Mason definitely held a grudge. All I did was exercise my right to leave that pit of a job, but he wasn’t about to let me off easy. Instead, he doubled my workload.

I was suffering in silence, but I didn’t say a word. Instead, I mentally played out a movie about my petty boss being reincarnated as someone who lost his hearing and voice.

What a lovely thought.

“Carter, get me a glass of water.”

“Yes, sir. Here’s your Earl Grey, enjoy!”

“Carter, print these documents.”

“Right away, sir.”

“Carter–”

“Already on it.”

…

By the end of the day, I was utterly exhausted.

Rich people really know how to treat their employees – always got someone eager to play the loyal pet.

When the end-of-day bell rang, I practically bolted out of the office, feeling a rare rush of joy at escaping this workplace nightmare.

Mason was still calling my name, but sorry, pal, it was quitting time – Carter had officially shut down.

Can’t hear you, won’t hear you.

I sped out the door and hopped into the first taxi I saw, eager to leave Mason in the dust. What I didn’t see, though, was the smug little grin creeping up on his face.

Twenty minutes later, I arrived home… and realized my bag was gone. I stood there, dumbfounded.

That’s when it hit me. Mason’s fake, concerned calls earlier had been a trap. He knew exactly what he was doing.

Without a second thought, I called for another ride, racing back to the office.

To my shock, the place was completely locked up. The same company that usually never closed before midnight had decided to shut its doors early, just for me.

Mason, how could you?!

After standing in the cold wind for ten long minutes, I gave up and found a hotel to crash in for the night.

…

Lying in bed, tossing and turning, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much this hotel was costing me. What, was the bed made of gold or something?

Mason, are you sleeping right now? Because I’m not, and it’s your fault.

“Ding.”

Who’s texting me at this hour?

I reached for my phone and saw Mason’s name pop up.

“Carter, still awake?”

“When you left, you forgot your bag at the office. I hope you’re not upset I didn’t remind you sooner. I did try to call out to you, but you didn’t respond.”

Ugh, how could someone be so passive-aggressive?

“No worries, sir. I’m at a hotel now. Since you’re so kind, I’m sure you’ll cover the cost, right? I’ll send you the bill in a bit. Thanks! Goodnight, sir.”

Why aren’t you replying? I know you’re still awake.

Ever since finding out Mason was still my boss, my motivation for work had been at an all-time low. I mean, what’s the point anymore?

I kept repeating my work mantra, “If you’re not motivated to work, something’s wrong with your head”, hoping to salvage what was left of my drive. But Mason… it’s all your fault.

I hate this.

In college, I used to hate 8 a.m. classes, and apparently, nothing’s changed. But this time, I couldn’t let a comfy hotel bed hold me back – what held me back was the fact that checkout time was looming, and I wasn’t about to pay for an extra night.

Quickly, I packed my things and bolted out of the five-star hotel. Good riddance, and I’d be sure to avoid this one next time.

Back at the office, I felt as worn out as someone who’d spent years living in a cave. My anxiety levels were through the roof, and the headache pounding away in my skull wasn’t helping.

…

Mason showed up and left again, as usual.

How is it that he manages to juggle two companies at once? How many lives has this man ruined?

“Carter, the boss needs you to pack up and join him on a business trip,” the department head, Ms. Bishop, told me.

“What? I can’t. I’m not cut out for this!” I tried to shrink back, feeling like a turtle retreating into its shell. Who in their right mind would want to go on a business trip with Mason?

Ms. Bishop gave me a long, knowing look. “You’re new, and the boss sees potential in you. You should take advantage of this opportunity,” she said, patting my shoulder in a way that told me I didn’t have much of a choice.

“Sure,” I muttered, resigning myself to my fate. Being an employee means following orders, after all.

I rushed home, packed my things, and soon found myself on a plane with Mason and his assistant, Ian.

Mason kept to himself during the trip, staying tight-lipped and acting all high-and-mighty. He really played up the whole “silent and mysterious” routine, as if we were all strangers.

How did an executive spend so much time on business trips? We’d been out here for two days, and I hadn’t seen him meet with a single client or discuss any deals.

Turns out, this was just a glorified vacation.

So, why was I even here? To stop people from thinking you and your assistant were having a secret romance?

Anyone need a completely useless boss? I’m practically giving him away!

After being on a business trip for a week – spending five of those days lounging in a hotel – I fully accepted that I was completely useless. They didn’t need me at all.

“Carter, let’s head back. I’ll promote you when we return. You’ll be my personal secretary. Don’t be too overwhelmed,” Mason announced.

“Thanks, sir, but I’m really not that moved.”

A free promotion from him? Does anyone even want that?

After working my tail off for two years, I wasn’t sure I could keep going.

We returned, and all was “well.”

I got the promotion, so it would’ve been pretty rude of me to quit now.

My duties were upgraded from pouring water and making tea to... making tea and pouring water. Wow, what an achievement.

“You little flirt! I knew you were trouble the moment you started working here, going after the boss!” Lilly, a coworker, tore into me in the break room.

I was genuinely innocent! I hadn’t done anything at all! Every grudge she had, I chalked up to Mason.

“If you think you’re so great, why don’t you take my place? I’m happy to step aside.” As if Mason was some sort of prize. Please. He was just a beanpole with a temper.

“You’ve got nothing but a pretty face! What else can you possibly bring to the table?” Lilly wasn’t backing down. A few years ago, I would’ve argued with her for hours. But now, anything related to Mason? No, thank you.

“Oh, you’re right. I’m just here for the looks. I quit,” I said, waving her off.

Lilly was stunned. Turns out, you couldn’t argue with someone who’d already given up.

I headed back to my desk, excitedly printed out another resignation letter, recycling the one from last time. It was the same boss, after all – why waste paper on two different letters?

“Sir, I think I’m not cut out for this job. I just... I can’t handle it, so I’ve decided…”

“You’ve decided to abandon me?” Mason cut me off, finishing my sentence for me.

What? Did he just play the victim?

“Well, you see... It’s complicated. We’ll just have to see how it plays out,” I babbled, trying to deflect.

“What kind of nonsense are you talking?” he said, eyebrow raised.

…

Needless to say, my reason for quitting wasn’t accepted, and I remained stuck at the company.

It was exhausting. Talking to Mason was exhausting. I made the decision then and there to just stop talking altogether.

“Carter, print this document,” he called out.

I walked over, grabbed the file, and left without saying a word. It obviously irritated him.

“What? Did you go mute?”

I didn’t respond, just did my job in silence.

When I returned with the printed papers, Mason sighed. “Carter, my eyes hurt. Read this document out loud for me.”

Well, so much for my “mute day.”

…

Ever since Mason came into my life, I felt like my resentment had been growing stronger. I used to be a normal, happy person – now I was just bitter. How did I end up like this?

After work, I’d unwind with some mindfulness apps, hoping to rack up some “zen points.”

Watching that little meter fill up was the only thing that brought me peace.

Mason, you’ve really messed me up.

[Everyone at work hates me, and my boss makes my life miserable. After years of suffering, I’ve decided to exact revenge. Give me $50, and I’ll tell you my plan.] I posted on my social media.

Who doesn’t need to blow off some steam? My latest venting session on social media felt therapeutic.

Both Ms. Bishop and Ian liked my post.

Fellow workers knew the struggle. But why wasn’t anyone sending money?

Ding!

Ah, sweet notification sound! Maybe my luck was turning around.

I quickly exited my social feed and saw at the top of my Venmo notifications: [MasonJames sent you $50.]

My heart dropped. No! This wasn’t what I had hoped for at all. Didn’t I block him from seeing my posts?

I carefully double-checked his profile. Yup, he was definitely blocked. How did he see it? Who snitched on me? This was infuriating!

The a message popped up.

MasonDog: [?? Not gonna accept the money?]

Well, I couldn’t leave it hanging. I clicked to accept the money.

Then I quickly set up an auto-reply message:

[Do not contact me outside of work hours. Actually, don’t contact me about work during work hours either.]

MasonDog: […]

Classy, right?

At the same time, I got another message – this time from Lilly.

[Who do you think you’re calling out in your post? You’re disgusting! I already took a screenshot and sent it to the boss. Just wait!]

Auto-reply: [Do not contact me outside of work hours. Actually, don’t contact me about work during work hours either.]

Lilly: [Wow. Okay.]

I didn’t bother responding. Instead, I forwarded my conversation with Mason, including the part where he sent me money. Take that! Scare tactics, really? Nice try.

Unsurprisingly, Lilly went silent.

MasonDog: [??? MasonDog? Is that what you call me?]

Oh no. I’d forgotten to change his nickname in my contacts.

Is it too late to play dead? Lilly, you are so not helping me here.

[Sorry, boss. My bad.]

I wasn’t really sorry. Next time? I’d do it again.

MasonDog: [Insulting your boss? That’s a $500 deduction.]

Me: [But it’s after hours, boss.]

MasonDog: [Are you telling me how to do my job?]

…

Classic.

Every morning, my first thought was to give myself a pep talk.

After crying myself to sleep over yesterday’s $500 deduction, I woke up today, on my weekend off, feeling like I was back in prehistoric times.

Mason: [Are you there?]

Mason, this better be important!

[Yes, boss, I’m here!]

Mason: [Sending you a file. Get it done and send it back to me in an hour.]

[Boss, it’s my day off...]

Mason: [Want another $500 deduction?]”

[Got it!]

I was not even upset. This was just what I deserved.

So what if I just pulled an unpaid shift and got nothing in return? That’s life with Mason for you.

I spent the entire morning crying while working, but I finally managed to finish the task and clicked “send.”

Not even three minutes later, Mason was calling me on video.

Seriously? Was this necessary?

Should I reject? Can I reject?

Mason texted: [Don’t you dare reject.]

Trembling, I gave in and accepted the call.

“I just wanted to check if your eyes were crusted over with sleep. What’s this half-baked proposal you sent me?”

I was on the verge of a breakdown. What was this? Tears welled up in my eyes despite myself.

“What, are you crying? Is that all the resilience you’ve got?”

Was he fed gunpowder for breakfast? What’s his deal today?

“No.”

“Then keep working on it until it’s right.” With that, he hung up.

I was speechless.

If he calls me again, I swear I’ll start crying for real.

Even though I’m mentally tough, Mason really knew how to test my limits.

I spent the entire afternoon redoing everything. There went my weekend.

Mason, we’re mortal enemies now.

“Ding, ding!”

Another video call? Seriously?

I angrily rubbed my eyes, even forced out a couple of tears for good measure.

When Mason opened the call, I wanted him to see how much I’d “suffered.”

“You got dolled up at home? Looking pretty sharp.”

Excuse me? You blind?

“No, boss.”

“Have you been crying?”

Finally, some delayed awareness.

I stayed quiet, kept my head down, and let my shoulders shake a little. In reality, I was laughing off-camera. Bet you didn’t expect that!

Wait, why’s it so quiet now? Feeling guilty, are we? Wouldn’t be surprised!

“Boss? Boss, are you still there? Boss?”

“You trying to summon my spirit or something?”

“No, no, I didn’t mean it like that! Don’t start with that!”

“Since you’ve been working so hard today, I’ll give you a raise.”

Wait, what? I’ve only been at this new company a few days. Promotion and now a raise? Sure, we’ve known each other for two years, but nobody else here knows that.

“That’s not necessary. People might get the wrong idea.”

People can insult you all they want, but it’s me they’ll actually blame, and I can’t take that.

“What kind of idea?” Was he smirking?

“That I’m, like, your wicked stepmother or something. I can’t handle that reputation!”

At this point, I was full of sass, and my boss seemed to enjoy it.

Finally, he hung up, and I was free.

After an exhausting day, I finally had some time to myself.

But for what, huh? What’s the point?

What could I even do with these few remaining hours?

All I knew was that I was completely frustrated, and pissed.

...

It was 1:30 AM.

I must’ve been sick. No matter how I lay, I couldn’t sleep.

I grabbed a thermometer. Oh great, 102 degrees.

Definitely sick.

Half-conscious, I picked up my phone and sent Mason a message.

“Boss, I’m sick. Requesting time off. Please approve.”

I even snapped a pic of the thermometer for proof and sent it along.

No response. Dead silence.

I must’ve been delirious, because I sent him another message.

“Why aren’t you replying? What, got your arm pinned down or something?”

I didn’t remember much after that, just falling asleep mid-complaint.

I made a mistake.

I was woken up by my phone ringing. When I opened my eyes, I saw 23 missed calls – all from Mason.

I answered, and the voice on the other side was dripping with sarcasm.

“Did a ghost pick up the phone for you, or are your ears just full of cotton? How did you miss all those calls?

“If you’re mad at me, just say it. Don’t go dying at home and leave me to take responsibility!”

I get that you’re stressed, but calm down first.

“Boss, I’m sick and need time off.” I made my voice sound extra weak, hoping to appeal to what little humanity he had left.

Please, I’m a patient right now!

Mason went quiet. His conscience must’ve kicked in.

“Have you gone to the hospital?”

“Not yet.” I was waiting for you to approve my leave.

“Where do you live?”

“I live at… Wow, thanks, boss, you’re even picking me up? I’m so touched. You can just send a driver, that’ll do!”

“...Wait there.”

Mason hung up.

I rolled out of bed immediately and even managed to make myself look a little paler for good measure.

After waiting at the curb for a bit, a Range Rover pulled up.

The window rolled down, and there was Mason’s smug face.

“Get in.”

“Oh, okay!”