Chapter 3My Online Boyfriend Is A Snake

Of course, I didn't actually go to sleep.

You have to stay up late to truly appreciate the value of your free time.

Around two in the morning, my phone finally buzzed with a message from Asher.

"Baby, I honestly never expected you to be so passionate and bold."

I knew it.

My brilliant performance at the restaurant paid off.

I happily texted back, "Do you like it?"

The chat went completely silent.

I started overthinking. Did he see how much food I inhaled? Was he judging me?

"Did you think I ate too much?"

I typed the words out, then quickly deleted them.

Never incriminate yourself. Make him bring it up first.

If he mentioned it, I would just lie and say I starved myself for three days so I could fit into my prettiest dress for our date.

But then Asher's reply finally came through.

"I love it."

"So... are you satisfied?"

Of course I was satisfied.

Asher had showered me with designer jewelry, luxury bags, and endless attention. I was living the absolute dream.

I thought exactly that, so I said exactly that.

Asher sent back a blushing emoji.

Then he typed, "Baby, you are so honest. I love you so much. I promise I will make you the happiest woman in the world."

Right on cue, a notification popped up. A five-thousand-dollar transfer with the note "Voluntary Gift."

Just another casual day making five grand from my couch.

I punched the air under my blankets, absolutely thrilled.

This was amazing.

The money I had saved up from him was already enough to buy a Porsche Cayenne and put a down payment on a luxury penthouse.

Asher sent another photo of the snake.

"He made it home."

In the picture, the little snake was wearing his hat and bowtie, coiled up perfectly on a velvet cushion. The background was Asher's staggering, modern glass mansion.

Wait a minute. The snake was just here.

I threw off the covers and ran to the living room. The terrarium was empty. The little escape artist had actually broken out.

He snuck out and managed to navigate his way back to a billionaire's mansion all by himself?

What an absolute genius of a pet.

I happily texted Asher back.

"Baby, this photo is stunning!"

"Out of all the pictures you've ever sent me, this is the most handsome he has ever looked!"

Asher was delighted. "I always trust my baby's taste."

A second later, that exact photo became Asher's profile picture.

He even sent me a second cash transfer for the night.

Alright, up to ten grand for the day.

I happily accepted the money and typed, "I can't wait for our next date!"

After all, one date with this man earned me more than half a year's salary.