OH MY BOSS

"Hey! fucking Son of a mother-effing biscuit eater!" Sophia yelled and swore as a car raced past her, splashing rainwater on her car window in the process.

"Did you just cuss at me, young lady?" Her mother's shocked voice gasped through the receiver, making Sophia wince. She'd forgotten that she had answered her mother's call and that they'd been talking before the rude driver's incident. She exhaled, softening her voice to explain.

"That wasn't meant for you Mom, it was some-"

Her mother cut her off. "I don't care what you have to say, Sophia, I didn't raise you to spit such words out of your mouth. If you had a man in your life, you'd have learned to filter your words and tone down that nasty temper of yours!"

Sophia couldn't believe it; she hadn't even used any horrible words, yet she was being reprimanded, and how was getting a man in her life even related to her having a filthy mouth? The sound of the rain splattering on the car drowned out Sophia's mother's voice on the phone, giving her some respite. She sighed, as she listened to her cutting words. They felt like nails driving into her coffin.

"You're not getting any younger, Sophia. You need a man in your life, even if he turns out to be younger than you, I'll accept him. You go around with those single friends of yours and that's why you can't get any guy to notice you. You glare at anyone that approaches you, but you spend money on those little brats you call your workmates like there's no tomorrow, you don't even care about me, you don't care about your mother's feelings, are you trying to send me to an early grave with worry huh, is that it".

Sophia flexed her wrist on the steering wheel, rolling her eyes as she tried to make her voice sound concerned, but she knew she failed miserably.

"Mom, I do care about you, I'm always trying to please you. Why are you doing this to me on a Monday morning, huh? What is it you want from me? I bought you that mink fur that cost a fortune. I also bought you that Audi A5 so you could show off to your friends. I've been trying my best, Mom, can you just cut me some slack?" she got out tiredly and tried to focus on the road ahead of her. She felt a migraine coming on.

"That's just it, Sophia! If you were married or had a man in your life, or even little kids to give your attention to, you wouldn't be spending like that".

Sophia took another deep breath, counting to five before she answered.

"I'm driving right now, can we talk later, I'm going to get into an accident if we keep this up".

Her mother's voice got intense. "You're always running from having this conversation with me... Sophia, this is honestly serious. All my friends' daughters are either married or getting married!"

Sophia reached for a piece of nylon and placed it on the mouthpiece of her phone, creasing it over to make a static sound.

"Hello! Hello...Mom...mom... I think I'm losing connection, let's talk later ok... Bye."

She ended the call, glaring at her phone before exhaling tiredly. "Darn it! I'm so tired of this. Can't she give me a break for at least a day? I thought we were making progress when she stopped disturbing my sleep at night... I was so wrong.

It's like she doesn't have anything to do other than bother me. Should I just get a new phone?" she mumbled to herself, as she drove towards the RSVP parking lot, then maneuvered to her usual parking spot only to notice a black Ferrari SF90 Stradale occupying her space. She drove around it till she found a free spot. She parked, got her stuff, and came out of the car.

She trudged towards the sleek-looking car, examining it. It was breathtakingly awesome. Her eyes darted around the environment, checking for the installed security cameras. Finding no one pointing in her direction, she hit the car with her heels, leaving a small dent.

"Serves you right for being in my space just because you're an expensive car. My auto is way much better," she huffed, then walked around the car, spitting at the mirror for good measure, then she grinned, satisfied at taking out her frustration.

Sophia sauntered into the company in high spirits. Next time, the owner would find somewhere else to park. She grinned at the thought.

But her smile soon drained off at the thought of her Mom and her constant reminders that she didn't have anyone to call her own.

Her mother wanted her in a relationship and had given her an ultimatum just the week before. Sophia had thought that with the ultimatum in place, her Mom would stop bothering with calls. She didn't.

Her mother had threatened her to get a guy before the year ran out, or else she'd take matters into her own hands. She'd also hired Sophia's friends for that very purpose, so they were always trying to hook her up at the slightest chance.

Her mother had been right about her spending, she could agree with that, but she only did it because she wanted her to have a good life. She also wanted her friends to enjoy any benefits she brought to the table. She was already rich, It was not like she could spend all her earnings on herself. She had everything she needed, except a man as her mother told her every other day.

Once she got into the company, she was met with friendly faces, saying their hellos and hi. They all liked her, mostly because she spent a lot at team dinners. She entered the elevator, punching the number to her department.

She adjusted her orange top, smoothing her black pencil skirt. She would have preferred sneakers, but heels gave a more cooperative feel.

The elevator pinged open, and she stepped out to meet the familiar faces of her team. She was their leader and had been leading them for five years successfully. They designed pieces of jewelry, clothes, shoes, and accessories. She was in charge of motivating her team to come up with cook designs and making sure that everything was of quality, saving the higher-ups the trouble.

She was a boss in her little corner. She had worked for nine years, painstakingly building up her profile, until the company felt almost helpless without her.

Maybe a little bit of an exaggeration, but she felt it was that way.

Sophia approached her desk, surprised to see that it had been cleared. She paused, then looked around at the curious faces of her team of ten designers.

"What's going on with my table. Are we renovating or something?" She asked, her gaze darting around for an explanation until her eye landed on Leroy who was just stepping in.

"Miss Sophia, Mr. Sanchez is asking for you in his office. He says it's an urgent matter."

"Urgent matter?" She asked, then smiled. The man had been hinting at a promotion for a week. It was probably what he was referring to as an urgent matter. It was about time she got one tho.

"I think he's going to promote you," Lyka chirped, her bob haircut bouncing with her enthusiasm.

Sophia's heart fluttered, but she played off Lyka's comment.

"Don't I wish". Sophia said, but she couldn't stop her smile from getting wider at the confirmation of her thoughts from another individual. "Wish me luck, guys".

Leroy smirked. "Not like you'll be needing it. You're the best worker LC has".

Sophia didn't want to appear too proud. "Oh please, it's not like am indispensable."

Lyka got up from her seat, all fired up. "If you ever get fired, we'll go on a year's strike and organize a huge protest for them to take you back," Lyka promised, all eager.

Sophia chuckled. "That's the spirit guys. I'll go now, so fingers crossed. Get back to work. Time is money."

They all took their seats, watching as she got into the elevator. Once it closed, they scampered out of their seats, rushing towards Leroy's desk.

Mary was the first to break the silence. "Spill, Leroy, is she getting promoted or fired?"

Leroy shrugged. "I don't know. Mr. Sanchez didn't give a lot away, he just asked for her."

Lyka's lips pouted as her face pulled into a frown "Mr. Sanchez better not fire her. I don't want to work under a new boss. Sophia is the best."

Ivan nodded in agreement, looking skeptical. "But it's not up to Mr. Sanchez. He's not the director, he's just a manager too. He doesn't have a say if the orders are from the higher-ups".

Lyka crossed her arms, looking thoughtful. "You're right Ivan. And there's nothing we can do to stop Mr. Sanchez, even the protest idea. I don't want to lose my job," she confessed. The others nodded in agreement.

"Well, no one would. Miss Sophia is competent, a great teacher, and she makes everyone want to be their best. It's their loss if they let her go."

"Yeah. But her family is rich, so I'm sure she won't feel it so much," Leroy added to lift the heavy atmosphere.

"Ugh! I hate Mr. Sanchez. Sophia's such a beautiful, pure soul," Ivan got out dreamily, earning an eye roll from Lyka.

"You like her don't you?" She asked staring at him. It was so sudden that he fidgeted in his spot, losing his ability to form a reply. Lyka pressed on, ignoring his panicked reaction.

"Sorry to burst whatever bubble you're in but she'll never be interested in you, so stop dreaming. Let's get back to work. Miss Sophia hates slacking off" she muttered, walking back to her desk.

The others followed suit. Ivan dragged his heavy legs back to his desk, doing his best to avoid the gazes of everyone. He had always crushed on Sophia, but he hadn't expected Lyka to tattle on him like that. It made color rush up his face, and he got speechless, unable to take a decent breath.

The door suddenly opened and Sophia walked back inside, making everyone act more serious than they had been.

"Ivan, I want your report on my desk once I get back... I've given you lots of grace, today is your last day, okay?" she told him.

Ivan nodded quickly.

Sophia chuckled at the blush spreading across his cheeks. He was younger than her, but Mom doesn't care about their age, right? Should I just go with this guy since he clearly had a crush on me, Sophia thought.

No way, Mom was probably just playing, she'd have a heart attack if I brought him home. Sophia sighed, stepping out of the office. She hoped she got the promotion, at least then she'd have something to celebrate.

Mr. Sanchez's office was interesting, Sophia thought as she looked around the room, before refocusing her gaze on the man who occupied the office-her immediate boss.

There were paper wraps of chocolate everywhere, and his documents piled up to the roof of his office, some of the papers slipping to the floor.

He was an odd man, but an efficient administrator, so she couldn't really fault him. The only problem he had was that his office was always a disaster, and so was his appearance.

Mr Sanchez was in his fifties, and he had sunken eyes with thick lashes that made them look like a depressed owl. His nose had a little bit of crookedness to it, probably from fights when he was a dashing young playboy... Maybe I should tell my Mom that he's the one I want to marry. Sophia grinned at the thought, shaking her head at how absurd it was.

He was too old, too disorganized to consider, plus he was getting bald, and the little hair he had, grew like a disease on top of his head.

Sanchez wore suits throughout the season, even when it got extremely hot. Sweating was his second nature, and dabbing at his face with his never-ending supply of wipes was his motto of the day.

Today was odd though. The sweating looked a bit extra as she watched him squirm in his seat. She wondered if it was a good reaction. What if this wasn't a promotion after all? She pushed the thoughts aside, smiling broadly to put him at ease.

"Leroy said you needed me urgently. Did I do anything wrong, Mr. Sanchez?" Sophia asked, her eyebrow arching.

Mr. Sanchez jerked as if he had been daydreaming all the while that Sophia stood there, then he twined his fingers, placing them on the desk. His gaze became focused, his voice assuring.

"Nothing like that Sophia. You've been our best worker this year, and also for the previous years. It would be a shame to let you go. I plan to keep you here until you retire".

Sophia smiled, her worries subsiding. Maybe he was going to promote her after all. "I'm relieved to hear that Mr. Sanchez and I promise to do better this year-"

"You have to quit the team," He announced, adjusting his tie, which seemed to be choking him.

Sophia's mouth hung open in shock before she pulled herself together. "But you just assured me that you'd keep me here until I retired..."

"I know, I know, but something urgent came up. We had a lot of candidates that we took into consideration, but I know you are the only one capable of taking on this assignment, so I recommended you, and you got accepted."

Sophia nodded, waiting patiently as Mr. Sanchez struggled with his words.

"You'll become the director's assistant" he dropped.

"A what?" Her eyes widened in shock. Was he demoting her? He wanted her to leave her position to become an assistant, which was almost equivalent to getting fired. "Mr. Sanchez, are you demoting me- I don't understand what I've done. If, if I did something that..." She stuttered, her heart burning in her chest.

He cut her rambling short with a wave of his hand. "You haven't heard everything, Sophia. Don't worry about the paycheck because it's going to be doubled."

That got her attention enough for her to calm down, but she was still a little skeptical of the whole thing. "But I'm going to be just an assistant, why is my paycheck getting doubled?" She queried, raising an eyebrow.

"You're not just going to be an ordinary assistant Sophia. You'll be the owner of the company's assistant. You get to work on the very top floor. Think of all the connections you can make, but you'll have to last at least six months with him." he sold his pitch, hook, line, and sinker, getting her interested.

He watched her, waiting for a decision.

She took her time to think about it. He was right, the top bosses were all at the top level. She had always been fascinated with those who worked above her. She wanted to know how they brought her ideas to life, how they knew exactly what she was trying to showcase through her designs, how they hooked their investors, and those elaborate dinner parties she always heard of. Plus a double paycheck. She was in for that alone.

"Just for six months?"

Mr. Sanchez nodded. "Just for six months, then you'll get back to your little boss corner. During the duration of those six months, you'll have to adjust yourself to receiving orders, drink splashing, and verbal..." He paused, swallowing hard. "The director is a very difficult man with a temper. You'll be running in a month if you don't have a backbone. You have to resume work by five in the morning since that's the time he comes to the office to get things done, he likes to be ahead of everything and everyone. He prefers to have his way. Do you understand?"

Sophia pondered it over. He was probably an old man, so how hard could it be? She knew she could take verbal abuse due to solving conflicts in the sales department. Some customers were made to tick off anger buttons you didn't know you had, so Mr. Lennox couldn't be that bad.

"I'll do it, Mr. Sanchez. I can handle any type of difficulty for an increase in my salary. I'll do anything," she said, smiling as she pictured her shopping list, some items she had ticked off were getting back on.

"Great," he clapped, bringing out a document and providing her with a pen. "Just sign here and it's done!" he dabbed at the sweat trickling down his nose.

Sophia took the pen, signing her scrawny signature onto the document. He stamped it with a flourish, looking pleased with himself.

"When is he arriving?"

"He's already in his office," he deadpanned in a manner that almost made Sophia burst out laughing. She swallowed it tho, surprised at the information.

"That's odd, shouldn't I have been notified of this a week earlier".

"I was notified of his arrival yesterday. A piece of advice, inform your team members to be on their toes. He's a perfectionist who'd not tolerate any form of incompetence".

Sophia nodded, he sounded like a douchebag to her. "I'll let them know to be on their best behavior."

"Good luck Sophia," he wished, swabbing at the beads of water droplets on his forehead.

"I can tell I'll be needing that, but are you sure you're alright Mr. Sanchez?" She asked concerned. His clothes were soaked through.

"I am perfect, Miss Sophia. You may leave now, I have to get back to work."

"Ok, Sir" She stepped out of the office, closing the door gently behind her. She stared at the closed door worrying about Mr. Sanchez.

"I was going to tell him to take off his suit or turn on the AC but he might not take it too kindly." She sighed, shrugged dramatically, and walked toward the elevator.

Mr. Sanchez's office had been like a torture chamber. The other offices were so different from his, that you'd think you were in another dimension once you got there. He had been working there for twenty-eight years, so he was a bit old-fashioned.

There were rumors that he was connected to Lennox Ray, the owner of the company, more like he was a distant cousin, and that was the reason he was given so much liberty, but since he was a good boss, it didn't bother her or anybody how he chose to run his affairs. But now that she was to work under a new boss, a director whose feedback was negative, nearly downright scary, she felt a bit disturbed.

She squared her shoulders; I'm sure he's not that bad or was he? She took a deep breath and then exhaled, dispelling all the negative energy surrounding her as she promised herself to be the best assistant he'd ever had. Not that she would quit when extra money was involved just because of a bullying boss. How hard could it be to work for an old perfectionist? She could take him.

"Let's go get that money girl. Nothing is going to stop you. Hah!"

Sophia's sweat trickled down her hairline as twenty pairs of eyes stared at her, all with an intensity that made her nervous.

Her team members stood around her desk, watching her without blinking.

Sophia had called them to deliver the news, but she hadn't considered how they'd react to seeing her go, so she hesitated, but they kept watching her until she couldn't bear it. Sophia decided not to beat around the bush.

"I've been transferred from this team".

Their shocked gasp carried through the quiet space as they fidgeted at their spot, unable to decide whether to hug her in comfort or stay put.

Lyka was the first to break the awkward silence, swaying slightly towards Sophia. "But why... Which team did you get transferred to?" The others nodded, waiting eagerly for an answer.

I shook my head. "It's not another team... I'll be serving as an assistant to the top boss," she answered.

Her team couldn't help their horrified gasps. Their worried gazes darted to each other, anger clouding their features. Sophia knew they'd feel vindictive toward her.

"A demotion?" Leroy got out aghast. Ivan just stood in the corner like a scared mouse, not daring to open his mouth.

"Mr. Sanchez can't do this to you. Are you going to quit? You should have dragged his hair for allowing it to happen. Right guys?" They all nodded, murmuring their displeasure all at once.

She reached out to silence them, getting their attention. "I couldn't drag his hair cause let's be real, he has none. Also, this whole thing is just for six months, and then I'll be back with you guys. I already signed the contract so I have to go. I'll miss you guys terribly, but this is better than getting fired, right? I get to work on the top floor too" She tried for enthusiasm, but their expression remained the same.

"But still, you're the best team manager we have. Mr. Sanchez just can't do this" Ivan's small voice uttered from the back, drawing everyone's attention.

Mary quickly nodded in agreement. " You're right Ivan. People at the top are just assholes. They make decisions without thinking about our feelings. They push us around like pawns in a chess game... How can they just do this to you-"

Sophia stopped her flow of words by raising her hand. "Hey, what did I say about insulting the boss, huh... Just let it go, Mary" She chastised mildly. "I'm really okay with this arrangement. The pay is good too." She assured.

Lyka ran into her arms, hugging her tightly. "We'll miss you, Sophia. You've been the best supervisor I've ever worked with," she cried into the embrace.

Sophia patted her back, surprised by their actions. The others joined in too, almost tripping her. They finally let go, once the extended hug made everyone uncomfortable.

She was quick to reassure them. "Hey, none of that dull atmosphere in my team. You all have to be hyped, okay? Treat my replacement the same way you treated me, and-" She paused, remembering the barbecue party her friends were throwing for her, another attempt of theirs to get her to hook up or find a potential boyfriend. "You all are invited to a barbecue party at my friend's place tonight. I'll text you the address."

They got excited, giving each other a high five.

"You're the best Sophia," Leroy said, giving her a thumbs up.

Sophia smiled, picking up her bag. "Wish me luck at my new job," she said, and they were all rushing to hug her again.

Sophia managed to calm them enough to sneak out of the department. Her new workspace was on the top floor. The offices looked extravagant, the pieces of equipment all top-notch, but the workers she came across seemed a little stuck up.

Everything felt too remote. Everyone was minding their own business; it was a clear contrast to her former department, where they goofed around, listened to music, and shared ideas to get inspiration.

Sophia missed her team already. She approached the elevator leading to Mr. Lennox Ray's space. He worked with only five people, with her as an assistant making it six.

Gosh, such an old dictator, she thought throwing her advice of not insulting bosses out of the window.

Most of the workers had never met Lennox Ray in person, probably due to his old age. But Sophia imagined him as a man with salt and pepper hair, shaky, wobbly fingers; he probably sweated like Mr. Sanchez, too. Sophia chuckled at the thought, getting into the elevator.

"Let's meet our old new boss, and kick him where the sun doesn't shine if he gets too harsh. If that doesn't work then I'll have to improvise... Maybe spit into his coffee, and watch him drink it until I simmer down." She murmured to herself, grinning at the image it brought to mind.

The elevator pinged open, and the man coming in bumped into her hard, the cup of drink in his hand spilling onto her dress.

Sophia gasped, jumping back, before looking up at the culprit. Oh, my fu...freaking Zeus! Definitely, the type of guy to take home to Momma. The next few seconds seemed to go in slow motion. He blinked in surprise, his long dark lashes fanning over a darker shade of eyeball, eyes so intense, it made her slightly breathless when they held hers. Sophia was sure she drooled a bit from how perfect he looked; he could probably star in most women's fantasies if he decided to take his face to the film industry.

He was like those models who looked so perfect, it was hard not to watch them because everything they did was enchanting. Flawless. But his dark eyes and long, dark hair made him a bit intense and intimidating.

He grunted at impact, then stepped back with the empty cup in his hand. His eyes scanned for any spills on his shirt, irritation staining his features.

Sophia cleared her throat as she waited patiently for an apology. She guessed him to be one of the managers in the numerous departments the company had.

He looked up at her, dark eyes probing. Sophia eyed him too until he made to move past her.

Sophia scoffed at the audacity he was displaying, as her hand shot out to grab at his shirt, stopping him.

He turned to face her with an incredulous look on his face, his gaze darting to the chunk of his shirt that Sophia held onto.

Sophia knew his type, just because they were blessed with the face of an angel, arrogant, much- they thought they could do and get away with anything.

"You spilled your drink on me, aren't you forgetting to say something," she asked, raising a brow.

His hands came over hers to pull it off, but she held on with a vice.

His voice came out raspy, as he tried to pry her hands off. "Maybe next time, you should be more careful when stepping out of the elevator. Take this as a little lesson".

Sophia gaped at him, the condescending way he spoke making her blood pressure spike.

Why the hell was he speaking to her like she was beneath him? Was everyone at the top level rude?

Was this guy being disrespectful because he heard of her new assignment? Sophia didn't want to know the reason. She wanted an apology and she was going to get it.

He had given up trying to get her to relinquish her hold, his dark gaze digging into her.

"What did you just say? I should learn from this. You spilled your drink on me, and you dare to say that to me. I'm so shocked right now, wow, this is just the worst thing I've heard in all my years of existing " she said, earning her a disbelieving look from him.

He glanced at the hand clutching at his shirt. "Let go, or I'll call security. And trust me, you'll not only be thrown out," he threatened, his gaze serious.

Sophia snorted as she let go, not wanting to get sacked on the first day of work.

She was also going to let it go until he muttered a curse under his breath with an arrogant exultant look on his face, so she decided to wipe the smug look off his face.

I won't be bringing him home Mom, sorry.

Her hands left her side, striking the guy's face.

The slap rang through the quiet space, earning the shocked gasp of its occupants. Some of the workers got off their seats, looking pale, their mouths hanging open in shock.

"That'll teach you to apologize when you're wrong, and also to speak to your colleagues respectfully. I'll be reporting you to the director because you're not fit to work here." She searched for his identity tag, roughly shoving her hand into his pocket as he watched her with a shocked look on his face.

She pulled out his wallet, yanking out his card... "You didn't even bother to put on a tag. You think you're some big shot huh, Mr..." She turned the card, her breath hitching and her face draining of blood as she read the name. Her voice was barely audible.

Sophia's hands shook, as she squinted at the writing. Lennox Jr Ray. She lifted her gaze slowly towards the dark eyes that loomed over her. They were furious. It was almost as if they would engulf her if she so much as breathed a word.

How the hell do I salvage such a situation? Her mouth dried up, making her lick at them nervously. Her brain went blank as she replayed the last few minutes. It seemed everyone held their breath with her, waiting for the director's verdict.

She looked up at him, clutching his card, attempting to apologize. He didn't give her a chance.

"In my office. Now," he grounded out, strode away from her, rubbing at his cheek.

Sophia stared at the other workers who just shook their heads pitifully. She knew she'd screwed up. Big time.