GOT CAUGHT

Melissa dialed the phone, trying to sound as sick as possible. "Hi, I'm not feeling well and won't be able to come into work today."

Her friend,mathew, sounded concerned. "Oh no, Melissa, hope you feel better soon. Take care of yourself."

Melissa hung up the phone, feeling a mix of guilt and relief. She wasn't really sick, she just wanted a day off from dealing with having to look at the boss after what happened.

A call comes in on Melissa desk, Matthew picks up the call," hello, who please".

"Isn't this my secretaries desk", the voice from the other line says.

"Oh sorry sir, this is Matthew, Melissa called in sick today."

Leo hangs up the call before Mathew could say any other thing.

She put on her comfiest sweatpants and a worn-out t-shirt, looking like she just rolled out of bed. Heading to the mall, she figured she could blend in and enjoy a day of shopping without anyone recognizing her.

As she browsed through a store, she suddenly heard a familiar voice behind her. "Melissa, what are you doing here?"

She turned around, her heart sinking. Leo stood before her, a stern expression on his face.

"Uh, I...I was just...um...getting some fresh air?" Melissa stammered, knowing she was caught red-handed.

Leo raised an eyebrow. "Fresh air...in the mall...while calling in sick? Melissa, you're my secretary, and you need to come with me. We have a client meeting to attend to."

Melissa's face turned bright red as she realized she had been found out. She had no choice but to follow Leo , feeling like a naughty child being dragged to the principal's office.

As they walked, Leo didn't alter a word to her, he just kept a straight face . Melissa felt ashamed and uncomfortable knowing she had let her boss down.

When they arrived at the client's office, Melissa was mortified. She was still wearing her sloppy sweatpants and t-shirt, while Leo looked sharp in his suit and tie.

But Leo didn't seem to care. He introduced her to the client as his trusted secretary and proceeded to discuss business matters.

Melissa tried her best to focus, but her mind kept wandering back to her earlier lie. She knew she had to make it up to her boss and prove herself once again.

After the meeting they both left to the car park where Leo kept his car, Melissa followed him as she drags her nylon bag like an homeless person following a man to beg for money. She felt like the ground should open up and swallow her up cause Leo isn't even saying a word to her, she had to break the silence." I am so sorry sir, I didn't lie about been sick I was sick in the morning, I just need some things at home, that's why i came to the mall, please sir say something", she said in a trembling voice.

"Get in" Leo said. Melissa was confused but she couldn't say anything than to do what he says.

"Put in your house address" Leo says again

Melissa puts in her house address in car navigation system and sits quietly throughout the ride.

They got to Melissa's place, she thanks him for dropping her off and still apologises, Leo still did not alter a word, immediately she got off the car, he zoomed off. Melissa watches his car as he drives off and in her mind she knows she is in a lot of trouble.