The Wrong Woman

When Imogen stepped out of the alley, she saw Jasper holding her frog head, looking around as if earnestly searching for her.

As soon as he turned and their eyes met, he walked over briskly. With a furrowed brow, Jasper asked, "How much did those little frogs cost?"

"About 50 dollars," Imogen replied.

He seemed incredulous and shocked. "You chased an old lady down two streets over 50 dollars?"

Imogen's face darkened in annoyance. "Is it just about the money?"

"If it's not about the money, then what's the problem?" he countered.

Imogen huffed, realizing that good looks didn't necessarily mean good sense. This small disagreement already revealed their clashing values.

Forcing a polite smile, she explained, "Yes, it's about the money. Those 50 dollars are worth a two-day meal for me. I woke up early in the morning, ran to the wholesale market, and hauled back those little frogs.

"I inflated each one myself, hoping they'd sell well. I protected them while running away from the city officials for an hour. Now, a thief disguised as an old lady stole them, and I went to get them back. Is that wrong?"

Jasper set down the frog head, took out his wallet, and handed Imogen all the cash inside. "This should compensate for your loss today. Is it enough?"

He didn't want her to feel bad and waste her time on these trivial matters. He still hoped the date could continue.

Imogen's lips curled into a smile at the sight of the thick wad of cash. There must have been at least ten thousand dollars.

She couldn't help but like Jasper more. Seeing his generosity, their clashed values didn't seem to matter.

Without hesitation, she grabbed the money and stuffed it into her costume's belly pocket.

Beaming, Imogen thought, "This guy is good at pretending to be rich. He's probably given me all he's got and might have to scrape by next month."

Still, she couldn't help but admire a man with such generosity. Even if he was broke, he exuded chivalry and warmth.

"Are you giving me this money voluntarily?" she asked, curious.

"Yes," Jasper replied, his expression serious as he walked to her back. "Now, take off that costume before you get heatstroke."

"Thanks," Imogen said. Prompted by Jasper's reminder, she was suddenly aware of the sweat covering her body, making the heat almost unbearable.

As Jasper helped her out of the frog costume, Imogen couldn't help but ask, "Asher, did you just give me all the money you had?"

Jasper paused slightly. "What did you call me?"

"Asher. Aunt Eloise said your name is Asher, you're 37, a tech school graduate now working as a car salesman."

"She mentioned you lost all your savings in a telecom scam six months ago, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, but you've managed to pay it off through hard work selling cars. Your story is both pitiful and inspiring." 

Jasper chuckled, helping Imogen out of the costume before walking to face her. Gazing at her, he queried, "Didn't she show you my photo?"

Imogen, folding the costume, replied casually, "She did, but photos these days are unreliable with all the filters. You're much better looking in person." Content © NôvelDrama.Org.

"Thanks," Jasper uttered with a soft laugh.

Holding onto the money in her costume, Imogen asked again, "So, you're really giving me this money?"

"Yes."

"No takebacks?"

"No takebacks," Jasper said, amused.

Imogen mused to herself. No matter how handsome or generous a man seemed, infidelity and betrayal were always possibilities. If marriage was going to be a trial, why not choose a man who was both handsome and generous? 

Blushing slightly, she questioned, "What do you think of me?"

Jasper smiled gently. "You're great and I'm very satisfied."