The Bosss Secret
Our dear boss must have someone in his life, whispered Lucy quietly to her colleague. And Id bet theyve fallen out. Otherwise, whats with all the bad moods lately? He keeps snapping at us and piling on impossible tasks
Her colleague just tutted, not willing to be pulled into the gossip. She purposely turned away, making it clear she wasnt interested in the subject. But Lucy was undeterred.
No, seriously! Lucy went on, raising her voice a tad. Arent you curious? Maybe somethings wrong at home and thats why hes always taking it out on us. For all we know, theres a crisis going on
At that moment, their murmuring didnt go unnoticed. Mr. Victor Harris, who was leading the meeting, suddenly stopped his presentation and fixed Lucy with a steely stare. In a cold, measured tone, he said:
Lucy, are you bored? Or is what Im saying just not important enough for your attention? Perhaps youd like to share your own thoughts with the group?
Lucys stomach clenched with embarrassment. She fluttered her eyelashes, trying to gather herself. How does he always notice everything? she thought.
Sorry, Mr. Harris, I was just sharing a couple of ideas, she stuttered, striving to sound confident, Nothing major, just thinking out loud.
Mr. Harris raised an eyebrow, the shadow of a smirk flickering in his eyes. He clearly knew it had nothing to do with work, but decided to play the game to the end.
Would you care to share what the issue is? he said dryly. Were all waiting.
Lucy felt a cold shiver down her spine. She forced a nervous smile, racking her brain for a good answer.
Ermaybe Ill refrain, she replied, attempting to sound calm. My ideas need a bit more work. The proper kind of work, so I wouldnt want to waste everyones time.
Mr. Harris let out an almost imperceptible chuckle.
Well then, Ill look forward to your finished ideas by the end of the week, he said pointedly, stressing the last words. Hopefully, theyll benefit the company. Lets continue.
After that, Lucy fell silent, not saying a word, her cheeks burning with embarrassment and her gaze drifting sideways to the boss. She was fuming inside not only had she been caught gossiping, shed just landed herself with more work.
Sophie, who sat nearby, could barely contain her amusement. She found the situation somewhat comical: Lucys aggrieved glances at Mr. Harris were almost like a cartoon. Sophie sighed quietly, turning back to her notes, but now and again she glanced at her colleague, privately admiring how Lucy tried to keep face after her little mishap.
When the meeting finally ended, Lucy practically stormed out. She shot up from her chair as soon as Mr. Harris announced the meeting was over, almost running from the conference room. Sophie followed, trying not to laugh outright, her smile impossible to hide as she looked at her friend Lucy managed to look both annoyed and bewildered.
Back at their shared office, Lucy slumped into her chair and slammed her laptop shut.
Wouldve been nice if someone had helped, she grumbled, folding her arms. All you do is laugh! Now I have to come up with something and by the end of the week! Thats only three days!
I told you a hundred times dont get distracted in meetings, Sophie replied, pouring tea into her mug. After a moments thought, she drew a bar of chocolate from her drawer and set it beside Lucys tea. Calm down and get stuck in.
Lucy eyed the tea and chocolate, her expression softening for a brief moment before she resumed her scowl.
Oh, work can wait! she said, waving a hand. We have a juicier topic our new boss!
Sophie simply shook her head, not looking up from the monitor. Shed long gotten used to Lucys fixation with discussing management and preferred to stay neutral.
Hes not so new anymore, really hes been here two months, Sophie pointed out, still typing.
Still! He shows up and changes all the rules! Sacked a couple of people
He got rid of the real shirkers, Sophie replied coolly. And gave us all a pay rise.
She turned to Lucy and added:
And meetings are shorter now. Remember how we used to sit there for hours, talking in circles? Now its straight to the point.
Lucy paused, but then found another argument:
Yeah, but now its non-stop weekly reports! And tighter deadlines
At least things move faster now. Were finishing projects ahead of schedule. Youve seen it yourself.
Lucy sighed, snapped off a bit of chocolate, but still wasnt ready to acknowledge any merits to their boss.
Alright maybe you have a point, she muttered. You know, I always thought he was single, didnt have a girlfriend. But now, Im sure theres someone in the picture! Might go poke about in HR and see what I can find out?
Sophie let out an exasperated sigh, putting her pen down. She was tired of all the endless guessing.
Why? What difference does his private life make to your job? she asked, twitching a little in her seat.
But Lucy wouldnt quit. She was already imagining her trip to HR, picturing how shed ask probing questions.
Hes always complaining, picking faults in everything, Lucy persisted. Maybe its something at home, and were catching the fallout. If only we could figure out whats going on
Sophie gave her a weary look. It seemed obvious to her that prying into others lives was a bad idea, but Lucy clearly didnt see it that way.
Lucy, come on lets crack on with work, Sophie said firmly. Or hell sack you too for slacking.
Lucy just brushed it off. She was gripped by the urge to get to the bottom of things.
No, I have to find out! she declared. Ill chat with the girls, maybe someone knows something.
Sophie shot her an incredulous look. Why poke about where you dont belong? She could see how this might backfire the boss would hear about her snooping and Lucy would really be in for it. Still, no point trying to stop her Lucy was truly fired up now.
So, Lucy threw herself into her quest. She approached colleagues under all sorts of pretexts, weaving questions about the bosss private life into conversation. Shed ask if anyone had spotted him with someone after work or if there were any rumours about his relationship status. She scoured nearly the whole office, chatting to anyone she thought might be in the know.
But the results were dismal. No one claimed to know anything, or if they did, they werent sharing. Some laughed it off, others pretended not to understand, and some just told her to get back to work.
HR was the frostiest of all. They heard her out politely at first, but then exchanged bewildered glances as if to say, Why is she even asking this? One administrator even raised her brow and said crisply:
Lucy, wouldnt it be better to focus on your own duties instead of gathering gossip?
When Lucy wouldnt drop it, they lost patience entirely, told her to return to her work, and hinted theyd tell her manager if her questions continued.
Lucy shuffled back to the office, a little deflated. She slumped into her chair, staring blankly at her screen, her mind clearly elsewhere. Sophie watched her quietly, hoping this would teach Lucy to keep her nose out of other peoples business.
But Lucy just couldnt let it go! Her persistence became a running joke. Some colleagues laughed as she approached, others asked bluntly, Why do you care? Fallen for him, have you? Yet even Lucy didnt really have an answer she just felt this spark of curiosity she couldnt put out.
One day, Lucy decided to try her luck with Mary from accounts. Mary was known for always having the latest on everyone. Lucy approached her desk, trying to seem casual.
Mary, you know everything about everyone! she began, grinning. Any news on Mr. Harris? Wife, girlfriend?
Mary glanced up from her screen, a knowing smile on her lips but caution in her eyes.
Lucy, you know Im not one to spread rumours, she replied evenly. Why do you ask?
Lucy fumbled, not wanting to admit she was simply obsessed with the boss.
Just curious! Maybe hes single Quite the catch
Mary shook her head gently, still friendly.
Well, even if he is, thats no reason to intrude into his private life, she said. Get on with your work youve enough on your plate.
The days ticked by, but Lucy was still deep in thought, re-examining every detail, every stray phrase shed overheard, turning over ideas in her mind. At last, she came to a conclusion that both thrilled and worried her.
One morning, she burst into their shared office, barely containing her excitement.
I fancy him! she blurted, not even bothering to shut the door behind her.
Sophie, mid-sip of coffee, almost choked. She set her mug down, peering at her friend in disbelief. She hadnt seen that coming.
Who? Sophie managed after a cough, trying to sound casual. She kept her mug on the table for safety confessions always seemed to cause a spill.
Our new boss! Lucy rolled her eyes, as if it should have been obvious. Thats why Im so keen on his love life. If hes single, Im making a move.
Sophie paused, carefully considering her reply. She knew more than she was letting on, but now was not the time for confessions.
And if hes married? she asked cautiously, feigning neutrality.
Ill try to steal him, Lucy shrugged breezily, not considering the implications. He cant be happy anyhow. And youll help me!
Steal him? Sophie instantly regretted taking that last sip of coffee. Lucys words were so outlandish she almost laughed, but caught herself Lucy was clearly serious.
No, just help me gather info, Lucy clarified hurriedly. The work party is Friday night. Go to him, subtly ask why hes come alone
What if hes not alone? Sophie tried. Or, what if he fancies me?
He doesnt go for redheads, Lucy said flatly, as if that was settled. Thats literally all Ive managed to find out. So, will you do it?
Sophie said nothing. Her mind raced. Shed love to just tell Lucy the truth that Mr. Harris wasnt just the new boss, but her husband. But she and Victor had agreed not to reveal their relationship at work to avoid unnecessary awkwardness or the appearance of favouritism.
Silence hung between them. Lucy stared at her expectantly. Sophie frantically sought an answer that wouldnt offend Lucy or embroil her in this silly scheme.
*******************************
All week, Lucy flitted about with a kind of manic energy, recording notes and mumbling possible lines to use with Mr. Harris. Shed stop in the hallway, freeze for a second, then hurry along as if struck by a moment of revelation.
At home, she practised in the mirror first the serious professional, then the charming woman, trying to achieve the perfect look: mysterious yet approachable. She dreamt of Mr. Harris noticing her, admiring her brains, her looks, her work ethic. Her fantasies always ended with him leaving his (possibly non-existent) wife, proposing to her, running the company together, living in a grand house, going on business trips abroad, and enjoying candlelit dinners discussing their future.
Sophie watched with a pang of sadness. She could see that Lucy was infatuated with an image not the real man. To Lucy, Mr. Harris was a prize, a symbol of victory. Sophie knew a different side of Victor: exhausted after long meetings, kind, attentive about details. But to Lucy, he was an ideal, nothing more.
On Thursday, Lucy arrived at work with a large tote bag, which she stashed under her desk. At lunch she pulled out a new dress smart, with a hint of allure: neat silhouette, slightly exposed shoulders, a slim belt emphasising her waist. She grabbed her bag and hurried to the ladies, determined to try on her new ensemble.
She adjusted every fold, studied herself from every angle, and finally, satisfied, strutted back to show Sophie.
Well? she asked, turning to display the dress, her eyes glowing with hope.
Sophie glanced up from her monitor. The dress was stylish and well-made. Still, something seemed off.
It looks lovely, she said carefully, measuring her words. Are you sure its right for the work party?
Absolutely! Lucy replied, not missing a beat. I need to look my best. He wont stand a chance!
She beamed into the mirror, adjusting a lock of hair, radiating anticipation. Sophie watched in silence, uneasy knowing full well Lucys dreams were built on fantasy rather than reality. But it was pointless to say so now; Lucy was far too caught up in her own hopes.
****************************
Friday finally came. The office had transformed: fairy lights along the walls, clusters of balloons at every door, and tables groaning under finger food, nibbles, and drinks. The air was alive with excitement colleagues gathered, chatting, laughing, swapping jokes and cooing over each others outfits.
Lucy arrived early, immaculately dressed, every detail just so. She nervously kept checking the door, smoothing her dress, adjusting her hair, rehearsing her planned lines to Mr. Harris.
Sophie turned up a bit later. Shed made no fuss: just slipped into a plain black dress she felt comfortable in, wanting only to catch up with friends, have a bite, maybe dance if the mood took her. She was perfectly aware Victor would be there, but wasnt interested in drama or attention.
Mr. Harris turned up close to eight, moving easily in his dark suit formal, but not overdone. He greeted everyone with a warmth that never seemed forced, thanking them for their work and taking to the little stage for a short speech on recent company achievements. He spoke straightforwardly, sincerely, praising individual departments and promising new projects.
Lucy hardly blinked, hanging on every word, every sidelong glance, convinced she was picking up secret signals meant just for her. She adjusted her belt, checked her hair, and quietly recited her opening line to herself.
After the speech, the office broke up into small groups: some raided the food tables, others mingled, and a brave few already fired up the playlist and started the dancing.
Lucy hurried over to Sophie, who stood by a window with a glass of juice, watching the merriment with a wry smile.
Go on then! Lucy hissed, nervously glancing around. Pop over and ask why hes here alone. Just a passing comment, make it subtle.
Sophie hesitated, heart pounding. Shed hoped to avoid this, but Lucys hopeful look made it hard to refuse.
Lucy, I she began, struggling for the right words. I cant do it.
Why not? Lucy snapped, her voice a little sharp. Come on thats what friends are for! Its only a question.
Sophie took a deep breath. She realised this couldnt be dodged forever better to tell the truth now, before Lucys delusions grew any bigger.
Because Her voice caught for a moment. Because Mr. Harris is my husband.
Lucy froze. Her face went pale, then flushed, as if shed been doused in icy then boiling water. Her mouth opened, words failing her.
What? she finally croaked. You you two How long?
Sophie nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, ashamed. She knew Lucy felt betrayed.
Six months, she admitted quietly. We kept it quiet you can imagine what people might say: favouritism, all sorts of gossip. We didnt want to make it a thing. Sorry.
Lucy stepped back as if trying to get distance from what shed heard. Her face was a swirl of disbelief, hurt, then confusion as her fantasies crumbled.
And you never told me Her voice was wounded, almost childlike. All this time I told you everything, and you
It wasnt just my choice, said Sophie softly, but firmly. It was what we both felt was right for work, for everyone. Im sorry.
Lucy was silent, processing. Memories drifted through her mind glances shed noticed, a softness in his tone with Sophie, a brush of hands exchanging papers. What shed chalked up as professionalism suddenly looked different.
Well how did it happen? she asked at last, trying to sound neutral.
It just did, Sophie smiled, her eyes glowing. Outside of work, we just clicked. We never planned it it just happened.
Lucy brushed invisible crumbs from her skirt, struggling with the abrupt end of her dreams.
And at those meetings, when he told you off? When I asked you about him You always knew, and never said!
I did, Sophie admitted. But we both agreed, no blurring the professional lines.
At that moment, Mr. Harris himself walked over. Sensing the tension, he gave them a measured smile.
Is everything alright here? he asked, his voice calm and gentle.
Sophie nodded, but Lucy straightened abruptly, unable to hold back.
No! Not really! she burst out. You both of you Youve been hiding it all along!
Victor smiled gently, not trying to defend or excuse anyone, just ready to put an end to the mystery.
Seems its time to clear the air, he said, raising his voice to catch everyones attention. Colleagues! he called, and the chatter hushed.
I know many of you are curious about my relationship status, he said, calm as ever. Weve kept things private to avoid any impression of favouritism or blurred lines. But as it seems to have become a bit of an issue He took Sophies hand, and she found the courage to meet everyones gaze.
This is my wife, Sophie. We got married six months ago.
A wave of astonished gasps rippled through the room a few clapped, someone snorted in surprise, others began whispering to their neighbours.
Congratulations! Mary from accounts called out, beaming. She was always a fan of happy news.
Well thats a turn-up! someone from IT shouted, and the rest grinned and nodded along.
Victor waited for the noise to settle, standing tall and composed.
I trust this wont change our work relationships, he said firmly. We expect the same professionalism and dedication as always. For us, nothing changes: work is work. And now, lets get back to our party!
He nodded to the DJ, who fired up the music a gentle intro, quickly swelling to fill the room. People returned to their socialising, though glances still flickered towards Sophie and Victor for a long while after. Some tried not to stare, others swapped knowing looks, a few just nodded, piecing together the new details.
Well, Lucy muttered, finally coming to her senses. She exhaled heavily, as if relieved of a great weight. I suppose Ill just have to look for a new job now.
Dont be ridiculous! Sophie said, genuinely surprised. Why on earth would you do that?
Because Ive spent the week sleuthing around, prying, making plans He must think Im bonkers. How am I supposed to look him in the eye now?
Oh, dont be so dramatic! said Sophie kindly, taking her friends hand. Hes not one to hold grudges. No real harm done. Just an awkward moment itll pass, people will forget.
Awkward, yeah, Lucy said, glancing across to where Victor was laughing with the sales team. But now it all makes sense you always stuck up for him at meetings, in every chat
Finally, she looked Sophie in the eye then laughed, bright and free, as if a weight had lifted.
Well, youre something else! Lucy said, shaking her head in amazement. I just thought you were a massive fan. Always making excuses, always explaining
I just knew the truth, Sophie replied with a soft smile, feeling the last of the tension dissolve.
They paused, watching Victor as he chatted, the office resuming its festive cheer. The music played, people danced, the news sank in and soon mingled with the nights celebration.
Tell me something, Lucy asked suddenly, leaning in. Is he really happy with you?
Sophie thought for a second, then nodded confidently.
He is. Every single day.
Well, then, Lucy gave a relieved sigh. Im glad. Honestly.
She stretched out her hand.
Friends?
Friends, Sophie said with a grin, shaking her hand firmly.
The party buzzed on; laughter and chatter rose in the air. And at last, the two women, having faced the truth, could relax and look ahead to an evening without secrets, and perhaps a friendship even stronger for what had passed.
