LOVE BETWEEN CUBICLES

Chapter 6

"Ms.Williams please could you come to my office" suddenly Kayla hears she makes her way to the managers office ."You asked for me sir"she asks."I need you to complete this task today. It's important for the company's goals," the manager tells her firmly. 
Kayla hesitates, sensing that she is being asked to do something unethical. She feels conflicted, torn between obeying her boss and staying true to her values.Kayla takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself. 
"I'm not sure I feel comfortable completing this task," she begins, her voice betraying her inner turmoil. 
The manager looks at her, his expression hardening. "And why not?" he asks, irritation creeping into his tone.The manager suddenly leans back in his chair, a sly smile spreading across his face. 
"You know, Kayla, there might be another way you can complete this task." 
Kayla feels a pang of dread, knowing she's not going to like what he's about to propose. 
"And what would that be?" she asks cautiously.The manager leans closer, his voice dropping to a low, suggestive tone. "Well, I was thinking...maybe you could do me a little favor in return." 
Kayla's stomach twists in knots as she starts to suspect where this is going. But she knows she has to hear him out, so she grits her teeth and responds. "What kind of favor?"The manager's smile widens. "I've been looking for a date for a company function coming up. And I was thinking...maybe you could accompany me." 
Kayla's jaw clenches, her mind racing as she tries to think of a way out of this. It's clear that the manager is trying to use his position of power to manipulate her into going on a date with him.Kayla shakes her head slightly, a mix of disgust and disbelief on her face. "I don't think that's appropriate," she responds, trying to keep her voice steady. 
The manager leans back in his chair, his smug expression not wavering. "Why not? You don't have another engagement, do you?" 
Kayla thinks of Luca, wondering if she should bring him up. But she decides against it, not wanting to make things more complicated than they already are.Kayla takes a shaky breath and decides to stand her ground, summoning all her courage. "Actually, I do have a boyfriend," she says firmly. 
The manager's expression falters for a moment, but he quickly recovers and tries to play it cool. "Oh, really? Who is this lucky guy?" he asks, trying to sound nonchalant.Kayla crosses her arms, standing her ground. "That's none of your business," she retorts, her tone assertive. 
The manager's eyes narrow, clearly annoyed by her lack of compliance. "You're certainly feisty, aren't you?" he replies, a hint of irritation in his voice. "But I'm sure your 'boyfriend' wouldn't mind if you went on one little date with me..."Kayla narrows her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "My boyfriend would definitely mind," she snaps, feeling a flash of anger at the manager's audacity. 
The manager scoffs, clearly not used to being denied. "Oh, come on, it's just one date. It doesn't have to mean anything. You're making a big deal out of nothing.The manager crosses his arms, his expression turning serious. "You're being pretty closed off about this 'boyfriend'. I'm starting to think you're making him up." 
Kayla glares at him, feeling a mix of anger and defensiveness. "I'm not making him up. He's real." 
The manager raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Prove it, then. Show me a picture of him."Sure, let's have the manager demand that Kayla should introduce her boyfriend on another day closer to the company function. The manager leans forward, a calculating look in his eyes. "Since you're so adamant that this boyfriend of yours exists, but you don't have a photo of him, how about you bring him to the company function as your date?" 
Kayla hesitates for a moment, feeling cornered. "I don't think that's a good idea," she protests weakly, trying to buy herself some time.The manager grins, sensing that he has the upper hand. "Oh, come on. It's such a simple request. You can't refuse to introduce your boyfriend to me, can you?" 
Kayla clenches her fists, feeling frustrated and trapped. She knows the manager won't let this go, and she's running out of excuses. "Fine," she finally relents through gritted teeth. "I'll bring him to the function.Kayla storms out of the office, feeling angry and defeated. As she leaves, the manager calls out to her. 
Manager: "Oh, and one more thing, Kayla." 
Kayla stops and turns around, dreading what else he has to say. 
Manager: "If you don't bring your 'boyfriend' to the function, it might reflect negatively on your performance evaluation. Just a friendly warning." 
Kayla feels a cold chill run down her spine as she realizes the full extent of the manager's manipulation.