After becoming the stand-in for his lost love, I decided to play the billionaire CEO at his own game.

"If you're going to treat me like her, at least send me a shirtless pic first."

"You can't even seduce me - what makes you think you can win her back?"

1. The Stand-In with a Strategy

I found myself transported into the role of a romance novel heroine. In the story, I'm the substitute for the CEO's lost love, treated without dignity but still devoted to him.

I'm supposed to do his housework, cook for him, warm his bed, and endure the mockery of his friends. 

In the end, his true love returns and torments me. He casts me aside to please her. Only after I die tragically of cancer does he regret his actions. 

I may have lost my life, but he lost his chance at love!

I decided to take an unexpected path. 

The story had just begun. Jack Evans offered me $30,000 a month to be his stand-in girlfriend.

Jack fit the billionaire CEO stereotype perfectly:

"You'll live here now, take care of the house, and wait for me to come home each day."

"I still have classes."

"Drop out."

The original heroine did drop out, becoming nothing more than his live-in maid with no future. I had no intention of following that path:

"Mr. Evans, I've heard you chose me because I resemble your lost love, Samantha."

"If you love her so much, why seek a substitute? Isn't that disrespecting your feelings for her?"

The man who had been about to push me onto the couch paused: "That's none of your business."

"A man's best dowry is his loyalty, purity and chastity."

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

"Samantha just went abroad, she's not dead. How disappointed would she be to learn you had a mistress!"

"Frankly, among us women, your behavior would be seen as cheap and worthless. You've ruined any chance of rekindling things with her."

Jack was caught off guard by this lecture on male virtue.

"Don't think you can hide it from her. The truth always comes out," I said sternly, wagging my finger.

"Besides, our arrangement is purely financial. If we got physical, it would legally be prostitution. That wouldn't look good for your image or your company's stock price."

"You were quick enough to take the money though," he said coolly, eyeing me warily as he stood up.

"I'm trying to save you. Since I have the face you long for, I can help heal your broken heart - but not by selling my body."

"If you don't want to be my mistress, how do you plan to help?" 

"I can help you practice how to win her back," I said, adjusting my posture. 

The story said I looked most like her when looking up at him.

"Don't think of me as a substitute. Have confidence. From now on, pretend I'm Samantha. Imagine she's here now - what would you do?"

Jack took a drag of his cigarette, his gaze distant. "...She's never been here before."

Pathetic.

"Well, I'm here now, aren't I?" I smiled gently. "What are you going to do, hmm?"

Jack was entranced by my features in the dim light. He leaned in to kiss my cheek.

I shoved him away.

"Kissing without consent is sexual harassment."

My gaze turned sharp as I lifted my chin. "Go to the bathroom. Wet your shirt and show off your abs."

Jack was still reeling from being pushed away, shock written across his face.

I forcefully pulled him up, shoved him into the bathroom, and snapped a photo of his abs.

I'd styled him carefully - one shirt button was even mis-buttoned, with his v-line disappearing enticingly into black slacks and shoes. Forbidden yet alluring.

Samantha would approve.

I tossed him the phone. "Send it to her."

Jack's eyes darted away. "...I can't."

"Have you never pursued a woman before? Never had a normal relationship?"

A flash of embarrassment and annoyance crossed Jack's face.

I licked my lips: 

"How about this - I'll be your personal dating coach. I'll roleplay as Samantha and teach you how to make women like you."

"You'll gain dating skills and experience. Next time you confess to Samantha, you won't be so clueless."

"Plus, our contract keeps things purely professional. No emotional entanglement or physical contact. Your virtue stays intact."

Jack considered it. "Fine."

"Now then, drive me home."

"What?"

I glanced at my watch. "It's already 11 PM. It's not safe for a woman to go home alone this late. You need to drive me - and remember, I'm Samantha now. Don't try pawning me off on your driver."

Jack stared at my face for a long moment before grabbing his keys and driving me back to campus.

I changed my profile pic to match Samantha's and texted him: You were a good boy today.

Jack: Goodnight.

Players are made, not born.

If you sacrifice everything for him, even your dignity, he'll think you're worthless. 

Set the rules in your favor, establish clear boundaries, then calmly take his money - and he'll treat you with respect.

He might even thank you for it.