In this story, a character overhears a harsh conversation where someone is upset about an employee being late, insisting on a pay deduction despite the employee's personal struggles, such as having two kids. The overheard exchange sets a tense tone. The character, Michaela, approaches her boss, asking for a raise due to her consistent punctuality and good performance at work, explaining that she’s facing rent issues. However, her boss cuts her off and proposes an unusual deal: he wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend instead of discussing her raise. The interaction highlights themes of workplace dynamics, personal struggles, and unexpected propositions.