Online, I had this hot VP boyfriend, six foot three, and I'd get daily ab pics from him to approve.
So when he suggested we meet up in person, I broke up with him, no hesitation.
Because only I knew the truth: my online boyfriend was actually my boss.
But just as I swore to keep my identity a secret, I turned around and found myself in his arms.
"Please, don't break up with me?" he pleaded.

My boss has been in a foul mood lately.
Everyone felt it, and the office turned into a graveyard of productivity, with even fewer people secretly playing games.
Ryan, my boss, was working insane overtime, and no one dared to leave before him. So, our workdays stretched to eleven, sometimes midnight. I was constantly exhausted, sporting dark circles, and my skin had even started breaking out.
Honestly, I was probably the only one in the entire company who knew why he was so volatile, but I couldn't spill the beans.
Because, well, my boss had just gone through a breakup.
And, unfortunately, I was the "ex.
He just didn't know it yet.
It all started when my online boyfriend of two years wanted to meet.
We'd met on some random social app. He'd posted a "help me" thread, titled, "Why Can't I Find a Date?"
I clicked on it. The post read: "Male, 6'3", 165 lbs, 25 years old. Harvard grad, Management and Engineering. Currently a VP at a publicly traded company, seven-figure salary, owns a car and a house, celebrity good looks. Still single. Just wondering, what's my problem?"
The comments section was brutal.
"Troll post, confirmed."
"Dude's living in a fantasy, right? 25, VP at a major company? C'mon, at least make your lies believable."
Just messing around, I commented, "Probably your looks. Post a pic."
Then I exited the thread.
A little while later, the poster messaged me privately.
"Hey, can I send it privately?"
Me: "???"
I was confused, but hey, I live for drama.
"Sure."
Then, a photo popped up.
I choked on my coffee, spraying it all over my desk.
Are you kidding me? Six foot three? I'd believe five foot seven!
It was a mirror selfie, a third of his face blocked. The weird angle made his head look huge and his body tiny. He wore dorky, black-rimmed glasses, making him look kinda frumpy and, well, short for someone that tall.
But I couldn't deny the face itself. Even half-covered, that jawline, that nose, those eyes C they all screamed one thing:
"I'M HOT."
He just looked vaguely familiar.
My inner monologue was screaming, "How can someone this good-looking not even know it?!" But being the helpful soul I am, after zooming in and out like crazy three or four times, I fired off a whole list of suggestions: "You need to learn how to dress and pose for photos! Change the glasses C get rimless ones, or better yet, contacts. Don't take photos from that angle! Tilt the phone slightly, so the charging port is closer to you. Change your pants, get something more fitted, black maybe..."
He replied, "Thank you so much."
After that, I didn't pay much attention. But the next day, the guy sent me his "homework assignment" based on my advice. I gave him some more pointers, and then he sent another the third day, then the fourth, then the fifth.
Just as I was starting to get annoyed, he proactively asked to add me on SnapChat and offered to pay me for my help.
Thinking, "only a fool turns down free money," I gave him my personal account. And then, a familiar profile picture popped up, asking to be my friend.
Isn't that the boss?!
My hand twitched, and I accidentally hit "accept." My heart sank instantly, and I quickly changed my settings to "chat only."
My brain raced, wondering if I'd accidentally linked my personal SnapChat to anything at work. He was "typing..." for what felt like ages, then finally sent: "Thank you so much for all your guidance and help these past few days. Here's a small token of my appreciation."
Then, a transfer of $7,000 appeared, with the note "voluntary gift."
I froze.
I screenshotted it, double-checked the SnapChat ID. No doubt. It was the hot guy from online, and it was definitely my boss.
After silently screaming "holy cow" for a solid minute, I shamelessly accepted the money.
Whatever. It was my personal account; Ryan had no idea it was me.
From then on, I kept helping him improve. He was a quick learner, soon mastering how to show off his natural good looks.
But just as I was about to consider my mission accomplished, the dummy confessed his feelings for me.
First, there was this ridiculously long message, like a mini-essay I hadn't written since high school. I skipped straight to the end: "Actually, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time. I like you."
Me: "..."
My silence was deafening.
Me: "Oh, thanks so much!"
Him: "Huh???"
Then: "I really like you!"
Me: "I really appreciate it!"
Him: "No, I'm serious."
Me: "Yeah, thanks a lot."
My head was throbbing.
Is this guy for real?
He seemed to pause for a moment, then asked, "No matter what, can you give me a chance to pursue you?"
I didn't reply.
That night, I actually had trouble sleeping.
The next day, the dummy started sending me daily messages: "Good morning," "Good afternoon," "Good night," and things like, "I'm going to work," "I'm heading out," "I've arrived," "I'm starting work now," and so on.
Yep, that's how he tried to win me over.
I'd occasionally give him a half-hearted reply, and he'd be over the moon.
Things took a turn a month later.
I was happily scrolling through hot guys online, and, on impulse, I tried to share a video with my best friend. But my hand slipped, and I sent it to him instead.
Me: "Ugh, he's so hot. I'm obsessed."
Me: "video"
Him: "???"



By the time I saw the messages, it was too late to unsend. Even though it's natural to appreciate beauty, I still felt a little bit guilty.
Just then, he sent a message: "You like this kind of thing?"
Then, a video.
It must have been filmed at the gym. Not exaggerated muscle definition, but well-proportioned, with beautiful V-cut abs winding down, disappearing into his athletic shorts. As for above...
Yeah, definitely easy on the eyes!
The guy in the video seemed shy; his face was flushed red by the end.
My heart fluttered.
Me: "Got more? Send 'em over!"
Then he shyly sent a few more videos.
I admit, I was completely swayed by his good looks.
Who knew my boss, Mr. Straight-Laced, was so... well, that in private?
How should I put it?
It was unexpectedly thrilling.
As I was enjoying the view, he suddenly sent another message.
"If you agree to be my girlfriend, I'll record one for you every day. You can watch as much as you want."
Look, everyone's got their vices. For me, it's pretty boys.
The first three C money, power, fame C meant nothing to me. So, the last one was incredibly tempting.
Me: "...Well... I guess that wouldn't be so bad."
It was just an online relationship, after all.