Chapter Seventy-Six: Talk of the Office

As the workday began, I stepped into the office on Monday morning. Wyan had dropped me off early because he had a conference, causing him to arrive at the office early as well. People were staring and whispering as I made my way to my office. What was going on? As I glanced at everyone, they all fell silent. Were they talking about me? What had I missed? I rushed into my office and leaned against the closed door.

I placed my belongings on my desk before heading over to Wyatt’s office next door. “Hey, have I missed something? What’s the reason behind all the staring and talking?” I asked nervously.

He looked at me, a concerned look on his face. He let out a sigh and ran his fingers through his hair. “Everyone knows about us.”

“Wait, what? What do you mean?” I panicked.

“Everyone in the office knows about us. It seems like someone at the event recognized us and spread the news. Now everyone in the office knows, Kitten, I am sorry. I know this isn’t what you wanted.”

I collapsed onto the couch and covered my face with my hands. Why is it so hard for people to mind their own business? Great, now I’ll be known as the one screwing the boss. How cliché of me.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” I whimpered.

Wyatt sat beside me and gently placed his hand on my knee. “Hey, beautiful, no need to be upset,”

I jumped to my feet, glaring at him. “Maybe not for you, Wyatt. You aren’t going to be the one known as the fucking office whore. You are not the one who will have to deal with the criticism. This situation is far from okay. This is why I didn’t want anyone to find out!” I snapped.

My outburst seemed to have caught Wyan off guard. What kind of reaction did he anticipate from me? Nobody will speak to him or gossip about him. If they do, they could be fired, but they have no reason not to do all of that to me. I’m just Wyatt’s assistant, a nobody. He doesn’t seem to understand.

“Alyssa, there’s no need for you to worry. I promise I’ll make sure to fix this,” he sighed.

“No, you won’t do anything. You will make things worse. Leave it,” I exclaimed, returning to my office and closing the door between mine and his.

I needed a moment to myself. He hates it when I close the door, but I think he’ll leave me be this morning. He knows I’m not in the mood. I laid my head on my desk, resisting shedding tears, even though a part of me longed to weep. I had a feeling that attending the event was not a good decision. I should have stayed home.

I groaned in frustration. I gathered my thoughts and attempted to concentrate on my tasks. I planned on hiding in here for the rest of the day unless I really needed to leave. I didn’t even want to imagine what people were saying about me. I let out a sigh and ran my fingers through my hair. There’s a part of me that wants to escape and spend the day at home.

Ten minutes later, there was a knock on the door between the offices. Wyatt appeared.

“Are you okay, beautiful?” he asked softly, resting against my desk.

“I am not okay, Wyan. I don’t even want to leave the office.”

He reached for my hand and linked our fingers. “I am sorry this has happened, Alyssa, but I promise it will be okay. I have your back. I know it is a lot to take in, but at least we don’t have to hide now.”

“Wyan, I appreciate you trying to make me feel better, but it’s not going to work,” I said honestly.

“How can I help you feel better?”

I shook my head. “No, not right now. I just want to concentrate on work, nothing else.”

He gave a nod and planted a kiss on the top of my head, saying, “Alright, I will leave you to it. I am right next door if you need me.”

He sighed and returned to his office. I shouldn’t be surprised. It was bound to come out eventually; I just thought it would take longer than this. Today is going to be a very long day.

I spent most of the day hiding in my office. I didn’t want to leave, but I had to use the bathroom. I was in one of the stalls when I heard the door open. I wasn’t leaving this stall until whoever it was, was gone.

“I thought those two were screwing,” a voice said. I couldn’t identify the speaker.

“I didn’t expect Alyssa to be that way. Just watch. She’ll be promoted in no time,”

“Yes, but damn, I can’t help but feel a bit envious. I wouldn’t mind a piece of that man,” the first one replied.

They continued to talk about Wyatt and me. Not surprisingly, all the things they said about him were positive, while everything they said about me was negative and judgmental. The tears I’d been holding back all day finally broke free and streamed down my face.

I needed to get out of here. I waited until I knew I was the only one left before exiting the stall. I washed my hands and rushed back to my office. I kept my head down, not looking at anyone, even though they were looking at me.

I collected my belongings and went into Wyatt’s office.

“Hey, angel, is everything alright?”

“I don’t feel well; I am going home. If you need me, call me.”

I didn’t give him a chance to say another word. I left swiftly, headed to my car, and hit the road back home. My phone wouldn’t stop ringing. Wyatt was trying to call, but I didn’t want to answer. Although I don’t hold him responsible, I needed some time alone. There’s no need for Wyan to be aware of what was said in the bathroom. I don’t want to be the reason someone loses their job. It would make everything worse.

I think I may be sick for the next couple of days. I usually don’t back down, but this situation is an exception. I have an idea of what people think about me. Let’s hope people forget about it soon and shift their attention elsewhere.

When I got home, I saw that Wyatt had called me four times and sent two texts. I texted him back:

“I am okay. I just need to be alone right now. I will call you later tonight. I am sorry I ran off, but I couldn’t stay in the office, not today.”

I know Wyatt well enough by now to know he will end up showing up at my place as soon as he is done with work.

He texted back: “No, it is okay, angel. I understand. I will come by after work and bring dinner and wine. I am sorry. Alyssa.”

“See you then xx”

I put my cell on silent and threw myself on the sofa. I buried my face in a cushion and screamed into it. It made me feel a little better. I never expected to find myself in a situation where I would have a romantic relationship with my boss, but that’s where I am now. No, I can’t say shit like that; the connection goes beyond just physical intimacy. If Wyatt and I had met in a different way, life would be simpler.

Chapter Seventy-Seven: I Am So Angry.