Novel & Cerita Workplace Affairs Stories

"You're so wild at heart, and you can't even behave like a decent human being! "At the very least, return their money, compensate them for emotional distress, and apologize properly. End things peacefully if you want to break up. Why resort to violence?" These coworkers, completely ignorant of the truth, had chosen to believe Karen's one-sided story without question. In their eyes, I was already nailed to the pillar of shame—the unforgivable one at fault. It was honestly so absurd I almost wanted to laugh.

“Man, this stuff is good. Why did we use to drink such crap?” “Because that was all we could afford,” I reminded her laughingly and finished off my pasta before taking a sip of my own wine. “We’re not even working yet, but being able to afford stuff like this is definitely going to be worth it.” Gracie shot me a warning look. “Like you said, we’re not working yet. We have no idea who we’re going to end up working under.” “We can’t work under anyone. I’m pretty sure it’s against workplace policy to be under people in your office.” I grinned then started laughing when Gracie squirmed and flushed. Talking about or even insinuating anything about sex had that effect on her.

The chyron read: "Montgomery Empire in Crisis: More Women Come Forward." "More women?" Maeve's voice was hollow. Sarah hesitated. "Three so far. Former employees. They're claiming he created a hostile work environment, made unwanted advances…" "It's not true." "I know that. You know that. But…" Sarah gestured at the screen where a blonde woman was being interviewed, crying as she described Carter's alleged behavior. "The world doesn't care about truth right now. They care about the narrative." Maeve's phone buzzed despite being on silent. She flipped it over automatically.

At Samuel, beside her, watching me with the complete, unhurried attention that has not changed since a hospital corridor in October a year ago. I fold the prepared remarks. I put them in my jacket pocket. I speak without them. I talk about the Bronx family who kept their apartment. About the two students who go back to school on Monday. About a wrongful termination client who starts a new job next week. I talk about why the work matters and what it costs to do it properly, and what it gives back when you do. I do not mention the Thomas family. I do not mention the affair, the divorce, or the year that restructured everything.

Groaning, I make my way to the Chief’s office, knowing exactly what he is going to tell me. “Marissa, I have heard the rumours that are flying around about you. I’m sorry that you are being subjected to it, but I must ask you to keep your personal and private life out of work.” Is he serious? Is he not having an affair with a member of staff? The same staff member that is behind this rumour? Clenching my fists to my sides, I bite the inside of my cheek.

I picked up the magazine with the bold letter E and my picture on the cover. But Carla couldn’t be more outrageous. She deliberately wrote about the non-fraternization in the magazine, questioned an ethical workplace at the end of her article, and mentioned NSFW. I couldn’t believe she would go that low, but I couldn’t care less about myself. I didn’t want to offend Audrey this way. It was partially my fault. But I guess that’s for the better. People would talk about what they want nonetheless. They would forget eventually. I just couldn’t bear any secret affairs anymore.

Others posted more photos from the dinner zooming in on every look and touch between us. My phone would not stop buzzing with notifications. "Ignore it," Aiden said when he walked past my desk. "They will move on to something else by next week." But they did not move on. By Monday morning three different talk shows were discussing whether a CEO dating his assistant was unprofessional. A blogger wrote a whole article about power dynamics in the workplace using us as an example even though nothing had actually happened between us. Rachel from PR came to Aiden's office looking exhausted. I could hear them talking through the door.

The lights growing brighter as the earth lurches away from the sun, and now the orchestra is playing yellow cocktail music, and the opera of voices pitches a key higher. Laughter is easier minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word. Today marks Nafisa's two years wedding anniversary with her husband, Hussain and then he decided to throw a big party for them even though she was against it. She watched as her husband interacts with his business partners, a smile on his face.

He can go make his own company and do whatever the hell he wants with it. "Naw, I'm good. Thanks guys. Drive safe," I say waving two of my workers away. I've told all my employees what's been going on with Belle and Jack. Half of them are outraged and the other half don't seem all that surprised. I even heard a few rumors saying that they'd been seen sneaking off around the office, but I don't know if I believe it or not. I don't need more lies spread around the office. Even if they were the truth, it's no place for this kinda trashy gossip. I really just want to move on with my life... And I know exactly who I want to move on with.

Did they really think she was having affairs with the manager or anyone else? “I just got back from being sick, and I’d like to know what’s going on with my coworkers,” Sylvia said firmly, crossing her arms. Emily looked taken aback. “Oh, it’s nothing serious, just some workplace gossip,” she said, her tone light but her eyes betraying her discomfort. “Gossip?” Sylvia echoed, unable to keep the edge out of her voice. “What kind of gossip?” “Just the usual stuff,” the cook interjected, trying to diffuse the situation. “You know how it is in a restaurant. People talk.”