I've been dating the country's most eligible bachelor for two years.

My base salary is $2 million, with bonuses based on performance.

Holding hands costs $10,000, putting an arm around his waist is $20,000, and a kiss on the lips is a bit pricier at $50,000.

As for certain bedroom activities, well, those come with a whole different price tag.

Brad is fair-skinned and handsome, appearing only once a month – he's practically a walking Tiffany's diamond.

Life is so sweet, it's easy to get complacent if you're not careful.

One night, a DM popped up on Instagram from a stranger.

"If you trust me, check your boyfriend's phone."

..........

Staring at the message on my phone, identical to the one from my previous life, I realized I had been reborn. Back to the second year of my relationship with Brad Halter.

Gone were the days of being penniless and Brad's obsessive pursuit. I was once again his darling, the number one stand-in who could count money until my hands cramped, all thanks to my pretty face.

Stand-in for whom? Of course, for Linda Clark, the country’s top socialite who flew to Estaland years ago, choosing her dreams over love.

My phone buzzed with another message:

"Are you free now? How about we meet right away?"

Tsk. Just as impatient as in my previous life.

The girl on the other end was Anne Larson, Brad's second stand-in kept on the side.

At first, I didn't believe Anne's story, until she produced intimate photos of Brad and Linda, along with a limited edition black card...

I had one too. But with one small difference - mine was labeled "1," hers "2."

I'd call it Brad's exclusive lover's card set. I guess I was on the payroll too.

Just like in my previous life, I went to the meeting spot. Anne was sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window, sipping coffee.

Skipping the pleasantries, she got straight to the point.

"Miss Harper, Brad has a girlfriend."

"I was shocked to discover I was Brad's affair, being someone else's ideal replacement. I never saw that coming."

"One stand-in wasn't enough, he had to have two," Anne said with a bitter smile.

I didn't miss the glint in her eyes.

In my past life, anger at the betrayal had clouded my judgment, and Anne's prodding had worked.

Wasn't this just an attempt to build rapport and evoke sympathy?

This time... I sipped my coffee quietly, waiting for her next move.

Seeing no reaction from me, she continued, "I heard you initially didn't want to be with him, but Brad forced you to stay."

"You don't know how terrible Brad really is, do you?"

"When are you planning to break up with Brad?"

Finally, her true motive came out.

In her eyes, there was a hint of hope and expectation that she desperately tried to hide.

In my past life, blinded by anger, I spilled every detail about my relationship with Brad to Anne, treating her like a fellow victim.

We put our heads together, railing against Brad's despicable behavior.

After expressing my utter disgust for Brad, she even volunteered to help me strategize how to leave him.

Little did I know that when I was later cornered and chased down by Brad, she would still be standing by his side, pristine and poised.

That's when it hit me.

Her goal from the start was to replace me as the number one stand-in!

She wanted to be the only one by Brad's side.

Being Brad's stand-in came with great perks, yet she was so greedy that she couldn't even tolerate my position!

She was too close-minded.

Didn't she know that it's better when everyone's happy?

This time, I won't let Anne find an opportunity to steal my position as the number one stand-in!

I was about to speak when my phone suddenly vibrated, Brad's name flashing on the screen.

Under Anne's prying eyes, I answered the call with the most affected gesture I could muster in this lifetime.

"Wait for me at home tonight."

Before I could even say "Hello," his deep voice came through. As soon as he finished speaking, the call ended.

Oh so domineering, I love it.

I quickly put my phone away, stood up, and downed my coffee in one gulp. "I'll call you later. Duty calls – Master Brad awaits~"

Back at the luxurious villa Brad bought me, he was working on the couch. I leaned against the doorframe, silently admiring his chiseled features.

In my past life, we met by chance after college. The next day, he had me brought to his home.

I thought he was captivated by my beauty, unable to resist.

Little did I know, it was because I resembled his first love who went overseas.

At first, I refused to comply.

Who did he think he was, snatching me up like that?

Then he handed me a black Amex.

Just like that, this small-town girl with nothing but good looks, who dreamed of rolling in dough, fell hard.

But on one condition: we had to date. I wouldn't be just another sugar baby.

Just as I braced myself to chase my dreams, Brad only wanted to Netflix and chill.

It was a win-win. I wasn't complaining.

Then Anne appeared, telling me I was the side chick, just a stand-in for Brad's lost love.

Young and proud, I broke things off with Brad.

He froze all my assets, and in a fit of anger, I ran away...

Only to get hit by a truck.

An untimely death.

What was the point of my stubbornness? It only let Anne succeed.

Not just proud, but stupid too!

Change your perspective, and suddenly the world's your oyster.

The other woman? As if.

I'm Brad's little pet, living it up in a golden cage, there for him to cuddle when the mood strikes!

I know my place in his heart.

"Come here." I looked up. Brad had noticed me, still writing as he spoke.

I obediently walked over.

Brad handed me a piece of paper, speaking tiredly, "Give me a hug."

I looked down, my eyes lighting up.

A check!

I glanced at the amount.

$100,000!

I reached out, then paused. Two seconds later, I painfully pushed the check back.

I leaned into his open arms. "Today it's free! This one's on me!"

As Master Brad's pet, I've been quite unprofessional.

How could I let him wait for me at home?!

I felt his embrace stiffen.

Too tired from work today?

Brad always finds me when he's uncomfortable or in a bad mood.

Hugging me, kissing me, it's like his personal way to recharge.

$100,000 for a hug, far above market price. Seems his mood is really off today.

Being a good pet, I patted his back comfortingly.

Brad's chest vibrated slightly. "What's with the sudden obedience?"

I panicked.

This is what your dear pet should do!

Before, I'd take his money but act reluctant, wanting it both ways.

Looking back, my attitude was terrible!

I was so ungrateful!

Who wouldn't love a man with money, looks, and a great body, who loves his work, comes home only once a month, and satisfies you completely each time?

As we continued hugging, Brad's head tilted and fell onto my shoulder. He had fallen asleep.

Dark circles shadowed Brad's eyes, and the butler beside us looked heartbroken. "Miss Harper, the young master only sleeps this well when he's with you."

Huh?

I tentatively put on a similarly concerned expression, gazing at Brad with deep affection.

The butler's face immediately softened with relief.

Being a pet isn't as easy as it looks!

Of course, this position belongs to the most capable.

I hadn't forgotten that Anne was still eyeing my spot hungrily.

So there I was, serving as Brad's human pillow while I idly played with my phone.

Suddenly, a few messages popped up on my phone.

"Darling, I made your favorite dish today."

What's this about?

A second later, the messages were frantically deleted.

Then, Brad's phone screen suddenly lit up.

Did she send it to the wrong person?

What a scatterbrain.

I snickered and typed, "What did you just send? I was busy and didn't see it."

The other side typed and deleted, typed and deleted, rapidly responding in the chat box.

"Are you at home? Nothing happened with Brad, right?"

Testing me.

"I confronted him about breaking up, but he's locked me in the house and won't let me leave!"

"Oh my God! How could he do that to you? That's terrible!"

"Miss Harper, don't be afraid. I'll help you!"

Anne fired off a few messages.

It was all about how to make Brad angry, how to disappoint him, how to make him lose patience—poisonous schemes.

Reading through these, it's clear Anne doesn't want me by Brad's side!

"I have a brother who's a great guy. How about he takes you away first to lay low for a while?"

My eyes narrowed as I typed, "Really? I'm new to the city and don't know anyone. If your brother is willing to help, that would be amazing!"

"Great, the day after tomorrow at 8 PM, meet at the city harbor. My brother will be waiting for you there."

"Okay, but what about you? Aren't you coming with us?"

The other side started typing rapidly in the chat box again.

A few seconds later, "I'll be fine. My family has some connections, so Brad won't give me trouble."

Oh ho, some connections.

You mean that crippling factory that is going to bankrupt?

Who are you trying to fool?

"That's a relief then."

In my past life, I nervously snuck out to that harbor behind Brad's back. The man she said would meet me was just a thug she'd paid.

As soon as we met, he started pawing at me.

In the end, he tried to force himself on me.

Later, Brad discovered I was missing and brought people to the harbor just in time to save me.

In the chaos, I stole the thug's car keys.

With my terrible driving, I didn't make it far before crashing into a truck.

Remembering how cruel Anne was to me before, I clenched my jaw.

This time, I'll definitely cling tight to Brad and make her pay.

---

The curtains were suddenly yanked open, and sunlight flooded in, dazzling my eyes.

I squinted, about to grumble, when I remembered only Brad dared to enter my room.

I immediately put on my best smile, showing all eight teeth.

Fawningly, I said, "Young master, did you sleep well last night?"

Brad turned and glanced at me.

As a perceptive lapdog, I immediately sensed something was off with Brad.

I was about to say something when my phone notification rang out in the room.

“Bank Transfer: 50,000 dollars.”

Now that's a big shot with style. Even in a bad mood, he pays bonuses on time.

Giving what he should, never skimping.

My face hurt from smiling so hard.

"Thank you, young master."

Unexpectedly, as soon as I spoke, Brad's face darkened further. "You seem quite happy lately."

That sounded somewhat sarcastic.

This isn't good. My beloved master isn't happy—it's an insult to my professional abilities!

I quickly pocketed the money and said, "Young master, is there anything I can do for you?"

Brad frowned, hesitating before speaking, "This way you're addressing me..."

I suddenly remembered that in my past life, I resented Brad for forcefully bringing me here. I was incompetent but troublesome, harboring a grudge against Brad.

So until the car accident, I always addressed Brad as "Hey" or "You."

Thinking about it now, I was absolutely outrageous!

Is that any way to speak to your master?

Thinking he might not like being called "young master," I tentatively tried, "Daddy?"