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About this story:

Invisible grocery worker Spencer agrees to a favor for her best friend—only to be recruited as a dying woman’s “substitute wife” for her powerful husband. Loyalty, desire, and control collide during ninety-six dangerous hours that could change everything.

Author’s Notes
Wow and wow / When I wrote the notes on this story, I didn’t imagine I could manipulate my way into it so fast. I was skeptical of convincing a church girl into Delanie’s scheme, but I love how Spencer is a little open-minded. About how she’s closed herself off from the world, but she’s not straight up code. Her intelligence keeps her curious enough to wonder… and with that, I can slip in and mix it up for her… and for you.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Ramona.

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Chapter 3 – Meeting Mrs. Parson

Spencer’s heartbeat pounded in her ears, a relentless drumbeat that drowned out rational thought. Her mind spun in a tumult of emotions: shock, disbelief, anger, and more than a hint of revulsion. The audacity of Delanie’s request left her stunned and speechless. The absurdity of the situation almost made her question if she had misheard. Yet as Delanie’s words echoed in her mind, the reality slowly seeped in.

“No,” Spencer finally managed, the word escaping as a breathless protest.

“I’m willing to pay you no matter the price you ask, Ms. Paige.” Delanie removed a blank check from her pocket and placed it in the middle of the table.

Spencer felt a sudden rush of emotions: fear tightened her chest, detestation coursed through her veins, and an unexpected intrigue sparked a flame in her mind. What kind of life was being thrust upon her? Would she really be able to do this? But mostly, why her? As these questions loomed large, gripping her in an internal struggle that left her frozen, memories of her childhood home flickered in her mind. Her grandmother’s gentle yet firm voice echoed, instilling in her the principles of integrity and self-worth. More than anything, Spencer feared losing herself, betraying the principles her grandmother had instilled in her. Her dream of living a life guided by integrity hung in the balance, and she worried about tarnishing her sense of self for any promise or price.

“I can’t. This is wrong.”

Delanie spoke fast. “In a normal world, yes, it would be, but seeing that my body can no longer be a wife to my husband physically for the past five years, I find myself in the position of allowing another to take my place. In your position, this will be a financial opportunity that any woman could dream of.” She tapped the blank check. “My husband has needs, and I’m unable to fill them. So I will gladly pay for your help.”

Spencer could feel the tension simmer beneath her skin, each heartbeat echoing loudly in her chest. Her fingers curled tightly around the edge of the table as if it were her only anchor amidst the storm. Sweat trickled slowly down the back of her neck, a tangible manifestation of her mounting anxiety. With a sudden, jerky motion, she pushed herself away from the table, nearly knocking over the chair in her haste. Her steps were quick and uneven as she fled towards the door, driven by an urgent need to escape before the nausea overwhelmed her entirely.

“Please!” Delanie exclaimed at the top of her lungs.

The cry of desperation hung heavy in the older woman’s voice, and, looking back at her, Spencer could see that as Delanie tried to stand, the woman was not in the best shape.

Her limbs wobbled, and Spencer could see that physical pain was wracking her body.

From taking care of Grandma Spence in her last days, Spencer could quickly identify real pain when she saw it cross someone’s face.

Looking around the kitchen, Spencer noted there was a cane by the other door that led into the house, and then she remembered seeing the name of the tea tag hanging off the tag – wormwood. A tea for pain and inflammation.

Delanie’s hands trembled slightly as she reached for the tea. Her grip was unstable, causing a few drops to spill over the rim of the cup and leave a small, dark stain on the tablecloth. “I don’t have much time to be in my right mind before I’m dragged to hospice and I can’t move anymore,” Delanie explained. “There have been others, but none have worked. I need this, and I’m willing to give my entire fortune to please my husband.”

“I’m not that type of woman, Mrs. Parson.

Delanie snorted. “And that makes you perfect for him.”

Spencer’s feet urged her to keep going, but the pull of curiosity kept her frozen where she stood. “And he will go along with this?”

“He’s been resistant to the idea of anyone locally, but when our worldwide search didn’t appeal to him, I knew a local girl would pique his attention.” She grimaced, but Spencer wasn’t sure if that was pain. signal or personal angst. “Someone who was born where he was. Down home and churchy, if I may say so. I grew up all over the world, so it would be different for him, but our body types are the same. I ran a background check on you. You have a lot in common, but you’re not hood, if you know what I mean. You even go to church, like he used to do. Sometimes I think he misses it, but his family turned him away from the church. He was a pastor’s son.” She said it proudly, but that only made Spencer even more revolted.

A man who grew up in church was okay with his wife sharing him with other women?

“My husband often says the sins of the father will come to the son.” A glimmer of sadness came, but Delanie shook her head slightly as if dispelling a bad memory.

“Trying to get me interested in your husband is really sick, lady,” Spencer snarled. “Especially using the church when all you’re asking me is an abomination.”

“I’m trying to get you to understand, two or three months of getting off your moral high horse will give you the financial opportunity of a lifetime,” Delanie retaliated.

It was Spencer’s turn to snort. No one had ever called her hoity-toity, but this woman was implying it.

“Sit down,” Spencer ordered, moving to the small sink and washing her hands, seeing Delanie tremble a little more.

Delanie wasn’t too prideful to give in to her pain, but she still looked desperate, as if her eyes could stop Spencer from leaving. “There’s water in the fridge, and the glasses are above your head.”

“Give me more details, Mrs. Parson,” Spencer said, getting the glasses and then going over to the refrigerator to pour two glasses of water. “When you say take your place, I assume, right in thinking that means full wife duties.”

“I want you to do what I would do for him, and I will be there to instruct you.”

“But why? What’s the point? After you’re gone, it won’t mean anything.”

“It’s for me. I’d rather be here and watch him stray with one woman than struggle with the years and years of frustration he’s been going through while he watches me die. He needs relief, even though he doesn’t say it, and he needs someone there for him that I don’t mind him being with. The more I discovered about you, the more I’m inclined to know you’d be perfect.”

Spencer stood there, wrestling with her emotions. Beneath her revulsion, there was a flicker of curiosity she couldn’t entirely dismiss. What if there was a part of her longing for a chance to step out of the confines of her life? Or perhaps there was a hidden longing for a deep connection, a place where she belonged, even if under such bizarre circumstances. These silent whispers, these questions of what life could be if she dared step off the path, tugged at her resolve, but then there was also Ramona. Helping her friend get the promotion was on the line. “You looked me up all today?”

“No, Ms. Craig gave me your information two months ago when I inquired with her. She mentioned taking off a day to help you handle the passing of your mother.”

Spencer corrected her, “My grandmother and it wasn’t her death. She was helping me move from my grandmother’s home. You assumed that selling my grandmother’s house was a need for money?”

“I felt you were in a bad place and you had no one else.”

“And being your proxy was going to cheer me up?” Spencer asked sarcastically.

Delanie tightened up. “So there is more to you than meets the eye?”

“When my morals are being challenged, then a little snarky will come to the surface,” Spencer explained, but did not apologize. “Did you tell Ramona not to approach me about you needing me until yesterday?”

“No, I have been nudging her to let her know little by little, and it was only then that I managed to surprise her with winning the office lottery gift card to the restaurant she took you to repeatedly. More or less, more nudging to speak with you about coming to work for me.”

Spencer didn’t know how to make sense of that information. The lunches weren’t Ramona’s idea at all. “Deceit takes a while to soak in, I guess.”

“But it was certainly worth it, because you’re here and I’m willing to do whatever you desire, Ms. Paige. I’m sure you’d like to move from that small apartment and get a car,” Delanie enticed.

Putting her hand up to stop the woman from talking about money again, Spencer took a deep breath, knowing revulsion would return immediately. “I don’t know how to get my driver’s license.”

“Really? I mean, I saw your file, but I just thought it was omitted by mistake.”

“My grandmother did all the driving, and I usually only needed to take the bus or my bike to places. It’s never been a priority. I’ve been taking care of my grandmother most of my life since I’ve been able to.”

Delanie shook her head in amazement. “I can’t believe how secluded you’ve been. It’s as if you are deliberately keeping your world small so you won’t stand out. And how you can’t see this is the perfect opportunity for you, Ms. Paige.”

Spencer diverted her eyes, not liking how Delanie had hit the nail on the head about her. Yet, entering this venture would certainly draw people to her. Her legs twitched to run out the door, but something deep inside of her made her stay. She thought about the elaborate cover story she would need to maintain, the double life she would have to balance. How long could she keep Ramona convinced that she was working on a house project? What if she slipped up and someone started asking questions? Her anxieties bubbled under the surface, creating a whirlpool of tension within her. Since she’d signed the NDA, Spencer just needed to know the reasoning for this woman’s insane logic of ‘pleasing her husband.’ And thinking this crazy plan would work. “Ramona is only going to believe I’m working on a house project for so long.”

“Then you make up an excuse. But I would rather not have anyone find out about my sickness at all, or this arrangement. If you agree, we plan to announce his promotion to head the company after this week. I’m moving him into the CEO spot and announcing my retirement to pursue some personal endeavors. No one’s filled that spot since my father passed, and I know it will trigger my half-sister to start trying to take the company from my husband.”

Spencer was starting to pace to expend the irritation and indecisiveness riddling her nerves. “You’re asking me to participate in lies, deceit, and adultery.”

Delanie reached into a nearby kitchen drawer and pulled out a thick stack of bound papers, its weight on the table sending an ominous thud through the room. “As I said, this isn’t our first rodeo. We constructed agreements over the years, but I think this one is perfect. It’s put together for you.” She looked Spencer in the eye. “It’s not adultery if I approve and I’m there. And the lies and deceit stem from my condition. If my sister finds out I’m this ill, her lawyers will come in to try to take my father’s company away from me before I can move my husband into the CEO spot, and he can legally take over the company. It’s all a bunch of legal mumbo jumbo, but my lawyers are going to handle it if we do this carefully and secretly.”

“Me? But you don’t know anything about me?” She sank into the seat beside Delanie in dread.

“I know what I have seen on paper about you, Ms. Paige, and what I know is that this agreement is created around your pleasure.”

Spencer shifted in her chair uncomfortably. “How would you know what my pleasure is?”

“I personally interviewed your three boyfriends, but they have no idea why. Leland is a talker.” Delanie crinkled her nose.

“Three?” She scanned her memory. One was from middle school. Another from early high school, and then there was Leland, whom she started dating in her last year of high school. Any other guys she had spoken to since high school were just talking to her. Spencer had been too busy with Grandma Spence’s business and life, plus church, to really have time to date.

Delanie questioned, “Were you desperate or lonely when you decided that Leland was going to be your husband?”

Grinding her teeth in disapproval, Spencer said, “Neither. I had feelings for him.”

“Feelings? Really, Ms. Paige. Is that what you call the need to be an accessory? Or a doormat for a man?”

“You’re asking another woman to proxy for you and giving advice on how to be a good wife, Mrs. Parson.”

“You’re right,” Delanie said. “To each his own, but as my proxy, you won’t be a doormat to my husband. He will treat you just as he has me, with respect and passion.”

Again, Spencer shifted. “How is that possible? How can he be so on board with this?”

“Because he wants to please me, and this is what I want. I know what’s best for him. If I don’t do this before I’m dead, he’ll end up a hermit with the windows drawn and never hearing someone tenderly call his name.”

Spencer paused momentarily, searching Delanie’s face for any hint of uncertainty or hesitation, but she found none. “And what will happen when this is over? When you pass away?”

Delanie seemed to pause, caught in her reverie, before responding. “I hope you two will be friends or at least you’ll call him up for his birthday, get him out of the house once in a while, or cook his favorite meal once a year, so he remembers he’s human – not a machine. He gets so wrapped up in work that he’ll forget to eat unless I remind him. He’s very focused and a workaholic. Without me, he’ll gradually isolate himself more.” Delanie continued, her voice softening, “He loves someone who could challenge him, someone who sees beyond the façade of his accomplishments.”

“And not be forgotten,” Spencer finished.

“He’ll forget himself,” Delanie corrected. “And he’ll never have peace. As his wife, this is what I want for him. My parting gift.”

“What if I don’t like him?”

“He’s not an easy man to like. That’s why I’ll be there. To help you see what I see.”

Spencer announced, “I’m not gay.”

“Neither am I, but there will be times I’m there during sexual situations to make you feel comfortable.”

“And him?”

“He’ll be comfortable because I’m there.”

“This is very strange,” Spencer said out loud.

“I love that you express yourself and voice your opinion out loud to me, Ms. Paige. It’s only making me know I’ve picked the right woman for him.”

“I’m not like that around men.”

“I know, but my husband will deal with that as well. I’m not worried.”

“How much did you pay the other women?”

Without hesitation, Delanie answered, “One hundred thousand a year, all expenses paid until my death, and then a two hundred and fifty thousand a year payout for two years. There is a trial period prior to the beginning of the contract, and unfortunately, none of the women made it past that, but they took their check, an NDA, and that was it.”

“You seem very confident that I will.”

“I just have a feeling,” Delanie responded.

“How long is the trial period? You’re saying you only have two to three months to live.”

“This weekend. I’m getting my booster shot tomorrow to help with my energy. While that’s taking place, you’ll go to my doctor to make sure you are physically able to do what we have in mind, and then you’ll have a full spa day to clean up. I’m sure you’ll need to be properly groomed.”

That stiff voice had returned, and Spencer was getting agitated. “I keep myself pretty clean.”

“But when was the last time you’ve been scrubbed from head to toe or had a chance to soak in a volcanic mud bath from El Totumo, Colombia? You will be changed, and most importantly, you’ll be cleaned and groomed. My husband likes a certain cut on a woman, and even from here, I know you probably haven’t shaved under your arms in forever.”

Yes, the dress was short-sleeved, but Spencer was sure the woman could not see in her armpits. “And after this weekend?”

“If you want to continue, you’ll sign the final agreement at the joining ceremony Sunday night.”

“A what?”Delanie explained, “A joining ceremony. He’ll present you with a ring, and he’ll have a ring. It will symbolize that you’re his second wife, and you’ll be exclusive to him and only him. No other man can touch you until my death. That’s the only thing he specified in the contract.”

Everything was overwhelming to Spencer. Never in her life would she ever imagine having this kind of conversation in the middle of the night with a woman about her husband. “I can’t believe we’re speaking about this like it’s the weather.”

“It’s not the first time we’ve tried, but I think this time will be a success.”

“And why isn’t he here?” Spencer questioned with suspicion.

Delanie smiled shyly. “Initial discussions are always started by me. And I think his presence would be too disruptive.”

“I don’t know why you’re so sure about me.”

“Because I’m his wife. Our failure has been his, even though our last one, he was going to go through with it, but I knew he was not in love with her.”

“Wait! You want him to fall in love with me? How? He’s married to you?”

“People can love more than one person at a time. By the time it happens, I’ll most likely be in hospice on my last breath, and I’ll watch you hold him in comfort as I die. Or at least I hope.”

“That’s so sad,” Spencer responded. “How can you take your death so lightly?”

“Don’t pity me, please, Ms. Paige. After all the pain I’ve been in for the last five years, I’ll welcome it. I think I haven’t died because I need this to happen.”

“But why, Mrs. Parson? Why do you need another woman to make your husband happy?”

“Because if I don’t, he’ll shrivel up and die – alone. He’s a man who needs a woman’s love to be his best self. He just doesn’t know it. And when you have his love, you’ll understand what I mean.”

“What if I don’t want it?”

“It’s not expected that you fall in love with him,” Delanie said. “But if it happens, it happens.” She flipped through several pages of the contract. “I just have to ask you some questions before I give you this to read while you’re at your appointments today.”

“Wait, I have work.”

“Not if I call your supervisor and tell him you’ll have today and this weekend off.”

“He couldn’t find a replacement for me that fast.”

“He will,” Delanie assured her. “Other than you, money does buy what I want.”

Spencer shifted uncomfortably, remembering how her supervisor had been a little bit too jovial when he’d come to tell her some ‘fancy lady’ was there.

“Are you ready?” Delanie asked. “I have to ask you some questions about your sexual skills. I need to develop a baseline plan so we don’t overwhelm you.”

“A baseline to what?”

“Sex, Ms. Paige. One does not jump in the deep end if they’ve never gotten their feet wet. How many types of orgasms have you had?”

“I’m positive that’s jumping in the deep end,” Spencer responded, blushing all the way down to her toes.

“It’ll help set a baseline.”

Spencer was still in disbelief about the situation and deeply embarrassed to speak about it, while Delanie patiently tapped the document with the pen, awaiting her reply. “I guess I’ve had five orgasms.”

The older woman looked up from her writing to look at Spencer as if she had told a joke, but the punchline wasn’t coming afterward. “But what type?”

“What do you mean by type? An orgasm is an orgasm.”

Delanie wrote something on the side of a page and tore out three pages. “Have you had a kiss orgasm?”

“Just kissing?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Clitorially.”

“Well, that’s where they happen.”

“How about anally?”

“How?”

Delanie snorted. “Multiple?”

“I can’t do this!” Spencer exclaimed, jumping back up from the chair, wrapping her arms around his waist as she started to pace. “You’re messing with me.”

“No, Ms. Paige, I’m not. As I said, this is a baseline. Please have a seat. I just have a few more questions.”

“I’d rather stand.”

“Then promise you won’t run out every time you feel uncomfortable. As my proxy, you’re going to have to be comfortable doing these things I did for my husband.”

“Were you freaky?”

“When you’re married, nothing is off the table. Next question, rate your oral skills from one to ten?”

“I don’t think I can.”

“What’s your wildest sex experience?”

“In a car.” Spencer blurted out. “Oh no, I did it in a backyard at a party, but no one knew.”

Delanie actually looked interested. “Did you like it?”

“Once I got over my nervousness, yes.”

“Did you orgasm?”

“I think so. It was my first time doing it outside.”

The older woman rolled her eyes. “Would you rather have been made love to all night or have an interesting conversation all night?”

“Both?”

That was the first time Delanie seemed pleased with a question as she scribbled down on the third sheet of paper she’d ripped out of the contract.

“Have you done water play? BDSM? Or had sex with other species?”

“Are you messing with me again?”

“I’m dead serious.”

“No, no, and no.”

Delanie did more writing. “That’s it.” She folded the three sheets she had been making notes on and put them in her robe, and then brought out another thick card. One side of it was golden. “You have a doctor’s appointment at seven in the morning, and then a car will take you to the spa. I have your number and email in my contacts. I will forward the appointment details and schedule a wake-up alarm. Afterward, you’ll meet my husband. I’d like him to see you fresh from your appointment. I know he will see what I see.”

The vile rumbled in her stomach, and she didn’t know if she had anything in her to throw up.

If Spencer refused, could Ramona be fired? Spencer was taking a risk by getting involved in Delanie’s clandestine arrangement. Ramona’s reputation at work was on the line. If Delanie felt slighted or things didn’t go as planned, there was a real possibility that this wife could use her influence to jeopardize Ramona’s career. Despite being competent and well-regarded, Ramona could be vulnerable to office politics, damaging rumors, or, worse, an unjust dismissal orchestrated by the powerful woman. The anxiety gnawed at Spencer, knowing that her decision could have far-reaching consequences for Ramona’s professional and personal life.

No. She couldn’t because it was obvious. This woman was using her power over Spencer to get what she wanted. If Delanie couldn’t pay her off, then she was going to use whatever she could in her arsenal to get what she wanted.

That’s what hoity-toity bitches did, right?

Delanie turned her phone to Spencer as she stood up slowly, steadying herself. Her screen indicated a car service was on its way to the address. Handing Spencer the large document, Delanie said, “If you have any questions, I’ve texted my number and email to you.”

“I most likely will have a million questions,” Spencer said.

“That would make me happier.”

It was Spencer’s turn to roll her eyes as Delanie’s phone chirped.

“Your car is here. I will speak with you tomorrow.”

“What if I had other plans for my life for the next couple of months? What if I needed to do something else that didn’t involve being your proxy wife to your husband?” Spencer asked.

“What? Stocking more shelves? Packing more orders perfectly? I don’t think you did, Ms. Paige,” Delanie said. “Take the offer and enjoy yourself for three months. Even if you do no other exciting thing for the rest of your life, you’ll have this to talk about.”

Spencer snatched the document, gathered her items, and walked out. As soon as the ride share was driving away, she realized she hadn’t taken the blank check. Looking at the first page of the document, she immediately saw the man she would be obligated to for the next couple of months if she accepted the offer.

Marques Parson.

A very cold, offish name. Was that a title?

Was this worth her friendship with Ramona?

This was more than a favor. And she couldn’t even tell Ramona about it.

___ *** ___

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His Substitute Wife … My Best Friend (c) 2026 Sylvia Hubbard All Rights Reserved
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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