The Bosss Secret
“You know, our beloved boss is definitely seeing someone,” Sophie whispered to her colleague. “And it looks like theyve had a row! Otherwise, whys he tearing strips off us lately? Setting impossible deadlines”
Her colleague just tutted and turned away, clearly wanting nothing to do with the conversation. But Sophie wasnt about to let it go.
“Im serious though! Arent you even curious?” she pressed, raising her voice just a little. “Maybe he’s got trouble at home, and thats why hes always barking at us? Something might be going on and we havent a clue…”
Right then, their hushed gossiping didnt go unnoticed. Mr. Richard Chapmanwho was leading the meetingsuddenly cut himself off and fixed his gaze on Sophie. His voice was icy calm.
“Sophie, are you finding this boring?” He enunciated each word. “Or perhaps you dont think what Im saying is important? Would you care to share your thoughts with the group?”
Sophie could feel herself shrivel up inside. She blinked rapidly, desperately trying to think. “How does he always catch me out?” flashed through her mind.
“Sorry, Mr. Chapman,” she stammered, trying to sound confident. “I was just sharing some ideas. Nothing major, just thinking aloud.”
He arched an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his expression. He clearly knew it had nothing to do with actual work, but decided to see it through.
“Go on then, Sophie. Share. Whats really going on?” he asked, not even trying to hide the irony in his tone.
A shiver ran down Sophies spine. She managed a nervous smile, searching for a decent reply.
“Uh, Ill pass, thanks,” she said, doing her best to sound calm. “My ideas need a bit more development. I dont want to waste everyones time.”
Mr. Chapman let out a brief, knowing grunt.
“Well then, by the end of the week, Ill expect to see your thoroughly developed ideas,” he said, carefully emphasising the last words. “Lets carry on.”
Sophie fell completely silent. She just sat there, not uttering a word, cheeks flushed. Her gaze kept flicking over to the boss. She was mortifiedcaught gossiping, and now lumped with yet more work.
Nearby, Emily had to bite back a laugh. She found the whole thing rather entertaining. Sophies resentful glances at Mr Chapman were almost comic, and Emily had to turn her attention to her notes just to keep from smirking. But every so often, shed peek over, watching Sophie do her best to save face after her slip-up.
When the meeting finally ended, Sophie could barely contain her frustration. She shot up out of her chair before Mr Chapman had finished, snatched up her stuff, and stormed into their shared office. Emily followed after her, a grin on her face, not even pretending to hide her amusement. Sophie looked equal parts fuming and bewildered.
Slumping into her chair and slamming her laptop shut, Sophie glared at her friend. “Couldve backed me up, you know,” she grumbled, folding her arms. “But no, you just sat there giggling! Now Ive got to actually come up with something by Friday! Thats three days, Em!”
Emily just chuckled, pouring out some tea. After a moment, she produced a chocolate bar from her desk and plonked it next to Sophies mug. “Honestly, Ive told you a hundred timesdont let your mind wander in meetings,” she teased. “Now, have some chocolate, calm down and get to work.”
Sophie glanced at the tea and the chocolate, her expression softening before she put her grumpy face back on. “Work can wait,” she scoffed, brushing her fringe out of her eyes. “Weve got more important things to talk aboutnamely, our new boss!”
Emily rolled her eyes, not looking up from the glowing computer screen. She was long used to Sophies habit of obsessing over management and liked to keep out of the drama.
“Hes not new anymore, to be fair,” she pointed out, fingers flying over the keyboard. “Hes been here two months! Cant keep calling him new forever, Soph.”
“Whatever,” Sophie retorted. “He came in, changed everythingfired a bunch of people”
“He only sacked the ones who never did any work,” Emily replied evenly. “And he upped our salaries, remember?”
She finally turned her chair so she was facing Sophie. “And meetings are much shorter now. Remember how they used to drag on for hours? Now its all to the point.”
Sophie mulled it over for a moment, but quickly found another argument: “Yeah, and now we get handed brand new reports every week, strict deadlines”
Emily laughed. “Yeah, but jobs get done faster. The results speak for themselves. Youve seen itthe projects actually finish ahead of time these days!”
Sophie sighed, broke herself off a bit of chocolate, and leaned back, Emilys words sinking in slightly, even if she didnt want to admit it yet.
“Maybe youre right” she muttered. “You know, I always assumed he wasnt married, didnt have a girlfriend either. Now, Im convincedtheres definitely someone! Maybe I should nip down to HR and have a snoop around?”
Emily just groaned and put down her pen. “Why do you care, Soph? What difference does his private life make to your work?”
But Sophie was already thinking out her route to HR and picturing herself asking the awkward questions.
“Hes always in a mood, picking at everything,” Sophie insisted. “Might be hes arguing at home and taking it out on us! If only we knew why”
Emily just shook her head. She thought getting involved in someone elses personal business was a terrible idea, but Sophie didnt seem bothered.
“Sophie, just get on with your work,” she said, more firmly this time. “Otherwise, hell sack you as wellfor slacking off.”
Sophie just waved her off, her curiosity fully piqued now. “Oh, Im going to get to the bottom of this!” she insisted. “Ill ask the girlssee if they know anything.”
Emily shot Sophie a sceptical look. She wondered why anyone would want to poke their nose in like this, and could already imagine it all backfiring. If Mr Chapman found out about Sophies snooping, things could get pretty awkward. But there was no stopping her nowSophie was on a mission.
And Sophie did throw herself into it. She sidled up to colleagues, dropping questions into conversationsdid anyone see the boss leaving with someone? Heard any whispers about his private life? She practically canvassed the whole office, seeking out anyone who might know something.
But her findings were well, underwhelming. No one knew anythingor, if they did, they sure werent telling. Some just laughed her off, others pretended not to catch her drift, others flatly told her they were too busy.
HR was especially frosty. They listened politely at first, exchanged baffled glances, and one even raised an eyebrow pointedly at her, saying dryly, “Sophie, maybe youd get along better if you focused on your actual job, not gathering office gossip.”
When Sophie pressed her luck, she got a far blunter response: get back to your desk and stop nosing around, or theyd be letting her manager know.
She walked back to her desk, looking rather deflated. She just stared at her computer, clearly lost in thought. Emily watched in silence, hoping this little escapade would finally persuade Sophie to mind her own business.
But Sophie just couldnt stop! She was relentless, even if everyone around her thought it was all a bit much. People started teasing her”Whats it to you? Fallen for the boss, have you?”but Sophie couldnt quite answer herself. Her curiosity had become an itch she just had to scratch.
One day she cornered Martha in Accounts. Martha was known as the one who always had the latest on everyones lives. Sophie sidled up, trying to sound offhand. “Martha, you know everything about everyone round here. Do you know if Mr Chapmans seeing anyone? Is he married, got a girlfriend?”
Martha looked up slowly, faint amusement in her eyes. “Sophie, you know I dont really do office gossip,” she said, calm as ever. “And why do you care anyway?”
Sophie hesitated, not keen to reveal her real motivesher weird interest in the boss. “Just curious!” she laughed lamely. “In case hes, you know available. Such a man”
Martha tutted kindly but firmly. “Even if he was free, Sophie, doesnt mean its your business. Youve got enough work piling up as it is.”
The days went by, and Sophie spiralled further into her musings. She replayed every interaction, analysed every stray comment. Eventually, she was sure shed cracked the case. The revelation both thrilled and unsettled her.
One day, barely able to contain herself, Sophie burst into their office before Emily had finished her morning coffee.
“I fancy him!” she blurted out before she even shut the door.
Emily nearly choked on her latte, setting her mug down with a shaky hand. “Who?” she said, trying to play it cool even though she had a sinking feeling.
“Our new boss, obviously,” Sophie groaned, rolling her eyes like Emily was slow. “Thats why Im so obsessed with his private life! If hes single, wellIm going to make my move!”
Emily was speechless for a second. There was so much she could say, but she forced herself to keep calm.
“And if hes married?” she asked, feigning nonchalance.
“Ill try to win him over,” Sophie shrugged breezily, not seeming to care about the consequences. “I mean, hes clearly miserable with her anyway. And youre going to help me!”
Emily gulpedshe wished shed finished her coffee after all. Sophies plan was mad. But seeing how determined her friend looked, Emily just muttered, “Help you how?!”
“Not like thatjust find out some info!” Sophie clarified, reading her friends doubt. “Weve got the office party on Friday. Go ask him, super casually, why he came on his own”
“What if he doesnt come alone?” Emily pointed out. “Or worse, what if he takes a shine to me?”
“Dont be daft, youre not even his type,” Sophie scoffed. “He doesnt like redheadsthats literally all I managed to find out! Go on, promise?”
Emily didnt answer right away. Her mind raced. She knew more than she let onMr Chapman wasnt just a boss to her. But their agreement was to keep things quiet; an office romance could be risky for both their reputations and jobs.
Sophie waited, clearly expecting her to agree. Emily searched for a way outone that wouldnt hurt Sophie, but would also keep her from getting caught up in all the drama.
*****
All week Sophie was a bundle of nerves, scribbling lines in her notebook, whispering practice phrases to herself as she imagined playing out her chat with Mr Chapman. Sometimes shed stop in the corridor, like she was running lines for a play, then dash off as if she remembered her next cue.
She spent evenings at home rehearsing in front of her mirror; sometimes serious, asking work-related questions, sometimes with a mysterious, inviting smile. Her daydreams were elaborateMr Chapman would realise he loved her, propose, theyd run the company together, live in a beautiful house, jet off abroad for meetings, and share candlelit dinners every evening.
Emily watched all this with a bittersweet feeling. She could see Sophie was infatuated with the idea of the boss rather than the real man with his quirks and worries. To Sophie, Mr Chapman was a prize, a marker of successall fantasy and zero reality. Emily, meanwhile, knew the man at home: exhausted after long meetings, gentle with family, and ever-attentive to detail.
On Thursday, Sophie came to work with a huge tote, which she snuck under her desk. At lunch, she whipped out a brand-new dresssleek yet temptingly fitted, with just a suggestion of bare shoulder and a slim belt showing off her waist. She grabbed her bag and dashed to the ladies to try it on.
She spent ages arranging herself in the mirror, smoothing every pleat, adjusting her hair, checking the light. Finally satisfied, she presented herself to Emily.
“Well?” she beamed, swirling to display the dress.
Emily eyed her up and down, striving for honesty. The dress was genuinely chic and perfect for her. But something about it made her uneasy.
“Its lovely,” she said, keeping a neutral tone. “But are you sure its right for an office do?”
“Absolutely!” Sophie chirped. “I have to look my absolute best. He wont be able to resist!”
She winked at her reflection, visibly delighted. Emily watched, worried. She knew reality was unlikely to match up to Sophies wild hopesbut there was no point warning her now.
*****
Friday arrivedthe office transformed. Fairy lights strung across every wall, balloons tied to doors and beams, and the centre tables were heaving with sausage rolls, crisps, fruit, and bottles of wine and Prosecco. There was an unmistakable air of anticipation; people arrived laughing, swapping compliments, eyeing up each others outfits.
Sophie was one of the first there. Shed pulled out all the stopsthe new dress perfect, her hair like shed just left the salon, her makeup flawless. She hovered near the entrance, fussing over her skirt, smoothing her fringe, eyes fixed on the door, waiting for Mr Chapman. She looked like someone rehearsing lines for a movie.
Emily showed up a bit later. Shed opted for her faithful little black dressnever the show-stopper, but it did its job. She wasnt there to make an impression on anyone, especially not the boss; she just wanted to have a nice evening with her colleagues and, hopefully, a few dances.
Mr Chapman entered just before the official start. Calm, friendly, suited and booted, he chatted with staff as he made his way to the head of the room. With an easy smile, he raised his glass and gave a short speechnothing showy, just genuine thanks for everyones hard work, mentioning various teams, promising new projects.
Sophie hung on his every word, convinced that he was speaking just to her, imagining every look or glance was loaded with meaning. She double-checked her belt; ready with her ice-breaker, heart thumping.
Once the speech was over, people scatteredtowards the food tables, to little groups for gossip, and a few brave souls hit play on the music and started dancing.
Sophie sidled over to Emily, glass of juice in hand, nervous energy radiating from her.
“Go on then, nows your chance!” she hissed, glancing over her shoulder. “Just ask him, super casualwhy hes on his own tonight. You can do it!”
Emily hesitated, her chest tightening. She didnt want to get dragged into thisbut Sophies pleading look made it impossible to refuse without an explanation.
“Sophie, I I cant,” she said, searching for words.
“Why not?” Sophie demanded, frustration creeping in. “Youre my mate! Its just a question, for goodness sake.”
Emily took a long breath. There was no more wriggling out: it was better to tell the truth now than let Sophie keep chasing her delusions.
“Because” she said softly, steadying herself, “Because Mr Chapman is my husband.”
Sophie froze, instantly white then beet-red, her mouth hanging open, words catching in her throat.
“What?” she finally croaked, not believing it. “You you two For how long?”
Emily fiddled with a strand of hair, feeling very awkward. “Six months,” she replied quietly. “We tried to keep it quiet, you know, keep things professional at work. Neither of us wanted people thinking I got special treatment or anything. We thought it was best.”
Sophie took a step back, eyes searching Emilys face. She looked hurt and baffled, the realisation crashing downher daydreams demolished in an instant.
“You never told me,” she whispered, voice thick. “Were supposed to be friends. I tell you everything, and you”
“I couldnt,” Emily said gently but firmly. “It wasnt just my secret. We agreedwork is work. No hints or favours. Im sorry.”
Sophie stared at her, silence stretching. Now, all the little details made sense: the odd look, the gentler tone in meetings, Emilys comments. The picture resolved.
“So how did it happen? You werent straight away”
“It just sort of happened,” Emily smiled, her eyes brightening. “We met outside of work, realised we really clicked. It was natural, not planned.”
Sophie ran her hand down her skirt distractedly, struggling to process it all. “At meetings. When he told you off. When I asked about him You always knew. The whole time.”
“I did,” Emily admitted. “But we stuck to the rulesnever mixed work and home life. No silly privileges.”
Just then, Mr Chapman strolled over, reading the tension between the two women straight away. His face remained open, but his eyes showed caution.
“Everything alright here?” he asked, lightly touching Emilys elbow. His presence made Sophies heart skip, but Emily seemed to draw strength from it.
She nodded, but Sophie straightened up sharply. She felt a rush of embarrassment, anger, humiliation. No more hiding.
“No, its not!” she burst out. “You two youve been keeping this from everyone!”
Mr Chapman just smiled kindly. “Seems like its time to set things straight,” he said, raising his voice to get the rooms attention. “Everyone!”
The chattering died down as people turned. Plates were set aside, wine glasses stilled; all eyes were on him and Emily.
“Im aware theres been some curiosity about my personal life,” he began, matter-of-fact. “We kept this to ourselves so nobody would feel there was any favouritism or dodgy dealings. But since the rumour mill is clearly running”
He took Emilys hand, and she stood upright, squeezing back, facing her colleagues.
“Emily is my wife. We got married six months ago.”
There was a ripple of surprisegasps, a buzz of chat, laughter from the IT guys, applause from accounts.
“Congratulations!” Martha from Accounts yelled with a beaming grin. The rest of the room followed her lead; there was a cheer, light applause, even a wolf whistle from sales.
Once things settled, Mr Chapman added, “I really hope this doesnt make things awkward for anyone. Nothing changes here: we expect the same from everyone as alwayshard work and professionalism. Right thenlets get back to celebrating!”
The music came back up, and the tide of chatter, laughter, and dancing returned. But the occasional sideways glance was thrown at Emily and Richard. Some people swapped knowing looks; others just grinned and shrugged.
Meanwhile, Sophie let out a long sigh, shoulders sagging. “Suppose now Ill have to find another job,” she muttered.
“What?!” Emily looked genuinely shocked. “Why on earth would you do that?”
“Because Ive just spent the past week doing a full-on investigation, pestering everyone with questions, making up these ridiculous plans” Sophie groaned. “He must know about it. How can I even look him in the eye now? Im mortified!”
“Dont be,” Emily soothed, squeezing Sophies hand. “Richards not the type to hold a grudge. No ones offended. Its just a bit awkward. But itll pass. In a week, everyone will have moved on.”
“Awkward,” Sophie echoed, casting a glance at Richard, who was now laughing with some colleagues. “No wonder you always stuck up for himat meetings, at lunch”
Finally, she caught Emilys gaze and started laughing herself. Proper, relieved giggles. “Honestly, Em! I thought you were just his number one fan or somethingdefending him all the time.”
“I just knew the truth,” Emily replied, breaking into a proper smile.
They stood together for a moment, both relieved, watching the party gather pace as the last of the tension faded away. The music got louder. Someone started dancing with a cheese straw. The office got back to its usual, slightly chaotic, happy self.
“Listen,” Sophie said, dropping her voice. “Is he happy with you, though?”
Emily paused, thoughtful for a second, then nodded, smile gentle and sure.
“Hes happy. I know it every day.”
“Alright, then. Im glad. Truly.” Sophie offered her hand.
Emily took it, squeezing it tight. “Friends?”
“Friends.”
The party rolled on around them. Sophies wild schemes were overand with the truth out, something warmer and more honest took their place, promising a much better chapter for both of them.
