"A Night to Forget"

The door had barely closed behind the women when Michael turned to John and let out a deep sigh. "Well, that was certainly a surprise," he said, shaking his head. John's face burned with embarrassment as Michael began to untie the ropes that bound him to the chair. As the ropes fell away, John felt a wave of relief wash over him. He stood up, stretching his stiff limbs and trying to shake off the humiliating feeling that lingered. Michael, however, looked at him with a serious expression. "John, I think we need to talk," Michael said, his voice firm but concerned. John nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. He had no idea what Michael was going to say, but he knew it couldn't be good. The two of them sat down on the couch, Michael with a look of deep thought on his face. "John, I've known you for a long time," he began. "You're one of my best employees, and I've always considered you a friend. But what I just saw back there...I don't understand." John shook his head, feeling a sense of shame wash over him. "I don't know, Michael. I really don't. I think those women have it in for me, but I have no idea why." Michael leaned forward, his eyes locked onto John's. "I believe you, John. But I need to know what's going on. Is there something you're not telling me? Something that could have led to this?" John hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about Michael's expression made him trust him. "It's just...I've been having some problems at work," John said, choosing his words carefully. "Some of the women in the office have been giving me a hard time. But I never thought it would escalate to this." Michael nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, we'll deal with that later. Right now, let's focus on getting you out of this mess. I'll call a taxi to take you home, and we'll forget this ever happened." But John wasn't so sure. As he looked into Michael's eyes, he saw a glimmer of doubt there. And he knew that this wasn't over yet. Not by a long shot.