11/08/2026
EPISODE 14📝✍️
Story Title: "MEAN BOSS AND HIS INTERN"💕 🌹
..............................
The next day at Apex Finance after Bukky came back….
By midmorning, her division was already struggling to keep up with the workload.
A network fault affecting several sections of the building had left some of the computer systems unavailable, forcing employees to move from one office to another just to get their work done.
The technicians assigned to the problem were already working on the connections, but until everything was restored, the few functioning computer systems had to be shared.
Bukky had already checked two offices, including Mrs. Grace's, only to find other employees waiting their turn.
With a stack of documents she needed to work on her report and print her work urgently, she finally made her way to Ruben's office.
Ruben's office was one of the larger senior-level offices on the floor, and thankfully, it wasn't nearly as crowded as the others. Only two staff were waiting to use the computer and multifunction printer inside.
Bukky stopped at the entrance and waited patiently.
She leaned lightly against the open door, glancing down at the papers in her hands as she waited for her turn.
At almost the same time, Michael walked into the building.
He had been away that morning handling an important matter outside the company and had only just returned.
As he made his way down the hallway, his eyes immediately caught the unusual activity.
Employees were standing around in offices, some holding documents, others waiting impatiently.
He slowed down.
"What is going on here?" he asked, stopping outside one of the offices.
The owner of the office, straightened immediately.
"Sir, there's been a network issue affecting some of the systems. The technicians are already working on it."
Michael's expression changed slightly.
"Still?" He asked
“Yes sir," the employee replied "
He had spoken to CJ the previous day after the problem was first reported. CJ had assured him that his technicians would be there first thing that morning to sort it out.
He pulled out his phone as he continued down the hallway, already dialing CJ's number.
He was halfway through looking at the screen when something caught his attention.
Bukky.
She was standing at the entrance of Ruben's office, unaware that he was approaching. Her attention was fixed on the papers in her hands as she quietly checked through them.
Michael ended the call before it connected.
"Bukky."
She heard his voice and immediately looked up.
"Good afternoon, sir."
Michael stopped beside her.
"What are you doing here?"
His tone was calm, without the usual sharpness she had grown accustomed to.
Bukky glanced briefly into Ruben's office.
"I'm waiting to use the computer and printer. Mine isn't working."
"Yours is affected too?"
"Yes, sir."
Michael looked into the office. The few staff there greeted him.
"Good afternoon, sir."
"Afternoon."
He stepped inside, Ruben looked up from his desk.
"Good afternoon Sir."
“Goodafternoon”
"Sir.. many systems are affected, It looks like it’s a major connection issue, people are managing with the few systems that are still working." Ruben said
Michael glanced toward the computer and printer, then at the employees waiting beside it.
"Once the technicians finish, make sure everything is tested well, before they leave. I don't want a repeat of this again."
"Yes, sir."
He gave a final look around the office before turning toward the door.
As he reached Bukky, he stopped.
"Come with me."
Bukky looked at him, slightly puzzled.
She said nothing, only followed.
Michael walked toward his office, and she kept a respectful distance behind him.
When they entered, he walked straight toward the large multifunction printer and Computer positioned just near the side of his Desk.
"You can use this one."
Bukky stopped. For a moment, she simply stared at him.
"Sir?"
"I said you can use mine."
She blinked, as though making sure she had heard correctly.
"Okay... thank you, sir."
Michael moved toward his desk.
Bukky approached the printer with the documents held carefully against her chest.
She looked around for somewhere convenient to place them and noticed a narrow wall-mounted holder beside the system.
She slipped the documents into it.
The papers immediately began sliding out.
One after another, they scattered onto the floor.
Before she could bend down, Michael glanced over from his desk.
"Put them here" Gesturing at his desk
She looked at him.
"Sir?"
"Keep them on the desk”
"Oh. Okay."
She quickly gathered the papers and carried them to his desk.
“Is there much thing you are working on?” He asked
“Not much.. I’m only working on few reports and then print”
Micheal nodded.
She looked through the documents, and placed the stack neatly at one side, close enough for her to reach whenever she needed another set.
Then she returned to the system.
Michael was already going through some of the documents she put on the desk..
When Bukky noticed, her hands slowed. She watched him quietly for a second and hoped he wouldn’t find any issues that will make him drill her..
She looked away and focused on what she was doing.
A few seconds passed.
“Bukky”
Her heart jumped. She turned around.
Michael was looking at the computer screen where she was working on a financial report.
He moved his chair closer to her.
She studied his face briefly. There was nothing like irritation or his usual disapproval expression.
Michael pointed at the screen..
"You've started making this formatting mistakes again."
Bukky looked down. She leaned slightly closer to see what he meant.
Michael looked at her.
"I thought you had learnt this properly… What happened?”
“And its not only formatting issues here.. I can see a good number of errors" he added
There was no bite in his voice. If anything, he sounded almost like a teacher patiently correcting a student.
"I'm sorry, sir. I've had a lot to catch up on since I resumed. I think the workload just got to me, hence the mistakes."
Michael studied what she was doing more...
Instead of criticizing her, he moved his chair more closer toward her and corrected the errors there.
Then he thought her a simple way to avoid such mistakes next time..
“Do you always format every reports from scratch?”
“Yes..” Bukky replied
“There is a better way to avoid this type of mistakes, Incase of next time”
“Here...” He pointed at the screen.
“For Word Financial reports like this, just create one perfect master template. Set the font, headings, spacing, tables, margins, page numbers…everything”
“Then save it as your template. Every time you need a new Word financial report, you open that template and replace the figures and details. You don’t start formatting all over again.”
“Ok.. I should just set it once and reuse it?” Bukky asked..
“Exactly.” Michael looked at her and gave her a brief approving look.
“So simply save it in a dedicated folder financial report folder.. Whenever you need to prepare a new report, make a copy, rename it for that month , and work on the copy.”
“Its that simple”..
He paused before adding,
“And if you’re doing the reports in Excel, Still use the same method..."
“Create one clean master workbook with the formulas, number formats, headings and tables already set. Save it as your template, then make a copy for each new report.
Bukky watched.
It was ridiculously simple.
Michael explained it once more, even more briefly, and she understood perfectly well.
"Oh."
She looked at the report again.
"That's actually easier."
Bukky smiled faintly.
"I've never been shown that way before."
"Now you know." Micheal said
"Thank you, sir."
He nodded and moved his chair back to his desk.
Bukky continued what she was working on..
Michael opened one of the drawers in his desk, searching through some files.
"Nice fragrance."
“What’s the name”
Bukky blinked and looked at him..
"My... perfume, sir?"
"Yes."
He finally looked up.
Bukky smiled, a little surprised by the question.
"Veloura, sir."
Michael repeated the name quietly.
"Veloura."
He seemed to consider it for a second, before returning his attention to the files in his hand.
"I like it."
A genuine smile touched Bukky's lips.
"Thank you, sir."
She turned back toward the computer, trying not to smile too much.
The sweet, delicate fragrance, lingered softly across the cozy, quiet office.
………………….
When Bukky returned to her office, she closed the door behind her and stood there for a moment.
Then, without thinking, she lifted her wrist toward her nose and caught the lingering scent of her perfume.
It was a sweet, very addictive fragrance, a delicate blend of sugared candy and soft jasmine, warmed by a subtle touch of caramel and vanilla.
Feminine and sensual without being overpowering, it always left a long warm sweetness in the air whenever she wears it .
A smile crept onto her face.
What just happened?
Michael Lawson had actually complimented her perfume.
It wasn't as though he had said anything particularly special. It had only been nice fragrance, followed by two simple words—I like it.
Still, coming from Michael, somehow, it felt different and special.
The perfume was a rare, very expensive French perfume she had bought during her last trip abroad.
She hardly ever wore it, saving it for special occasions, because it wasn't something she could easily find in a perfume store in the country.
She had always considered it one of those little luxuries reserved for important outings rather than an ordinary days at work.
But now...
She glanced at her wrist again.
Since he likes it...
Perhaps it might just become her everyday perfume after all.
She caught herself smiling….
"Wait."
Her smile disappeared.
"Am I actually blushing because of two words?"
She stared at herself for a moment before shaking her head.
"Bukkyyyyyy"
She straightened her shoulders and dropped the documents on her desk.
"Get hold of yourself."
She quickly sat on her chair and concentrated on other works…
………………….
It was another day on a Thursday, just after noon when the lunch break began…
Bukky had planned to wait for Ada so they could head to the company cafeteria together, but the workload of the morning had left her completely drained.
She sat behind her desk, resting her elbow on the table and gently supporting her jaw with her palm.
She had only meant to close her eyes for a moment.. before she knew it, she slept off.
The soft hum of the air conditioner filled the room as Bukky slept peacefully, her head slightly tilted against her hand.
Michael was on his way to his office after a meeting, when he happened to glance through her office partially tinted glass wall..
He stopped.
Bukky was asleep at her desk, her head was tilted in a position that might cause her neck pain.
He remembered she was seriously ill, before she left Apex two weeks ago..
For a moment, he simply watched her. Then, he quietly pushed her door open and walked in.
He approached her desk, gently touched her forehead and adjusted her head.
Bukky stirred.
Her eyes opened immediately, and she sat upright.
"Sir... good afternoon, sir."
Michael looked at her for a moment.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, sir."
She quickly straightened herself.
"I was waiting for Miss Ada. We were supposed to go for lunch together, I didn't know when I slept off."
Michael nodded.
"I hope you're fully recovered now."
"Yes, sir. I'm very fine thank you.."
"Good."
He paused for a moment before asking, "So, how are you finding things since you came back?"
"Well... It’s not been easy…."
"It's a lot to catch up on, but my colleagues around here have been so helpful"
Michael nodded approvingly.
"Alright"
Bukky looked at him.
There was something different about the way he said it. No sternness. His expression was filled with genuine concern.
He turned toward the door, and left quietly…
Bukky stared after him. For several seconds, she didn't move.
Then she leaned back in her chair.
"Hahhhh..."
She shook her head slowly.
"What is all this one again?"
She couldn't understand it.
The concern. The patience. The way he had touched her forehead to check if she was alright.
"What exactly is going on?"
Before she could think any further, Ada appeared at the doorway.
"Madam, why are you not picking your calls.. lets go."
Bukky looked at her and laughed.
"Sorry its on silent mode."
…………………..
After lunch, they returned to Bukky’s office this time, with about twenty minutes left before the break ended. Instead of immediately returning to work, they sat chatting for a while.
Ada suddenly snapped her fingers.
"That reminds me. Your birthday."
Bukky looked at her.
"What about it?"
"How are you preparing?"
Bukky sighed.
"I don't even know yet. If not that I’m used to celebrating my birthday every year… I probably would have just ignored it this year."
Ada stared at her.
"Don't even try it."
"This your birthday is something I've been looking forward to."
Bukky laughed..
"I'm only thinking of inviting a few people."
"To your house?"
"I'm still deciding." She shrugged.
"Maybe my house, maybe somewhere else. I just want something small. A little get-together, nothing serious."
Ada's eyes lit up.
"Hmm. Small get-together or not, I can't wait. Just make it hot."
Bukky laughed.
"You're not serious. Are you going to give me the money?"
"Give you money?" Ada looked at her dramatically.
"Abuja Big babe like you? Please..."
They both burst into laughter.
Then… Ada gave her a mischievous look.
"So..."
Bukky narrowed her eyes.
"So what?"
"Are you going to invite our boss?"
Bukky's looked at her with funny expression…
"Eh?"
"Mr Michael."
"Invite our boss? For what?"
Ada shrugged innocently.
"I'm only asking."
Bukky shook her head, already laughing.
"Stop playing, abeg."
Ada laughed.
"Okay, okay. .. but he is still your boss tho..”
“You are so unserious” Bukky said playfully
............
It was a little after five that same day, when Bukky stepped out of one of the offices with a laptop tucked against her side and a few documents held tightly in her other hand.
She had a very important thing to work on urgently and was already running a little behind schedule. She hurried back to her office.
As she approached her office, she missed a step and everything happened at once.
Her balance shifted.
Her laptop slipped from her hand. The documents scattered.
Bukky instinctively reached out to steady herself, but before she could regain her footing, a hand caught her arm.
Michael…
He had just stepped out of his office and was heading down the hallway when he saw her stumble. Without thinking, he moved quickly toward her.
His hand remained around her arm, keeping her steady.
For a brief moment, neither of them moved. Then he suddenly realized he was still holding her arm, and quickly let go, leaving a quiet tension hanging between them.
Her laptop had already fallen.
Bukky immediately bent down, gathering the scattered papers. Michael reached the laptop first.
He picked it up carefully and about to check the screen and edges for any obvious damage, before Bukky took it from him, visibly anxious and embarrassed..
"I'm sorry, sir. I was—I..." The words wouldn't come.
Michael looked her straight in the eye..
"Is the laptop okay?"
Bukky looked at it.
"I... I wouldn't know yet. I'll check later"
"Alright."
His eyes briefly moved over the scattered documents before returning to her.
"Just be more careful next time."
There was no irritation in his voice. No lecture. No sharp remark… Just concern.
Bukky nodded.
"Ok, sir."
Michael looked at her briefly, before turning and walking down the hallway.
Bukky remained there for a moment, watching him disappear.
Something about the whole encounter felt somehow strange to her.
She remembered another time she had stumbled at that same hallway during her second week in Apex..
She remembered how embarrassed she'd been, how she'd struggled to gather herself and how Michael hadn't even stopped to ask if she was alright.
Now, barely days after her return, the same man had actually rushed to help her. He had caught her before she fell.
He had even picked up her laptop …
Bukky frowned slightly as she entered her office.
"What is going on?"
She placed the laptop on her desk and sat down.
Since she resumed, Michael had been unusually different.
The patience… The calm corrections and compliment..
And now this.
She leaned back in her chair.
"Or Is this part of his welcome back package?" she muttered under her breath.
A tiny laugh escaped her.
But the amusement faded as quickly as it came. She knew Michael..
And it was still too soon to trust this sudden change.
"I'm not falling for it." She said to herself.
She turned back to her work.. But then, the image returned to her mind…
His hand around her arm and the way he'd moved without hesitation when he saw her stumble.
Bukky's lips curved into a small smile.
She caught herself.
She shook her head and waved the thought away.
She then picked up her pen and returned to work, determined not to let a simple act of kindness get into her head…
Even though, somewhere beneath all that caution, she couldn't quite forget the way Michael had rushed to catch her….
……………………
Later that night, after showering and having dinner, Bukky settled comfortably in her room. She glanced at her phone for a moment.
CJ had been the one calling her almost every time lately.
She smiled.
Let me call him for once. She was already getting used to speaking with him every night, before she slept.
She picked up her phone and dialed his number. It barely rang twice before he answered.
“My baby.”
“Hmmm” Bukky laughed softly.
“Are you not my baby?” He asked
“But wait ooo.. This one you called me first? Hope I’m safe”
“Change is constant you know”
CJ paused dramatically.
“I should write down the date of this change was made somewhere”
Bukky laughed.
“Honestly, I think I should.” He continued..
They both laughed, before settling into other gists.
After a little while, Bukky remembered something.
“That reminds me… CJ?”
“Ok…”
“My birthday is next week.”
“Wow, seriously?”
“Yeah. It's on Saturday, but I'm thinking of celebrating on Sunday instead.”
“Then we're throwing a party”
Bukky smiled.
“Nothing big, though. Just something small. Most of my close friends and family members aren't even around, so I'll probably just invite a few people from the company, people I'm close to.”
“And me, of course.” CJ said..
Bukky smiled.
“Of course… On a VIP level”
CJ scoffed playfully.
“I'm checking my schedule right now. Anything standing between me and that birthday is getting cancelled.”
Bukky laughed.
“I'll be there for sure… As the assistant Birthday boy that I am.”
“Assistant Birthday boy? Ada has already taken that position.. sorry” she said playfully
“Let me catch her first”
She laughed again.
“So where is this party happening?” CJ asked
“I was thinking of having it at my house. Just something simple.”
“Why don't we book somewhere in town instead?”
“No, no. I don't want all that.”
“Why?”
“It'll make everything feel too extra. I just want something calm. A few people, good food, maybe a movie... just relax and enjoy ourselves.”
CJ was quiet for a moment.
“Is money the issue?”
“No. It's not about money at all.”
“Just leave everything to me.”
“CJ…”
“I'm serious. You don't have to worry about anything.”
Bukky smiled.
“I know, but that's not the point. I actually prefer my house. The sitting room is spacious enough. We can just play fun games, watch a movie, eat, talk... nothing complicated.”
CJ chuckled.
“Okay. That actually sounds fun though..”
“It does.”
“Then it's settled.”
Bukky smiled, settling deeper into her pillows.
“yeah”
After they settled on the plan, neither of them ended the call… The continued chatting..
“So,” CJ said,
“how is work now? You settling in properly?”
Bukky sighed lightly.
“I'm trying. It's been busy since I came back.”
“I can imagine. And your boss?”
Bukky paused for half a second.
“What about him?”
CJ chuckled. “Nothing. I'm just asking.”
Bukky smiled. “He's... been okay.”
“Okay?”
“Yes. Surprisingly too nice”
“Hmm.” CJ laughed softly.
“That's a dangerous hearty description coming from you.”
Bukky laughed. “Don't start.”
“Mr. Ice himself suddenly becoming too nice? That's news.”
“You're very funny.”
“I’m happy, you are happy”
“Thank you”
“I will be hanging up now.. it’s going to be a long day tomorrow” She said
“Goodnight, CJ.”
“Goodnight, pretty. And don't forget to keep me updated regarding our birthday.”
She laughed.
“I won't.”
“Good. Sleep well.”
“You too.”
The call ended, and within minutes, she drifted off to sleep.
……………..
Friday passed quietly, so also Saturday, and by Sunday evening, Michael found himself at their usual spot with CJ and their close friend, Daniel, who had returned from abroad that weekend after being away for quite some time.
It felt good having Daniel back.
They had spent the better part of the evening catching up, laughing over old times and arguing about football…
Daniel leaned back in his seat, looking from one friend to another.
“You guys are coming for the meeting next Sunday?”
“Which meeting?” CJ asked
“Age grade meeting now”
“Ah, its true oo.. But I'm already booked.”
Daniel frowned.
“Booked? Don't tell me you're not coming.”
“I have somewhere else to be.” CJ said
“Where?”
“A close friend's birthday.”
Daniel stared at him.
“Birthday?”
“Yes.”
Michael, who had been quietly scrolling through his phone, finally looked up.
“Don't mind him,” he said dryly.
“The moment he said he wasn't coming, I already knew it must be woman matter.”
CJ burst out laughing.
“Exactly what I was thinking!” Daniel added
“See .. This person is very important to me. I already told her I'd be there, and I'm not going back on my word.”
Daniel shook his head.
“So this birthday is more important than our meeting?”
“That meeting won’t even be so serious,” CJ replied.
“Anyways... If there's still time after the birthday, I'll come around.”
Daniel looked at Michael.
“You see this CJ. Always very active when it comes to women.. Oga you need to change oo”
“I don’t know if you are waiting for my first son to grow up and be your best man.. Go get yourself a wife”
“I’m currently on it now.. that’s why I’m attending birthday.. CJ said
They three men laughed..
Michael looked at CJ and asked casually..
“And who is this friend I don't know about?”
CJ looked at him.
“You know her”
Michael shrugged.
“Who is she”
“It's Bukky.”
Michael's expression changed.
“Bukky?”
“Yeah.”
A brief silence followed. Michael leaned back in his chair.
“Her birthday is next week?”
“Next Sunday,” CJ confirmed.
“She told me herself.” He added
Michael nodded slowly.
“Oh.”
“She didn’t tell you?”.
Micheal didn't say anything else.
CJ didn't seem to notice the subtle shift in his expression. Daniel, however, was already moving on to another topic.
He looked at Michael with a mischievous grin.
“Anyway, enough about birthdays. Mike my man.. Is there somebody on board now?”
CJ laughed.
“Finally! Ask him yourself.”
Daniel raised an eyebrow.
“You mean there is no one?”
“This man has been celibate for over two years.” CJ said with seriousness..
Daniel's eyes widened.
“Wait. What?”
Michael gave CJ a sideways look.
“How exactly do you know that?” Daniel asked
“You think I’m joking?”. CJ laughed.
“ I've watched Mike reject practically every woman we've tried to introduce to him.”
“Even the ones his mum tried to hook him up with”.
Daniel turned to Michael.
“Seriously?”
CJ nodded.
“The ones he actually agreed to go out with. Once the date is over, this man won't answer their calls again.”
“My guy, what is wrong now?” Daniel asked Micheal looking concerned this time
Michael calmly took a sip of his drink.
“I didn't know you were keeping records of my personal life.” He told CJ
“Well Someone has to.”
Daniel shook his head in disbelief.
“So there's really nobody?”
“Nothing.” CJ said
Daniel leaned back.
“Ah.”
CJ grinned.
“Options full everywhere, he doesn’t just have the interest.. I don talk tire”
Michael gave him a look.
CJ laughed.
“Why are you looking at me like that now? Abi I lie?”
“And I hope you're aware that prolonged lack of s*x causes health problems.” CJ added
Daniel nearly choked on his drink.
“You are a mad man.. I still better pass you. You should get yourself a wife first” Micheal finally said
CJ burst out laughing.
"At least I'm exercising my waist" he said
"You are foolish".. Micheal told him jokingly
For a while, the conversation moved on to other things..
But Michael’s mind kept drifting to what CJ said…
Bukky's birthday.
She had not mentioned it to him…..
Not once.
…………….
Later that Night, when micheal finally retired to his room..
He lay on his bed in the darkness, one arm resting beneath his head as he stared at the ceiling.
For some reason, he couldn't stop thinking about what CJ had said.
Bukky's birthday is next Sunday.
He frowned slightly. She didn’t even bother to tell him.
Not that she was obligated to anyways..
Still, the realization bothered him that he was nothing more than a boss to her.
He had spent days trying to understand and treat her better. He had been deliberately changing the way he spoke to her, even the way he treated workers this few days, just to impress her..
And yet, She still didn’t trust him enough to tell him about her special day.
He turned onto his side.
She told CJ.. not him. A quiet sigh escaped him.
Then another thought surfaced.
“Does that mean she doesn’t just like me”
He immediately dismissed the question.
“Maybe because I’m her boss” he thought
Of course.
That should have been enough reason…
But somehow, it bothered him.. He just wished to be part of her special day.
Michael reached for his phone and stared at the screen for a moment.
He could simply ask her…”When is your birthday?”
No.
That would sound somehow ..
He dropped the phone back onto the bedside table. His eyes remained open in the darkness.
He didn't only want to gain Bukky’s trust, he wanted all of her.
He needed her in his life desperately..
To Be Continued………….
Written by Akas Folktale-AF
