The Bosss Secret
Theres definitely something going on with our dear boss, Emily whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the office. Hes clearly fallen out with whoever it is, too! Why else would he be snapping at us all the time? You saw the tasks hes given ustheyre impossible
Her colleague, Sarah, simply tutted and turned away, making it clear she had no interest in being drawn into the gossip. But Emily was undeterred.
Oh, come on! Arent you even a bit curious? she pressed, her voice rising. Maybe hes got problems at homethats why he keeps raising his voice! What if somethings happened, and we dont even know?
Their whispers did not go unnoticed. Richard Vernon, who was leading the meeting, paused mid-sentence and fixed his icy gaze on Emily. He drew out every word as he spoke, voice chillingly calm.
Emily, are you bored? he intoned, each syllable sharp. Or do you find this meeting insufficiently engaging? Perhaps youd like to take the floor and share with us all?
Emilys insides twisted with embarrassment as she blinked furiously, scrambling for an answer. How does he always notice everything? she panicked silently.
Im sorry, Mr. Vernon, she stammered, forcing herself to sound composed. I was just sharing a few ideas. Nothing serious, really.
Mr. Vernon arched an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyeshe knew perfectly well it was nothing to do with work, yet he chose to push the point further.
Do share with us all thenwhats the problem? he said with a hint of irony. Were waiting.
A chilly shiver ran down Emilys spine. She mustered a nervous smile, searching frantically for a way out.
Erm, I think Ill pass, actually, she replied, keeping her voice even. My ideas could use a bit more work. No point wasting anybodys time.
A barely-there smirk tugged at the corner of Mr. Vernons mouth.
Good. Then by the end of the week, I expect your improved ideas on my desk, he said, putting particular emphasis on improved. I trust theyll benefit the firm. Nowlets continue.
Emily fell silent, barely daring to lift her gaze from the table. Her cheeks flushed a hot, mortified pink, and she cast sidelong glances at her boss, furious with herself for being caught outand doubly angry for the new assignment shed managed to earn on top of her humiliation.
Nearby, Sarah struggled to hide a grin. Watching Emilys wounded pride was almost comical to her, though she did her best to restrain her amusement as she resumed jotting down her notes. Occasionally shed sneak a glance at Emily, secretly enjoying her friends feeble attempts to regain composure.
As soon as the meeting ended, Emily stood abruptly, barely waiting for Richard Vernon to formally close proceedings, and nearly ran out of the conference room. Sarah tailed her, lips twitching with laughter. She didnt bother hiding her smileEmily looked utterly disgruntled and more than a little lost.
Once back in their shared office, Emily collapsed into her chair, snapping her laptop shut with a sharp bang.
Dont just stand there laughing, she grumbled, folding her arms tight across her chest. Now Ill have to come up with something before the weeks out! And its only three days away!
Ive told you a hundred timesstop daydreaming in meetings, Sarah chuckled, pouring tea into a mug. With a pause, she rummaged in her drawer for a chocolate bar and placed it gently beside the cup. Take a breather, have some chocolate, and get stuck in.
Emily eyed the tea and chocolate, her frown softening slightly before she put her grumpy mask back in place.
Oh, work can wait, she declared, waving a hand. We have far more intriguing matters to discusslike our new boss.
Sarah only shook her head, keeping her eyes on the computer. Shed grown accustomed to Emilys habit of dissecting managements motives and did her best to remain impartial.
Well, hes been here nearly two months, Emily. Not exactly new anymore, she noted, her fingers still tapping away at the keyboard.
New or not, hes thrown in tons of rules! Let go half the team
He only got rid of those who did nothing, Sarah cut in, calm as ever. And he gave us all a pay rise.
She turned properly to Emily and added, And the meetings are shorter now. Remember when they used to drag on for hours? Now its quick, straight to the point.
Emily fell silent, chewing over this, but quickly found a fresh argument.
Maybe. But now we have weekly reports and tighter deadlines
Sarah smiled, But were finishing projects ahead of schedule. Its more efficient. Even you have to admit it.
Reluctantly, Emily picked up the chocolate and snapped off a square. Sarahs logic was making some ground, but Emily wasnt about to publicly concede defeat on all fronts.
Fine, maybe youve got a point, she muttered, shuffling her paperwork absently. Still, I always thought he was single or at least, not seeing anyone. Now Im convinced he is. Perhaps I should pop by HR and ask.
Sarah sighed, abandoning her pen. Why bother, Emily? she replied, striving for calm. His private life doesnt affect your work.
But Emilys curiosity was insatiable. She mentally mapped out her path to the HR department, rehearsing delicate lines of inquiry in her mind.
Hes always so critical, always nitpicking, she persisted. Bet its all down to trouble at home. If only we could figure out whats going on
Sarah shook her head. Emily, you need to leave well alone, she said firmly. Or youll be next out the door for slacking off.
But Emily dismissed her with a wave. The idea of unravelling the bosss private life had already taken hold.
No, I need to find out everything! she proclaimed. Ill chat to the girlssee what they know.
Sarah gave her a sceptical look, bewildered by the urge to dig where she wasnt wanted. She imagined the outcomethe boss finding out about Emilys snooping, and dreading what might follow. But stopping Emily now was hopelessshe was a woman on a mission.
For the next few days, Emily began her subtle campaign. She approached colleagues on flimsy pretences, dropping a probing question here, an offhand remark there. Shed ask if anyone had spotted Mr. Vernon with a companion after hours, or heard any whispers about his relationship status. She made her way round nearly the whole office, sizing up and interrogating anyone she thought might have the inside scoop.
It was all for nothing. Not a soul seemed to know, or if they did, they werent sharing. Some laughed her off, some feigned ignorance, and others told her flatly to mind her own business.
The reception in HR was particularly frosty. At first, they listened politely, then exchanged bewildered glanceswondering why a member of staff was so interested in the directors love life. One woman even raised a brow and said coldly:
Emily, youd do well to focus on your duties rather than chasing rumours.
When Emily pressed her luck, they bluntly suggested she get back to workand threatened to report her inappropriate questions to her manager.
Returned to her desk, Emily sat in silent defeat, staring listlessly at her screen, her mind obviously elsewhere. Sarah watched her warily, knowing Emily was disappointed but hoping it would finally teach her not to meddle.
But Emily couldnt let it go! Some laughed at her, others boldly asked, Whats it to you? Are you in love with him or something? Emily, for her part, couldnt find an answeronly a gnawing sense of curiosity, impossible to quench.
One day, Emily thought shed try her luck with Mary from accountsinfamous for knowing everyones business. She strolled over as casually as she could.
You know everything, Mary, she began with a grin. Tell meis Richard Vernon seeing anyone? Wife? Girlfriend?
Mary glanced up, a wry smile on her lips and a wary look in her eyes. Emily, you know I dont gossip, she replied. And really, why do you care?
Emily hesitated, fumbling for an excuse. She couldnt exactly admit that her curiosity about the bosss life bordered on obsession.
Its just, you know, interesting. Hes such a man she tried, half-joking.
Mary shook her head gently, yet her tone was kind. Even if he were, thats hardly a reason to invade his privacy. Get on with your work, Emilyyouve deadlines looming.
Days passed with Emily retreating further into her own thoughts. She poured over every exchange, every glance, every rumour, desperate to piece together the puzzle. At last, her speculation reached fever pitch.
One afternoon, she burst into the shared office, barely containing her excitement.
I fancy him! she blurted out, breathless, not even closing the door behind her.
Sarah, sipping her tea, almost choked and set her mug down, eyes wide with shock. She hadnt expected that.
Who? she spluttered, feigning nonchalance, though her hands trembled slightly.
Our boss, obviously, Emily sighed, rolling her eyes as though it was all terribly clear. Thats why Im so interested in his private life! If hes single, Ill make my move.
Sarah was momentarily speechless. She knew more than she let on, but now was not the time to reveal it.
And if hes married? she probed cautiously, sounding almost casual.
Ill win him over, Emily shrugged, heedless of consequences. He cant be happy at home. And youll help me!
Win him over? Sarah nearly regretted finishing her tea. Emilys words seemed almost reckless, but she composed herself.
No, just a bit of info, Emily corrected hastily, sensing Sarahs alarm. The office party is on Fridayjust ask him casually why hes alone.
And what if hes not alone? Or, heaven forbid, he takes a shine to me? Sarah retorted dryly.
Hes not into redheads, Emily dismissed breezilythis, apparently, being the only thing shed managed to confirm. Settled then?
Sarah said nothing. The urge to tell Emily the truththat Richard Vernon wasnt just her boss, but her husbandwas powerful. She and Richard had kept it a secret, fearing the havoc workplace gossip might wreak.
An uncomfortable silence hung between them. Emily watched expectantly, awaiting agreement; Sarah searched for a way to defuse the plot without revealing too much.
***************************
The week ticked on, with Emily increasingly animated. She scribbled notes to herself, rehearsed lines, replayed fantasy dialogues in her mind, and practised smiles and meaningful looks in the bathroom mirror. In her reveries, Richard fell for her brains and beauty, left his (possibly imaginary) wife, and swept her into a glamorous life: running the company together, living in a Surrey manor, jetting off for meetings abroad, sharing candlelit dinners discussing the future.
Sarah observed all this with a bittersweet ache. To Emily, Richard was merely an ideal, not a flesh-and-blood man with worries and warmth. But Sarah knew the real manthe weary, thoughtful one behind closed doors. Emily, meanwhile, seemed trapped in dreams, blind to the potential fallout.
On Thursday, Emily arrived with a large bag she kept hidden beneath her desk. At lunch, she unveiled a new dress: classic cut, a hint of daring, bare shoulders, a slender belt. She hurried to the ladies to change, fussing with every detail before giving herself an approving nodand hurrying down the corridor to parade before Sarah.
Well? she asked, twirling slightly.
Sarah looked up thoughtfully; the dress was smart, the fabric fine, the fit flatteringnothing wrong thereyet she felt uneasy.
Its lovely, she said carefully. But are you sure its right for the staff party?
Absolutely! Emily beamed. I need to look my best. He wont be able to resist!
As Emily returned to the mirror, Sarahs worry deepened. Realityand heartbreakwould arrive soon enough, but now Emily was lost in the fantasy.
***************************
At last, Friday arrived. The office had been transformed: fairy lights trailed along the walls, balloons hovered near the ceiling, and platters of buffet food filled the tables. There was an air of celebration: colleagues chatted, exchanged compliments, and laughed over every small detail.
Emily was among the first to arrive, dazzling in her new dress and standing by the door, glancing anxiously at every newcomer, waiting for Richard Vernon. In her eyes, determination and nerves vied for dominance; she silently rehearsed her lines.
Sarah turned up soon after, in a simple black dressthe life savershe knew would blend in and give her confidence. Shed no intention of standing out, especially not tonight.
Richard Vernon entered just before the official start, looking calm and immaculate in a dark suita picture of authority softened by a genuine smile. He greeted everyone warmly, hands in pockets, then took the stage to briefly thank the staff and outline the companys latest triumphs. He spoke plainly, without pomp, crediting teams by name and promising exciting projects ahead.
Emily drank in every word, every glance. To her, even the smallest sideward look was a secret message. She smoothed her dress, checked her hair, and mentally reviewed her opening gambit yet again.
Once the formalities ended, the room relaxed: some clustered by the canapés, others grouped for conversation, the boldest heading for the dancefloor area as upbeat music began to play.
Emily sidled up to Sarah, who stood by the window with a glass of orange juice, watching the party unfold.
This is it, Emily whispered, eyes gleaming. Go on, ask him! Just something casual, about why hes on his own.
Sarah froze insidea wave of anxiety tightening her chest. She wanted nothing more than to avoid the entire exchange, but Emilys hopeful face pleaded for help.
Emily, I cant, she started softly, picking her words. Im sorryI just cant.
Why not? Emily frowned, her tone sharpening.
Sarah took a deep, steadying breath. There was no point dodging nowbetter to come clean and halt Emilys illusions before things spiralled further.
Because she paused, meeting Emilys gaze. Because Richard Vernon is my husband.
Emily went rigidher face draining, then flushing red in quick succession. She gaped, speech deserting her.
What? she finally breathed, barely audible. You how long?
Sarah fiddled nervously with a strand of hair, unable to make eye contact. Guilt weighed on hershe knew Emily felt betrayed. Six months, she said quietly. We kept it privatefor works sake. We didnt want office rumours, or people thinking I was getting special treatment. It was for both our sakes. Im sorry.
Emily retreated a step, as if needing space to process everything. Her face cycled through disbelief, hurt, and then disarray as the truth replaced months of fantasy in a single, devastating moment.
You didnt tell me all that time? she said, voice tight with sadness. I told you everythingand you
I couldnt, Sarah insisted gently. It wasnt just my secret. We agreedwe wouldnt tell anyone, so it wouldnt affect things at work. No favouritism, no suspicion. Im sorry, Emily.
Emily thought backremembering looks exchanged in meetings, strange half-smiles, moments when Sarah had played down her bosss outbursts. All at once, everything slotted into place.
So, how did ithappen? she asked, fighting to keep her voice steady.
It just did, Sarah smiled, a hint of warmth in her eyes. Outside work, we met by chance, got talking. We didnt plan itit just happened.
Emily smoothed down her skirt, her composure faltering as she grappled with the collapse of her fantasy.
What about at work, the meetingsthe way he told you off, or when I asked you about him? You knew all along
I did, Sarah admitted. But I couldnt say anything. We agreedcomplete professionalism at work. No special treatment.
At that moment, Richard Vernon approachedhis presence calm, but a flicker of alertness in his gaze. He could feel the tension.
Is everything alright? He gently touched Sarahs arm, voice even.
She nodded, but Emily straightened sharply, her words tumbling out before she could stop them.
No, its not alright! she blurted. You you both hid all this!
Richards response was kind rather than defensive, as he addressed not just them, but the room.
I think its time we cleared the air, he announced, raising his voice enough to be heard. Ladies and gentlemenmay I have your attention?
People turned; conversations froze, all eyes on the boss.
Im aware my personal life has prompted some speculation, he said calmly. Sarah and I deliberately kept our marriage private to preserve professionalismto keep work and home separate. We didnt want whispers about favouritism, or undue influence. But if its become a burning question, let me be clear
He reached out, taking Sarahs hand. She stiffened at first under the crowds gazethen squeezed back, bolstered by his quiet confidence.
Sarah is my wife. We married half a year ago.
A ripple of surprise swept the crowd. Some gasped, others turned to their neighbours; one or two clapped in delight.
Congratulations! called Mary from accounts, beaming. Didnt see that coming! said a developer at the back, and laughter broke out.
Richard waited for the buzz to ease. He stood tall and composed, making sure the message landed.
I trust this wont change our working relationships, he said clearly. I expect professionalism from everyoneno less from us than from any of you. Now lets enjoy the evening.
He nodded to the DJ, who, with a relieved grin, restarted the playlist. Laughter and chatter soon filled the room again, though glances and whispers followed Sarah and Richard for a while yetpuzzle pieces rearranged in the minds of colleagues across the company.
Emily exhaled deeplyhalf-relieved, half-mortified. Well, I suppose Ill have to look for a new job now, she muttered, almost to herself.
Why? Sarah stared at her, genuinely baffled.
Because I turned into the office detective, Emily replied wryly. Annoying everyone, planning some daft seduction and he probably knows all about it now. How am I going to look him in the eye? Im mortified.
Sarah squeezed her hand. Youre making too much of it. He isnt petty. No ones angryjust a bit embarrassed. Give it timesoon enough, itll all be forgotten.
Its embarrassing enough, Emily said, watching Richard laughing with a group by the buffet. Now I realise why you were always defending him in meetings, conversations
She caught Sarahs eye and, despite herself, began to laugh. It was a light, free laughthe sound of someone finally letting go.
You really got me! I thought you were just a fan of his, always making excuses, Emily said, shaking her head.
I just knew the truth, Sarah replied, smiling as the tension melted away.
They stood together, silent in the music and laughter, watching Richard mingle, as the party flowed on. Then Emily leaned closer, dropping her voice:
Tell me, Sarahare you really happy with him?
Sarah paused, searching herselfand then nodded steadfastly. I truly am, Emily. Every single day.
Emily managed a grateful smile and held out her hand. Friends again?
Friends, Sarah replied, locking hands firmly.
As the night pressed onmusic, smiles, the scent of party food swirlingtwo friends stood side by side, freed at last from secrets, ready for whatever their new, more honest chapter would bring.
