I never expected my boss to cross the line, but he did.

The night had started out like any other work-related social gathering—just a few colleagues, drinks, and casual conversation by the pool. The setting was relaxed, the sound of gentle laughter and the occasional splash of water filling the air. I had no reason to suspect anything unusual when he invited me. After all, I had worked hard for years, proving myself, and I assumed this was just another opportunity to strengthen professional relationships.

Then, out of nowhere, he leaned in slightly, his tone smooth and deliberate. “You know, if you spend the night with me, that promotion is yours.”

At first, I wasn’t sure I had heard him correctly. My fingers tightened around my glass as I processed his words. Was he joking? Testing me? But as I looked into his face, I saw no hesitation, no shame—just quiet confidence, as if he had made these kinds of offers before.

He knew I was married. He had met my husband at corporate events, shaken his hand, made small talk about business. Yet, none of that mattered to him.

I felt my body go rigid, a storm of emotions crashing inside me—anger, disbelief, disgust. I wanted to lash out, to call him out on his audacity, but my voice caught in my throat. I was frozen, stunned by how casually he had turned years of my hard work into a simple transaction.

Slowly, I placed my drink on the table, my hands steady despite the fury burning inside me. I met his gaze, my voice sharp but composed. “I think you’ve made a mistake.”

Then, without waiting for his response, I stood up and walked away, leaving behind the glimmering pool, the low hum of conversation, and the man who thought my ambition had a price.