The surrogate boss next door.

Chapter one

The piercing ring of the alarm got Emily's face all scrunched up as she groped blindly for the clock, silencing its nagging buzz. The sudden stillness was a relief, but sleep was far from her eyes. "Ugh, stupid alarm," Emily muttered, releasing a frustrated sigh. Her gaze drifted to the ceiling, where the morning light creeping through the blinds seemed to mock her.

With a groan, Emily pushed herself up and sat upright. Her feet scraped against the floor as she searched for her slippers. She made her way to the bathroom and stepped into the shower, unable to shake off the feeling of dread. She wondered what the new week had in store for her: meetings, deadlines, or perhaps a surprise project? The worst part was the thought of seeing her annoying boss.

"Why does Monday always have to come so soon?" Emily sighed. After washing up and dressing for work, she stood in front of her mirror, contemplating the day ahead, when her phone beeped. Emily picked up her phone and smiled as she read the message from her friend: "Weekends are over, lazy bone. See you at work. Let's grab some coffee together."

Emily was set for work and ready to leave. Downstairs, she noticed her mom was absent and called out to one of the maids. "Where is my mom?" Emily asked.

"She's at the vacant apartment next door," the maid replied.

"Thanks," Emily appreciated, making her way to the adjacent apartment. "Is someone moving in?" Emily asked as she approached her mom.

"Hey, baby," her mom said with a smile.

"Good morning, Mom," Emily greeted, smiling as she pecked her mom while hugging her.

"Morning, darling. Hope you slept well?" her mom asked.

"Yes, I did, just like a baby," Emily replied.

"I can see that. Did you have breakfast already?" her mom asked.

"Not really; I'll have it at work," Emily told her mom.

"You sure? You always skip meals. Promise me you'll eat once you get to work," her mom said.

"I will. Gotta go; don't let me distract you from your work," Emily said.

"Okay, darling. Be a good girl at work and don't get on your boss's nerves again," her mom warned, knowing how Emily interacted with her boss.

"I'll try my best. Bye," Emily said and walked away.

****************

"Is this the best you guys can come up with?" Alex scolded, tossing the files at them. "I don't know if you guys think this project is a joke, but you had the whole weekend to think about it. I guess you had other issues to attend to."

Emily stood at a corner, glaring at her boss, her eyes shooting lasers. It's a good thing glares can't kill, or Alex would have been a victim.

"Such a jerk," Emily cursed under her breath.

"Do you have something to say, Miss Emily?" Alex asked with a raised brow.

She knew better than to talk back to her boss unless she was willing to sacrifice her job. "Not at all, Mister Alex. And I apologize on behalf of my team. We'll make corrections and set things straight."

Alex's expression remained stern. "You better, or your salary will suffer if anything goes wrong. You all can leave and get to work."

The employees bowed and left, heading to their various sections to get busy.

Emily stood at Alex's door step with her friend, protesting. "Such a spoiled brat! It took us a whole week to come up with that, and he just flings it like it was nothing. I wish I could just... gosh, that guy always gets on my nerves."

Sarah spoke up, "What can we do? I mean, he is our boss. And I think all he does is just for the good of the company."

"Which side are you on?" Emily asked, giving Sarah a side glare.

Sarah smiled. "I'm on both sides."

Emily continued protesting until Alex called out, "Miss Emily."

Emily choked on her words, turning to face her boss. "Oh, fuck," she muttered under her breath, then lowered her head.

"I guess you have got nothing to do with your time," Alex said, walking closer.

Emily stammered, "I... erh... do, was just... I mean... I doubt you do." Alex interrupted, his voice firm. "If you feel you can't work under me, then turn in your resignation letter. My door is always open. Then go find a company where you can get all the praises you desire." Alex said then walked away with his PA, Emily let out a shaky breath. "Oh my God, did you see his look? That was a killer look" Sarah asked as Alex stared sent shiver to her spine.

"Should i just turn in my resignation letter like he said? That look almost knocked me out of breath." Emily said as she tried to shake off the feeling. "Let's go grab some coffee; I need to think."

Sarah expressed surprise. "You're still thinking about coffee after what happened?"

Emily shrugged. "Why not? I mean, this isn't the first... I have learned to get past his words. Let's go.". They both walked away to the cafe.

****************

"Don't you think you're being too hard on your workers?" Ethan asked, Alex's PA.

"How is that being hard? Are you saying I should come down to their level?" Alex asked, staring at Ethan through the rearview mirror.

"I never said that," Ethan replied. "But sometimes, give them a little credit for their effort."

Ethan had been a friend to Alex for years and was often the only one who understood him. Ethan is a year older than Alex, which makes him act more like a brother.

"Are you my advisor now or PA?" Alex asked.

"I'm willing to take on any role, just to help you," Ethan said with a smile, focusing on his driving.

Alex changed the subject. "How's my search for a new apartment going?"

"Actually, I've already set one up for you," Ethan said. "It should be ready by the end of today. You can move in over the weekend or tomorrow, your choice."

Alex replied, "Okay, then," and went back to work.

Ethan teased, "No thank you or tip?" knowing how hard it was for Alex to show appreciation.

Alex responded with a glare, which only formed a smile on Ethan's lips.

***************

The busy day was over, and Emily packed up, closing up for the day as she bid her other workers goodbye. She ordered a cab to take her home, feeling stressed.

As she walked in, she met her mom, still at the apartment, making final adjustments.

"Hello, Mom," Emily called out.

"Hey, sweetheart! You're home already. How was work today?" her mom asked with a smile.

Emily replied with a dull look, "I don't want to talk about it."

Her mom sensed her frustration. "I guess you had another frustrating day with your boss today?"

Emily shrugged. "Whatever. What's going on here? You guys are still working on this?" She glanced around the room.

"Yes, our new tenant is quite particular, so we're trying to meet the expectations," her mom explained.

Emily raised an eyebrow. "Wow, whoever the new tenant is, I hope they're not as extravagant as their taste. People like that can be hard to handle."

Her mom chuckled. "Actually, I think our tenant has great taste in design."

Emily agreed, "Yeah, And the workers did an amazing job. Don't you think?"

Her mom nodded. "Absolutely! They're incredibly skilled. (sigh) You look tired, sweetie."

Emily yawned. "I'm exhausted, Mom. Gotta get some rest."

Her mom reminded her, "Make sure you have dinner before bed."

"I will, Mom. How about you?" Emily asked.

"I already ate," her mom replied.

"Okay, then," Emily said, heading to her room.

Chapter two

"How's work going at the company?" Mr. Adam, Alex's dad, asked in a deep tone, feasting on his breakfast.

"Fine," Alex replied curtly, his straight face unreadable as he sipped his water.

"And how's the upcoming project progressing?" his dad questioned.

"Not bad," Alex replied, still stern.

Mr. Adam nodded. "Okay, then." He wiped his mouth with his napkin.

"By the way, your mother has set up a date for you with the Minister's daughter," he informed Alex.

His mom chimed in, her voice stern. "I'm sure you'll like her. And if things go well, she can be a great asset to you and the company."

Alex scoffed. "Thanks for breakfast. I'll take my leave now." He ignored their announcement.

"We're not done talking, young man," his dad said firmly.

"But I am," Alex countered. "I have nothing to say to you. Please stop making decisions for me. I'm old enough to handle my life. Cancel that date; I won't be available. Bye." Alex walked away.

Alex's relationship with his parents was strained, a result of years of neglect and emotional distance. His parents were always absorbed in their work, leaving him in the care of nannies. This absence had forged a deep-seated resentment within Alex.

Growing up, Alex felt like a mere accessory to his parents' successful lives, rather than a beloved child. His emotional needs were consistently ignored, leaving him feeling isolated and unloved.

****************

Alex stormed out of the mansion, phone in hand, and dialed Ethan's number.

"Pack up my belongings," Alex instructed, his voice firm. "I'm moving in tonight. I can't stay under the same roof as my parents anymore."

He hung up without waiting for a response and slid into his car, driving out of the driveway.

As he sped towards the office, Alex's frustration simmered. His parents' manipulation had reached a boiling point.

*******************

"Go through the file and give me a breakdown by the end of today," Alex instructed Emily.

Emily gazed at the towering stack of files on his desk, wondering how she'd complete the task on time. But she knew better than to complain.

"Do you have something to say?" Alex asked, noticing Emily's distant expression.

"Not at all, sir," Emily replied.

"Then pack up the files and get to work, rather than standing there like a statue," Alex said impatiently.

"Sorry, sir," Emily apologized, gathering the files and hurrying out.

As she exited, feeling frustrated, she collided with Ethan, scattering the files across the floor.

"Oh my God, what the_"

Emily's outburst halted when she saw it was Ethan. "Hey, Ethan," she said softly, smiling.

"Hey, I'm so sorry about this," Ethan apologized, helping Emily gather the files.

Unlike her strained relationship with Alex, Emily had always admired Ethan's kind demeanor.

"How do you manage to work with him?" Emily wondered silently. Alex was notoriously difficult to handle.

Ethan teased, "I guess you're in another mess with Sir Alex?"

Emily chuckled softly. "Not really, he just needs help with some work."

As they stood up, Ethan smiled. "Okay, then. Later."

"Yeah, sure," Emily replied, watching him walk away. She wished she could work under Ethan's calm and pleasant leadership.

"Get over yourself, Emily," she chided herself. "You have work to do, not daydream about a guy."

****************

Emily settled into her chair, dropping the files onto her desk. She leaned back and swiveled around, letting out a sigh.

Sarah walked over, concern etched on her face. "Hey, babe, what's up? What did you do this time to make Sir Alex call you?"

Emily rolled her eyes. "Seriously, why do you guys think that every time? Am I that bad?"

Sarah chuckled. "No one said that, come on. You know every time you're called to Alex's office, it's to get scolded."

Emily shook her head. "Wow, but guess what? I was called because he had some work for me." She gestured to the files.

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't call this work; this is punishment." She stared at the towering stack of files.

Emily's face contorted into a puppy-like expression, seeking sympathy from Sarah.

"Don't give me that look, young lady. It won't work on me," Sarah said with a smile, walking back to her seat.

Emily huffed. "Gosh, such a brat. What kind of friend are you?"

Sarah called back, "Help yourself, princess."

Emily muttered under her breath, picking up a file before immediately dropping it. "Haaa, fuck, I hate my life." She leaned back in her chair, frustration written across her face.

****************

"Oh my God, I feel sleepy," Emily told herself, putting down the last file for the day. She stretched her body, noticing she was the last person at work.

"My back hurts, thanks to that brat," Emily cursed under her breath.

"Which brat?" a voice asked from behind, making Emily scream.

"Oh my God!" Emily exclaimed, relieved to see Ethan. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you." Ethan apologized, "I didn't mean to scare you."

Emily smiled. "It's okay. What are you doing here? I thought no one was around."

"Alex is still around, so I'm waiting to take him home," Ethan replied.

Emily thought to herself, "That guy sure doesn't have a conscience, keeping a soul waiting for so long."

Ethan asked, "What about you?"

"I had to finish this to avoid a mess with your boss," Emily said.

Ethan reminded her, "My boss is your boss too."

Emily responded with a dull look, "I know, right?"

Ethan chuckled softly.

"What's funny?" Emily asked, smiling.

"Nothing really. You don't like Alex, right?" Ethan asked.

Emily explained, "I don't hate him; I just don't like the fact that he is not appreciativeof people."

Ethan said, "Alex isn't bad; he just needs someone who understands him."

Emily replied, "You think that's the issue, or does he just have a thick head?"

Ethan agreed, laughing, "He sure does have a thick head."

Just then, Alex called out, "Ethan!"

Emily and Ethan turned to see Alex walking towards them.

"What are you doing here?" Alex asked.

"Chit-chatting with Miss Emily. Are you ready, sir?" Ethan asked.

Alex replied, "Yes, I am."

Ethan handed Emily a coffee sweet. "For the busy days." He said then left to get the car ready. Emily smiled at the gesture, admiring Ethan more. Alex questioned, "Why are you still around?"

Emily responded politely but with attitude, "Finishing the assignment you gave me."Alex asked, "This late?" Emily rolled her eyes. "At least you noticed."

Alex said, "I thought I said before the day ended?" Emily retorted under her breath, "And it's not like the day has ended, or has it?"

Alex told her, "Working hours are over."

Emily responded, "Then be more specific in the future so I know how to fasten my seatbelt and work off my butt to meet your deadline."

Alex smiled evilly. "OK, then. Do the data entry for those files, and I hope to get it tomorrow before you start your work."

Emily exclaimed softly, "What?"

Alex said sarcastically, "I hope I was specific enough this time. Have a good night's rest, then." Alex walked away

"Should I blame my mouth for being lousy or my boss for being cruel to me?"Emily wondered.

Emily packed up her belongings and headed home, exhausted from the long day. As she settled into her cozy apartment, she couldn't shake off the feeling of frustration.

She dropped her bag onto the floor and trudged to her desk, where her laptop awaited. With a sigh, Emily opened the lid and continued working on the data entry task Alex had assigned. The only thing that dissipated her frustration was the joy of the coffee candy Ethan had given her. She found him so sweet. "I guess my busy day is here," Emily said, then took a piece of the coffee candy to stay awake.

Chapter three

Emily walked into work wearing sunglasses, her eyes baggy from lack of sleep. She headed straight to Alex's office, laptop in hand, and silently dropped it on his desk. Alex wasn't paying attention, so Emily spoke up, even though she had promised herself not to say a word to Alex.

"Would you like me to come back later when you're less busy?" Emily asked breaking her promise to herself. No need for that, just send the data through my email," Alex replied. "What? You should have told me that before," Emily said, frustration evident. "I'm telling you now," Alex said, finally looking up at her. "And what's with the glasses?"

"Are you going to tell me to pull them off?" Emily retorted, but Alex ignored her. "Just send the data and get back to work," Alex ordered. "Whatever," Emily muttered, sending the data and leaving his office.

Alex sighed. "Gosh, that lady sure knows how to get on my nerves."

At her workstation, Emily slumped into her chair, swiveling listlessly. "What's with the sunglasses?" Sarah asked, laughing.

"You don't want to know," Emily replied lazily. "Try me," Sarah urged.

Emily pulled down her glasses, revealing dark circles.

"Wow," Sarah breathed. "Is it that bad? Mom had that look too when I showed her," Emily said. "Yeah, I mean no, it's not that bad... the glasses make you look cool," Sarah backpedaled.

Emily huffed. "Liar. Whatever, I blame that jerk for this. I cant believe he told me to have a good night's rest after making me work through the night."

Sarah suggested, "Instead sitting here all day cursing our boss, Why don't we grab some coffee?"

"I don't think I can take any more," Emily replied, remembering the copious coffee she'd consumed all in the name of staying awake.

"How about something sweet, like muffins?" Sarah asked.

"Sounds cool. At least that'll take away the bitterness," Emily agreed, letting Sarah drag her out of her chair.

****************

Mr. Adam chuckled loudly as he strolled alongside the Minister and his daughter. "I'm sure they'll make a perfect match," he said with a smile.

"When do we meet?" Diana asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"You know my son is the busy type," Mr. Adam replied. "I'll send across a date to you when I meet up with him."

The Minister nodded. "I have matters to attend to. See you later, Mr. Adam."

As the Minister departed with his guards and daughter, Mr. Adam headed to his son's workplace.

Alex was engrossed in his computer when his father arrived. "I can see you're working hard," his dad said, approaching Alex's desk.

"What brings you here, Dad?" Alex asked, still focused on his screen.

"Can't I visit my son?" Mr. Adam asked, attempting a lighthearted tone.

Alex looked up, his expression urging his father to get to the point.

"Fine," Mr. Adam continued. "I arranged a date for you with the Minister's daughter. I came to inquire about your availability."

"Sorry, but I have other plans," Alex replied curtly.

"I didn't give you an option," Mr. Adam said firmly. "Attend this date."

"I told you and Mom to stay out of my life," Alex said, his voice rising. "I decide who I date. Leave, Dad. I have a meeting to attend."

Mr. Adam's face fell, taken aback by Alex's assertiveness. He departed, his silence punctuated by a scornful glance.

(After the meeting)

Ethan walked into the office and dropped the documents Alex had requested on his desk. Alex had been busy lately, which had been putting Ethan on edge. Alex has a tendency to immerse himself in work when he's trying to escape from overwhelming personal issues."

"Are you okay?" Ethan asked.

"Why are you asking me that?" Alex replied, still focused on his work.

"Just asking out of care," Ethan said.

Alex looked up at him. "What's with the brotherly attitude?"

"Nothing really, just wanted to make sure you're okay," Ethan replied.

"Oh, okay, I'm fine," Alex said, then returned to his work but glanced back at Ethan.

"Ha! That reminds me, I'll be packing up today," Alex said.

"You said that the last time," Ethan reminded him.

"I know, I just said it out of frustration. But I'm ready to move in now," Alex replied.

"Okay then," Ethan said and began walking out.

As he reached the door, Alex handed him another file.

"Get me information on this. I need it by tomorrow," Alex instructed.

"Okay, sir," Ethan replied and walked away.

*******************

Emily got home feeling famished. She washed up and dressed in a singlet arm short gown, making her hair into a bun. Then, she went to the kitchen to get something to eat since the maids were running late with dinner and her mom wasn't around. She helped herself to some cornflakes and milk.

Next, Emily went to the parlour, picked up the remote, and scrolled through channels before settling on her favorite TV show. Minutes passed, and she was still watching when suddenly there was a knock on the door. Emily called out to the maids, but they were all busy. With a sigh, she walked to the door and opened it.

When she opened the door, she froze at the sight of her boss, Alex, standing on her doorstep. Emily's mind wandered off, questioning herself. What had she done wrong to make her boss come to her place? Was this some kind of dream or prank? Either way, she couldn't wait to wake up. Words were far away from her; she wasn't sure how to begin the conversation. She just stood and stared at her boss.

"Is this Miss Tessa's apartment?" Alex asked with a straight face which snapped her back to her senses

"Yes, that's my mom. Why do you want to see her?" Emily asked sharply.

"To get my apartment key," Alex replied.

"Keys? What keys?" Emily asked before it finally clicked that her boss was the new tenant her mom had mentioned.

"What? Wait, you're the new tenant?" Emily asked, shocked.

"Is Miss Tessa home or not?" Alex asked, ignoring her questions.

"Such an arrogant brat," Emily muttered under her breath. "No, she isn't home right now, but you can come in and wait for her."

As she invited Alex in, Emily thought to herself, "Why on earth would I invite my boss inside my house? Yeah, it was a good thing, but not my boss." She regretted her decision instantly.

Without a word, Alex walked in and took a seat, leaving Emily feeling on edge.

"How long will you keep still like a statue?" Alex's voice disrupted her thoughts as she snapped back to reality and took a seat.

Moments passed, and Emily kept stealing glances at her boss. What was she to do? Start a conversation or offer him something? These thoughts were eating her up. But what could possibly go wrong? It's not like they were strangers. So, here goes nothing.

"Should I get you something?" Emily summoned the courage to ask.

"I'm OK," Alex replied with his usual stern look.

"Okay," Emily replied, feeling awkward.

One failed attempt, one more to go - starting a conversation. Hopefully, something would come up, like an employee-boss bond. But what conversation could that be? Gosh, this is harder than I thought, but let's do this, Emily encouraged herself.

"So, Mister Alex, when is.........

"I have a lot of work to attend to, when would your mom get here," Alex interrupted.

Two failed attempts in a row; this bonding thing was never going to work between them. Hell no, she is going to try making a bond with her arrogant boss.

"She should be here soon enough," Emily replied.

Immediately, the doorbell rang.

"I guess she's here," Emily said, hurrying to the door.

"Where the heck did you go?" Emily questioned.

"What's up? I heard the new tenant is around," her mom inquired.

"Yes, but mom, hear me out..." Emily started.

Miss Tessa walked into the parlour, cutting Emily off.

"Oh my, hope I didn't keep you waiting," Mrs. Tessa apologized.

"I'm sure my PA informed you about my moving in today," Alex said.

"Yes, he did, but it slipped my mind. Pardon me," Mrs. Tessa replied.

Emily glared at her boss from the corner then huffed at his indirect reply.

"Can I have my keys, please? I have a lot to catch up on," Alex asked.

Mrs. Tessa handed him the keys.

"I'll take my leave," Alex said, exiting.

"Stay for dinner..." Mrs. Tessa started.

"I'm sure he won't want to. Like he said, he has work to do; we wouldn't want to distract him," Emily interrupted with a creepy smile.

"Good night," Alex said and left.

Emily rushed to close the door.

"What was that for?" her mom asked, seeking answers.

"Nothing. Let's go eat; I'm sure you're hungry," Emily replied, dragging her mom away to dinner.

*******************

Alex stepped into his revamped room, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Exhaustion overwhelmed him, and he sank into the couch, eyes fixed on the ceiling. "I feel so tired" he muttered. But with a heavy workload looming, rest would have to wait. Alex slowly rallied, brewing a fresh cup of coffee to propel him through the night.