fiancée. Where else would she be?"
Eleanor's face paled, and she bit her lip. "Joey, I know you're powerful, but you can't do this to Lynn! She's still young! You shouldn't keep her locked up like a bird in a gilded cage!"
【Whoa, the heroine is here! And she brought the second male lead with her!】
【That guy has to be Mike from the original novel, right? The soulful artist who represents freedom.】
【Here we go, the classic showdown. The sister has arrived with 'Freedom' to rescue the 'imprisoned' sibling.】
I looked at Eleanor's self-righteous expression and had to stifle a laugh.
"Sis, I think you've got the wrong idea."
"I'm doing great. See?" I pinched the new chub on my cheek. "I've even gained weight."
The man beside Eleanor, Mike, frowned at me. "Miss, material wealth does not equal spiritual fulfillment. A free soul is something no amount of money can buy."
I blinked. "But I don't need a free soul. I just need a free-flowing bank account."
Mike: "..."
Eleanor's face flushed with anger. "Lynn! How can you be so shameless? Has he brainwashed you?"
She reached out to grab me.
Joey's expression hardened. He moved me behind him, his cold eyes fixed on them. "Miss Eleanor, please have some self-respect."
"And my fiancée's name is not for you to speak."
His possessiveness was on full display.
Eleanor flinched, stepping back as if struck. Her eyes turned red. "Joey, don't go too far! Lynn is my sister!"
"The moment she agreed to take your place, she became my wife, and mine alone," Joey replied, his voice like ice.
People around us started whispering and pointing. I sighed in annoyance. They had completely ruined my night. And I hadn't even gotten to the mini cheesecakes yet.
I tugged on Joey's sleeve. "I'm hungry. Can we go get something to eat?"
Joey looked down at me, the frost in his eyes melting instantly. He nodded. "Of course."
And just like that, as if no one else existed, he led me to the buffet.
He left Eleanor and Mike standing there, their faces a mixture of shock and fury.
【LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOO!】
【Well played! Nothing is more important than food!】
【Eleanor: I prepared a 300-word speech to save you. Lynn: K, but cake first.】
【Mike: The soul and freedom. Lynn: Cherries and steak. She's on another level, people.】

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