I Dumped My Boss Online

By the time I saw his message, the window to unsend it was long gone. Looking at hot guys is a universal pastime, but for some reason, a wave of guilt washed over me.

Just then, a new message popped up. [Is this your type?]

It was followed by a video.

The setting looked like a private gym. The body on display wasn't a bulky bodybuilder's, but lean and powerful, his skin almost glowing under the cool gym lights. I could clearly see the perfect V-shape of his abs disappearing into the waistband of his gray sweatpants, leaving just enough to the imagination.

As for a shirt… well, he generously wasn't wearing one.

The man in the video seemed a bit self-conscious. The camera shook slightly, revealing the tips of his ears were bright red.

I typed back instantly: [More? Don't be stingy.]

He replied: [You want more? You know what to do.]

A few more clips followed, each one from a more daring angle than the last.

I had to admit, his strategy was damn effective.

I never would have guessed that my cold, ruthless CEO was such a… tease in private.

This was turning out to be unexpectedly thrilling.

Just as I was enjoying the private show, another message arrived.

[If you agree to be my girlfriend, you'll get exclusive content like this. I'll make sure you never have to look at anyone else.]

Life is about the pursuit of money, power, fame, and pleasure.

I didn't care much for the first three, but that last one was definitely tempting.

I replied: [Well… that sounds like a decent proposal.]

It was just an online thing, after all.

Of course, there had to be rules. Our rules.

No public announcements, no couple avatars, no video calls, and absolutely no meeting in person.

He wasn't thrilled, but he agreed.

And so, two years passed just like that.

As he got better at showing off, I found myself more and more addicted to his photos and videos. The man was a natural.

Just when I thought we could keep our little arrangement going forever, he brought up meeting in person again.

I shut it down immediately: [We agreed not to meet. This is an online-only thing, no real-life involvement.]

He sounded frustrated. [I know, I'm sorry, but I really want to see you.]

I knew exactly what was going on. Our company was facing a huge project deadline, and as CEO, he was under immense pressure. He was probably looking for some real-life comfort.

But meeting him meant our secret could get out. The answer was a hard no.

He pestered me for a week straight. Finally, I got fed up. I told him I wanted to break up.

He was completely stunned, as if his server had just been unplugged.

My phone immediately started blowing up with his calls. I sighed and placed it face down on my desk.

Right on cue, my design director, Jessica Miller, called my name.

"Emma, take this new project concept to Alexander."

Everyone in the office knew Jessica had a thing for the CEO.

Normally, she'd jump at any chance to talk to him.

But lately, Alexander had been a walking volcano. The last time she tried to suck up to him, he’d verbally ripped her to shreds. She’d been avoiding him ever since.

My stomach dropped. I forced a professional smile. "Jessica, isn't it a bit over my head to report directly to the CEO?"

This concept had been stuck in limbo for weeks because Alexander was never satisfied. He’d find fault with a design even on a good day, let alone now. She was clearly sending me in to be her cannon fodder.

Jessica just rolled her eyes. "Just do it and stop making excuses."

Fine.

Even though I’d practically memorized every inch of him online, I was still nervous about meeting him face-to-face. He was known for being cold, demanding, and brutally sharp-tongued.

With a deep sigh, I pulled out my phone.

He'd been spamming me with apologies ever since I suggested breaking up. He was clearly panicking, but I hadn't replied. I needed to hold my ground.

Meeting was out of the question.

As for breaking up… I wasn't entirely against it.

I reconsidered for a moment, then sent a message.

[Fine, we don't have to break up. But can you behave? I really hate it when people don't play by the rules.]

He replied instantly: [Babe, you finally answered. I know I was wrong. I'm sorry, I won't do it again.]

It was followed by a crying emoji.

I took a breath and knocked on his office door.

The man inside froze for a second, then cleared his throat.

"Come in."

When I walked in, the first thing I noticed were his slightly red-rimmed eyes.

Had he been… up all night?

He caught my gaze and awkwardly tapped his desk.

"Is that the concept draft? Just leave it there. You can go."

His tone was surprisingly soft.

Normally, he would've launched into a lecture about the chain of command. A colleague was fired last year for going over his manager's head. Of course, that guy's designs were also crap, but it was clear that at Alexander's company, you didn't skip levels.

As expected, the concept was rejected again. Jessica tossed it back on my desk with a smirk.

So, I had no choice but to stay late to revise it.

Alexander, however, seemed to be in a better mood and left on time. Since it was Friday, the rest of the designers cleared out early. Soon, it was just me and the cleaning lady.

I told her she could go, promising to lock up.

Hours later, the beep of a key card at the main door made me jump. I froze, my heart pounding.

I checked the time. It was past 10 PM. Who would be coming back now?

I told myself to be rational. This was a downtown office building, not a horror movie set.

A familiar figure appeared in the doorway. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

It was Alexander.

"What are you doing here all by yourself? Aren't you going home?" he asked, looking surprised.

I gritted my teeth. It's your fault I'm still here, Mr. CEO!

"This project is urgent," I said instead. "I figured I'd work overtime to get it done."

"Oh, that project," Alexander said, pausing. He walked over to my desk. "Let me explain my vision in more detail. It'll be easier for you to revise that way."

My heart leaped into my throat. To make up with him, I had to reply to his messages. And to avoid constantly checking my phone, I had logged into my personal Facebook on my work computer.

This was bad. This was very bad.

Alexander got closer. "Let me see your screen."

My mind went into overdrive as I slowly moved my mouse.

Just as I was about to click away, Alexander said, "Move over. Let me drive—"

"Wait!"