My boss invited me to his pool at his house, mentioning that his wife was away for the weekend. It sounded like the perfect escape—a day off by the pool, soaking up the sun without any work distractions. He was a nice man, always polite and professional, so I didn’t think twice before accepting the offer.

The afternoon started off as expected. The sun was warm, the water refreshing, and we chatted casually about work, upcoming projects, and life in general. It was easy to relax and enjoy the moment, feeling like I had finally found a little oasis in the midst of a busy week.

After a while, he joined me by the pool with drinks in hand, and we continued our conversation. Then, the topic shifted. He mentioned a potential promotion—a significant one that would mean more responsibility, a bigger paycheck, and recognition for all the hard work I’ve put in. I was thrilled at the idea. But then he added a caveat, his tone changing slightly.

“You know,” he started, his eyes lingering on me in a way that made me suddenly aware of the fact that we were alone, “this promotion is something I can push through personally, but I’d need something special in return.”

The air seemed to thicken, and I could feel my heart race. I tried to keep my expression neutral, but inside, a storm of emotions churned. Was he really suggesting what I thought he was? I’d always seen him as a decent, respectable man, but this was crossing a line I never imagined he would.

“I’m not sure I understand,” I replied carefully, hoping I had misread the situation. But the look in his eyes confirmed my worst suspicions. He smiled, a bit too casually, and leaned back in his chair.

“I think you do,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with an implication that made my skin crawl. “Just something between us. No one else has to know. And you get that promotion you deserve.”

I felt a wave of disgust, a pit forming in my stomach. The relaxation and enjoyment of the day evaporated, replaced by a mix of anger and disappointment. Here I was, thinking this was just a friendly invitation, and now it had turned into something ugly, something I had to navigate carefully.

I stood up, wrapping my towel around me. “I appreciate the offer, but if that’s what it takes, I’m not interested,” I said firmly, meeting his gaze with as much strength as I could muster.

He looked taken aback, clearly not expecting my response. But I didn’t care. I grabbed my things and left, my mind racing as I walked away from what could have been a simple, relaxing day. Some promotions just aren’t worth the price.