The Bosss Secret
You know, our dear boss is definitely seeing someone, Emma whispered to her colleague. And I reckon theyre on the outs. Why else would he keep snapping at us? The workloads are impossible lately
Her colleague only gave a sharp tut in response, clearly not in the mood for a gossip session. She turned away so obviously that Emma knew shed have to dig answers out elsewhere. Still, Emma pressed on.
I mean it! Arent you even a bit curious? she insisted, her voice creeping up a notch. Maybe hes having family problems and thats why he shouts at us all the time. What if theres something going on and were the last to know?
At that moment, her whispering was noticed. Richard Barnes, her boss, who was leading the meeting, suddenly stopped talking and stared right at Emma. His voice was ice cold as he said, Emma, are you bored? Or is my presentation not important enough for you? He paused, letting his words sink in. Perhaps youd like to take centre stage and address us all?
Emma instantly felt her insides twist into a knot. She blinked rapidly, struggling to form a proper reply, all the while thinking, How does he always pick up on everything?
Sorry, Mr Barnes, I was just sharing some ideas, she mumbled, trying to sound confident. Nothing serious, just brainstorming out loud.
Richard raised an eyebrow, the hint of a smirk on his lips. He obviously knew this had nothing to do with work, but decided to let her squirm a bit more.
Care to share your thoughts with the group? he asked, a playful edge in his voice. Were all ears.
Emma felt a chill run down her spine. She forced a nervous smile, scrambling for a dignified comeback.
Um, I think Ill hold off for now, she managed. My ideas need a bit more work. Best not to waste everyones time with half-baked plans.
Richard let out a barely-perceptible chuckle. In that case, Ill expect your revised ideas by the end of the week. The word revised landed with a thud. Hopefully, theyll be of some use to the company. Now, lets get back to it.
Emma fell silent, not saying another word. Her cheeks burned and she kept stealing glances in Richards direction, simmering with irritation for having been caught gabbingand for landing herself more work as punishment.
Sophie, who sat not far away, tried not to grin too broadly at the whole debacle. She watched, amused, as Emma shot the boss disgruntled glances, as if rehearsing an entire silent drama. Sophie turned back to her notebook, trying not to draw attention. But every now and then, shed glance over at Emma, privately amused at her attempt to recover from her little whoops.
By the end of the meeting, Emma was visibly annoyed. She bolted up from her chair the second Richard dismissed them, nearly knocking over her own laptop in her haste to leave the conference room. Sophie trailed after her, openly smiling now at her mates mixture of indignation and consternation.
When they reached the open-plan office they shared, Emma flopped down heavily in her chair and banged her laptop shut.
You couldve backed me up! she grumbled, arms crossed tight. Why are you laughing? Now I have to actually come up with somethingby Friday! Thats only three days!
Sophie snickered, pouring herself a mug of tea. Told you a hundred times: dont get distracted in meetings. Here, she said, fishing a Dairy Milk out of her desk and placing it by Emmas cup, Have some tea and chocolate. Calm down and crack on.
Emma glanced at the tea and chocolate, her frown softeningjust a littlebefore she remembered she was meant to be cross. Work can wait! she protested. Weve got much juicier things to discusslike our new boss!
Sophie just shook her head, glued to her monitor. Shed got used to Emma wanting to dissect the management, and normally just kept out of it.
Hes hardly new anymore, Sophie pointed out, still typing away. Its been, what, two months since he started?
Two months and hes made a ton of changes! Emma retorted. Fired a bunch of people
He cleared out the proper slackers, Sophie said calmly. Plus, he put our salaries up. And the meetings are way shorter than they used to be. We used to sit through two hours of the same stuff on repeat. Now, straight to the point.
Emma paused, then tilted her head as she scrambled for another point. Yeah, but now it feels like theres a new report every week, and everythings urgent
At least the works done quickerand better. Even you cant deny were finishing projects faster, Sophie countered, smiling.
Emma sighed, broke off a piece of chocolate, and popped it in her mouth. Sophies arguments were starting to win her over, but she was still reluctant to concede.
Maybe youre right Emma muttered. But I always thought he was single. No wife, no girlfriend. Now Im convincedtheres definitely someone! Maybe Ill pop over to HR and snoop around?
Sophie gave a weary sigh, putting down her pen. These endless speculations were starting to wear thin. Why does it matter to you? she asked, trying to keep her tone light. How does his private life affect your job?
But Emma was unstoppable. She was already planning her route to HR and imagining herself delicately probing for answers.
Hes permanently in a mood, always nitpicking at everything, Emma pressed on. Maybe hes got family issues he takes out on us. I just want to know whats going on
Sophie shook her head. To her, prying into someone else’s private matters was just a recipe for disaster, but Emma couldnt see it.
Emma, just get on with your work, Sophie said, more firmly this time. Otherwise, youll be next out the doorfor slacking.
But Emma just waved her off, swept away by her mission for the truth. No way, I need to get to the bottom of it! Ill chat with the other girlsmaybe someone knows something.
Sophie gave her a look of utter disbelief. Honestly, who cared that much? She could just picture the fall-out if their boss caught wind of all this nosy snooping. But trying to stop Emma was always pointless when she got a bee in her bonnet.
And so, Emma set off on her little investigation. She approached her colleagues under a variety of pretences, tossing in the occasional question about Richardhad anyone seen him with someone after hours, or heard any whispers about his love life? She almost made her way around the whole office, grilling anyone she thought might have inside info.
But the results were thoroughly disappointing. If anyone knew anything, they werent telling. Some people joked, others pretended not to understand, many just brushed her off, claiming to be too busy.
The HR team were the frostiest of all. They listened politely before exchanging puzzled glances, clearly questioning why on earth Emma was so interested in the bosss private affairs. One HR lady raised a brow and said pointedly, Emma, perhaps you ought to focus on your own responsibilities instead of collecting office gossip.
When Emma tried to dig further, she was toldwithout any sugarcoatingto get back to work or risk her line manager finding out about her inappropriate questions.
Emma returned to her desk, deflated. She sat at her monitor in silence, her mind miles away. Sophie watched, saying nothing, hoping this experience might finally teach Emma to keep her nose out of things that didnt concern her.
But of course, Emma didnt let it drop. Even though most people didnt get her obsession, she continued her covert questioning. Now whenever she approached, someone would either laugh straight away or tease, Whats it to you? Got a crush on the boss? Emma herself couldnt pin down a proper answer; it was just this strange spark of curiosity she couldnt extinguish.
One afternoon, she decided to press her luck with Linda from financea woman who somehow knew everything about everyone in the office. Emma sidled up to her desk, trying to act casual.
Linda, youre the oracle around here, Emma said with a grin. Come on, tell medoes Richard Barnes have a wife or girlfriend?
Linda looked up from her screen, her mouth quirking up in a knowing smile, but there was a hint of caution in her eyes.
You know I dont do gossip, she replied evenly. And even if I did, why would you want to know?
Emma hesitated, not wanting to admit her real reasons. Oh, just curious! she tried to laugh it off. You never know Hes quite the eligible man, isnt he?
Linda shook her head, kindly but firmly. Even if he is, its not our business. Get back to your to-do list, Emma. Youre already behind.
Days rolled by, and Emma only got more obsessed. She replayed every look, every comment, every rumour shed collected, running through scenarios until, finally, she thought shed figured it all out. She burst into the office one morning, her excitement barely contained.
I fancy him! she blurted, not even closing the door behind her.
Sophie, whod just taken a sip of coffee, nearly choked. She set her mug down, staring in complete disbelief.
Who? she spluttered.
Our new boss, obviously! Emma rolled her eyes, amazed that Sophie could be so dense. Thats why I care if hes singleif he is, Im going to make my move!
Sophie fell silent, mulling it over. She actually knew far more than she could let on, but she wasnt about to spill it now.
And if hes married? she asked, making her voice as neutral as possible.
Ill try to win him over, Emma shrugged, dead serious. Cant be that happy with her, can he? And anyway, youve got to help me with recon!
Win him over? Sophie nearly spat out her coffee. Emmas determination was both hilarious and alarming.
I just mean find out if hes free, Emma clarified hastily. Weve got the office do on Friday. Go and ask him why he came alonejust casually, no pressure!
What if hes not alone? Or, I dunno, takes a liking to me instead? Sophie retorted, half-teasing, half-hoping to derail Emmas mission.
Youre ginger and hes not into redheads. Thats literally all Ive managed to find out! Emma waved her off. So youll do it?
Sophie hesitated. She wanted to come clean and say Richards my husband, but she and Richard had agreed to keep their relationship under wraps. They didnt want whispers about favouritism or extra perks.
The silence between them stretched. Emma looked at her, hopeful; Sophie tried to find a gentle way out.
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All week, Emma fizzed with anticipation, jotting phrases into her notebook whenever she thought of a clever line to say to Richard. Sometimes she froze mid-corridor, imagining witty conversations or dramatic declarations, before hurrying off to get back to work.
Evenings were spent rehearsing in front of the mirror: sometimes stern and businesslike, sometimes mysterious and coquettish. In her daydreams, everything played out like a movieRichard, recently divorced (or perhaps never married!), offering her his heart, putting her in charge of half the company, living together in a posh London flat, jetting off abroad for meetings, sharing late-night dinners by the fire.
Sophie watched her antics with a mix of concern and sadness. Emma was infatuated with the idea of the boss, not the real man with his tired eyes and careworn smile. Richard was thoughtful, sometimes a bit weary, quietly generousbut Emma only saw the trophy, the fantasy boss. Sophie knew the real him, the way hed leave the office exhausted yet still ask about her day, how he cared about the people who worked for him.
On Thursday morning, Emma showed up lugging a big bag, which she hid immediately under her desk. At lunch, she snuck out a new dress with a tailored, slightly flirty cut: not too revealing, but definitely attention-grabbing. She darted off to try it on in the loo.
She spent ages in there, fussing with every fold, examining herself in the mirror, twisting this way and that to check if her shoulders looked right, if the fabric fell the way she wanted. Finally, she pranced out to show Sophie.
Well? she asked, half spinning for effect, eyes bright with anticipation.
Sophie looked up and tried to be impartial. It was a nice dress, sharp and classy, but something about it made her uneasy. Its lovely, she said, picking her words. Are you sure its not a bit much for the office do?
Are you mad? I need to look my absolute best. He wont be able to resist! Emma was positively gleaming. She turned to check her profile in the window, smiled at her reflection, looking as though all her dreams were about to come true. Sophie watched, worried. She knew real life rarely cooperated with fantasy, but how could she say that now when Emma was living in a bubble of hope?
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The long-awaited Friday arrived, transforming the office: warm fairy lights trailed along the walls, colourful balloons clustered around the doorways and pillars, tables groaned under platters of sandwiches, crisps, fruit, and bottles of prosecco. The air buzzed with excitement as people streamed in, laughing and exchanging compliments.
Emma was one of the first to show; shed dressed up to the ninesthe dress fit perfectly, her hair and make-up looked like shed stepped out of a magazine. She kept casting anxious looks at the door, rehearsing lines, straightening her skirt, and brushing imaginary stray hairs behind her ear as she waited for Richard.
Sophie arrived just a bit later. She wore her trusty black dressthe one she always fell back on when she wanted to feel comfortable, understated, and invisible. She had no intention of drawing attention that night, other than to quietly enjoy the party and maybe dance if the vibe was right.
Richard Barnes appeared just before the party started, greeting people with a warm smile, resplendent in a crisp navy suit that was undeniably expensive, but not ostentatious. He mixed easily with everyone, thanked them for their work, and hopped up onto a little stage at the front to give a short, heartfelt speech about their recent successes and the future of the company.
Emma tracked his every word and move, searching for hidden signals and clues meant only for her. She smoothed her dress, checked her posture, replayed her planned opener in her mind.
When the formalities wrapped up, the office dissolved into clusterspeople grazing at the buffet, chatting in little knots, a brave few starting up the playlist and bouncing around to 80s disco tunes.
Emma sidled up to Sophie by the window, where she nursed a glass of orange juice, watching the festivities.
Its time, Emma whispered, leaning in. Go and ask him why hes come alone. Just, you know, really casual, like youre chatting about the weather.
Sophie hesitated. Her belly fluttered with nervesshe dreaded being in the middle of this, but Emmas eyes pleaded with her not to back out.
Emma, I Sophie started, heart pounding. Sorry, I cant.
Why not? Emma frowned. Im just asking you for a simple favourisnt that what friends are for?
Sophie took a deep breath. She realised there was no more dodging. Better to be honest now than let Emma invent wilder stories.
Because Sophie met Emmas gaze. Because Richardhes my husband.
Emma froze, colour draining from her face before flushing bright red. Her jaw dropped. For a second, Sophie thought she might faint.
You what? Since when? Emma squeaked.
Sophie fiddled with her bracelet, feeling like a schoolgirl caught passing notes. For six months. We kept it private to avoid office dramayou know how people talk. Didnt want anyone thinking there were favourites or perks. Honestly, we just wanted to keep it about work.
Emma stepped backwards, disbelief and hurt battling on her face. And you never told me? All this time? Ive told you everything, and you?
I just couldnt, Sophie said apologetically. It wasnt just my secret. We agreed together. Im really sorry.
Emma was speechless, her mind darting through a timeline of exchangesevery time Richard had lingered over Sophies suggestions, every soft smile, every seemingly random brush of hands while sharing paperwork. It all slotted together now, suddenly making perfect sense.
So how did it even happen? Emma asked, voice trembling as she tried to appear unaffected. You werent exactly close before
It just happened, Sophie smiled quietly. We kept bumping into each other after work. One thing led to another and it felt right. We didnt plan it at all.
Emma ran a shaky hand down her skirt, picking imaginary lint. Her fantasy of Richard collapsed all at once.
And during meetings? When he called you out, or when I asked about him? You always knew she said, a little wounded.
I knew, Sophie admitted softly. But we had to keep work and home totally separate. Nothing more, nothing less.
Right then, Richard joined them, sensing the mood. His eyes flicked between them, as if taking stock of what hed just walked into.
Everything alright? he asked, brushing Sophies arm so gently that Emma knew he wasnt play-acting.
Emma burst out, Actually, no! You bothyouve been keeping secrets from all of us!
Richard offered a wry smile, lifting his voice and waving for attention. Looks like its time for full disclosure, he said. Everyone! Can I have your attention for a second?
Heads turned, forks hovered in mid-air, conversations caught off mid-joke. He continued, unfazed.
Im aware theres been a lot of speculation about my family life. We didnt want to mix the professional and the personal, or give anyone a reason to believe our decisions werent fair; but I suppose the time for secrecy has passed. He reached for Sophies hand. Sophie is my wife. We got married six months ago.
A ripple ran around the room: a chorus of No way! and Congratulations! and one or two mock-wolf whistles from the tech team in the corner. Linda from finance led an impromptu round of applause.
Richard smiled, letting everyone settle before adding, This doesnt change anything for workprofessionalism still comes first. For us, anyway. Now, pleaselets get back to enjoying the night!
He signalled to the DJ, who cued up a song and the chatter quickly resumed, but glances shot towards Richard and Sophie all night long.
Emma let out a long sigh, then managed a slightly hysterical laugh. Well, looks like Ill have to find a new job, then!
Dont be daft! Sophie stared at her. Why on earth would you think that?
Ive spent the week interrogating everyone about his love life, Emma groaned. Dragged half the staff into my ridiculous schemes. Hes bound to know. How can I look him in the eye after all this?
Its not that bad, Sophie said gently, squeezing Emmas hand. Nobodys really upset. Itll blow over before you know it.
Its awkward, though, Emma huffed, watching Richard joke with the team across the room. Now I know why you always stuck up for himin meetings, in every discussion
Finally catching Sophies eye, she broke into laughter. Honestly, I thought you just idolised himalways defending, always making excuses.
I just knew the truth, Sophie grinned as the tension melted away.
They stood quietly for a moment, listening to the music, watching colleagues unwind as the evening took on the cheery, slightly tipsy glow of any good London office party.
Emma nudged Sophie and asked, Are you sure hes happywith you, with all of this?
Sophies face softened. I know he is. I feel it every day.
Well, in that case Emma smiled, finally at peace, offering her hand. Friends?
Friends, Sophie agreed, squeezing it warmly.
And so, with laughter and music swirling around them, the oddest of days ended not in drama, but in reliefa new chapter, now without secrets, just honest friendship and the gentle hum of something like happiness.
