My Boss, My Undoing

Chapter 8: Office Hearts and Hidden Wars

The HR storm had remained quiet for sometime.

Paul was under silent review. Leticia had been allowed to keep her position in a newly reassigned executive support role, but the air at Wellington Enterprises had shifted.

Everyone walked on eggshells.

Except Cassandra, the new intern.

Blonde, bold and annoyingly good at pretending she didn’t notice Leticia watching her every move.

She had joined the company just two weeks ago and had quickly made herself comfortable especially around Paul.

Every morning, she brought him coffee before Leticia even arrived.

She’d laugh too loud in meetings at his driest jokes. Touch his arm unnecessarily and the worst of all, Paul didn’t stop her.

Leticia told herself it was harmless. That Paul was just trying to avoid another scandal.

It burned, especially the moment Cassandra walked into Paul’s office and closed the door.

Leticia’s eyes narrowed from her desk.

She couldn’t hear anything but she saw the smile Cassandra flashed when she came out, smug and Victorious.

Leticia snapped her pen in half.

Later that afternoon, Paul walked into the main floor, sleeves rolled up, looking gorgeous and distracted.

He stopped at Leticia’s desk. “Need you in my office for a quick update.”

Leticia stood, grabbed her tablet, and followed him in.

The door clicked shut.

She rounded on him.

“Why is she always in here?”

Paul blinked…. “Who?”

“Cassandra, The intern. The one who wears perfume like she’s going to seduce the printer.”

Paul raised an eyebrow, amused. “Jealous?”

Leticia crossed her arms. “No, just curious if I’m supposed to pretend nothing happened between us while some walking perfume ad is playing ‘pick me’ on company time.”

He chuckled. “You’re cute when you’re mad.”

“I’m not cute,” she snapped. “I’m pissed.”

Paul stepped closer, voice dipping. “What exactly do you want me to do about it?”

Leticia’s eyes flared. “Tell her, make it clear I’m not just some girl you kissed. That I matter.”

Paul’s jaw tightened. “You do matter. I’m trying to keep both of us from losing our jobs.”

“Then act like it because right now, It looks like you’re entertaining her attention.”

“I’m not. I’ve only ever wanted you.”

“Then prove it.”

Just then, the door opened without a knock.

Cassandra froze in place, wide-eyed at the sight of them standing inches apart.

“Oh. I….I’m sorry. I didn’t realize”

Leticia smiled tightly. “You never realize. That’s the problem.”

Paul stepped forward. “Cassandra, please speak to HR about reassignment. I think your internship might be better spent with our Legal department. Away from my floor.”

Cassandra’s expression faltered. “But…..”

“That’ll be all,” he said. His voice final.

She left, flustered.

Leticia stared at him, breathless.

“That wasn’t subtle,” she whispered.

“I’m done being subtle,” he said, pulling her to him. “Let them whisper. Let them talk. I’m not hiding what I feel anymore.”

“But the board….”

“They’ll fire me before I deny you again.”

Leticia’s heart swelled as she looked into his eyes.

Then she kissed him.

Right there, in the office, door open, rules forgotten.

The chaos might just be beginning.

For the first time, they were falling loudly, proudly, and without permission.