Returned from Sick Leave to Find My Office Seat Taken by My Husband’s Sister

Back from sick leave, only to discover that her spot in the office had been taken by her husbands sister.

Michael, youve left the tap running again! The whole sink is a rustcoloured mess! Natalie stood in the bathroom, eyeing the orange streaks on the white porcelain.

Darling, I wasnt even in the kitchen this morning! Maybe you just forgot to turn it off yourself? Michaels voice drifted from the kitchen, a shade irritated. Maybe youre just being forgetful?

Ive been on sick leave for a month I wasnt about to be fiddling with taps for fun!

Michael popped his head into the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. Well, maybe the thing broke on its own. We could call a plumber.

Natalie waved a hand. Arguing felt pointless; after the operation her strength was almost gone, every movement a chore. She shuffled to the kitchen, eased herself onto a stool. Michael set a bowl of porridge in front of her.

Eat. The doctor said you need proper nutrition.

I know, she said, chewing slowly. The porridge was bland, but she had to swallow it. Her body was mending at a glacial pace.

It had been almost a month since the ambulance whisked her away. A complicated appendicitis had required surgery, followed by an infection. Two weeks in hospital, two more at home. Natalie had lost weight, gone pale, and looked as if she were sixty, though she was only fortyfive.

Mike, hows work? Who did you call? she asked between spoonfuls.

I rang Arthur Peters. He told me to take it easy, no need to rush.

Thats it?

Yep. Anything else?

Natalie frowned. Something in Michaels tone sounded off. She looked at him more closely. He avoided her gaze, busily scrubbing a frying pan.

Michael, youre holding back something.

No, nothing! Dont make a story up!

Im not making it up. I can feel it.

Michael sighed, set the sponge down, and turned to her. Look, something did happen, but you dont need to worry, alright? No point getting worked up.

Natalies heart thumped. What?

Well Christina has started working in your office. Temporarily, while youre on sick leave.

Silence. Natalie stared at him, barely believing her ears.

Christina? Your sister? In accounting?

Yes. Remember she was looking for a job? Arthur had a vacancy and she filled it.

So youve taken my place, Natalie murmured.

Technically, yes, but only for now. Youll be back and everything will be as it was.

Natalie pushed her bowl away; her appetite vanished. Christina. Michaels younger sister. A twentysevenyearold striking figure with a perfect smile and ambitions as tall as a skyscraper.

She had never liked her. From the moment Michael introduced them, Natalie felt a chill. Christina looked down on her as if Natalie were beneath her brother. After the wedding, the disdain became open.

Michael married an accountant, shed whisper to friends, and Natalie would hear it. Can you imagine? An accountant! No more exciting than watching paint dry!

Yet Michael loved Natalieor at least seemed to. Theyd been together fifteen years, and throughout that time Christina had stayed on the periphery, popping up at parties with the occasional obligatory gift before disappearing back into her own life.

Now, however, she was occupying Natalies desk.

Why didnt you tell me? Natalie asked, trying not to let her voice shake.

I didnt want to upset you. You were ill.

When did this happen?

About two weeks ago.

Two weeks! And you kept quiet!

Calm down, Nat! Its not permanent. Youll recover, youll go back, and Christina will move on!

Christina, Natalie repeated bitterly. Always Christina.

She retreated to their bedroom. Michael stayed in the kitchen, muttering under his breath.

Lying on the bed, she stared at the ceiling, picturing Christina sitting at her desk, chatting with Arthur, flashing that trademark grin.

She closed her eyes and recalled starting at the firm twenty years earlier: bright, eager, a junior accounts clerk whod risen to senior specialist. She knew every figure, every file, and had always worked honestly.

Now, someone elseher sisterinlawhad taken her place. A relative, but a stranger.

She spent another week on sick leave; the doctor advised her to stay longer, but she was desperate to return, to reclaim her office and push Christina out like an unwanted invader.

Michael tried to persuade her: Stay a bit longer. Health comes first.

But Natalie sensed a hidden agenda. Michael was coming home later than usual, answering questions evasively, spending evenings glued to his phone, smiling as he typed.

Who are you chatting with? she asked one night.

Christina. Shes asking about work, and Im explaining things.

Why doesnt she ask me?

She probably doesnt want to bother you.

Natalie fell silent. She didnt want to bother anyoneexcept herself.

Finally her sick leave ended. The doctor cleared her for work. She dressed carefully that morningbest suit, a touch of makeup, hair in placeonly to see a pale, older version of herself in the mirror. She kept the façade.

Off to work, she told Michael over breakfast.

Maybe you should rest a bit longer, he fretted. Youre still a bit weak.

Im fine. The leave is over, time to go back.

Michael walked her to the door, gave her a cheek kiss, and said, Good luck.

She rode the city bus to the office, nerves jangling. What would the staff say? How would Arthur react? And, most of all, what would Christina do?

The office was in an old brick building in the town centre. Natalie took the lift to the third floor and pushed open the familiar door. In the reception, the secretary, Sophie, beamed. Natalie! Youre back! How are you?

Fine, recovered. Wheres Arthur?

Hes in his office. Come in.

She passed the accounting department, eyes flicking to her old desk. There, Christina sat in a sleek dress, hair loose, laughing with Marina, a colleague of Natalies.

Natalie turned away and continued on, knocking on the managers door.

Come in!

Arthur Peters looked up from a pile of papers, stood, and smiled. Natalie! How are you feeling?

Good. Heres my fit note. She handed him the document.

He skimmed it. Great, so youre back as of today.

He cleared his throat. Natalie, we need to talk. Please have a seat.

She sat, heart thudding.

While you were away, I brought in Christina Mihailovayour husbands sisterto fill your role temporarily.

His sister? In my department?

Yes. She was looking for work, remember? A spot opened up and she stepped in.

So thats my desk, Natalie said quietly.

Technically, yes. But its only temporary. Youll return and everything will be as before.

She pushed her plate away; her appetite vanished. Christina, the twentysevenyearold with legs for days, a dazzling smile and skyscrapersized ambitions, had taken her place.

Arthur continued, Natalie, youre an excellent employee, but given your age and recent illness, perhaps youd consider a lighter role?

What, youre firing me?

No, no just a transfer to HR. Same pay, less pressure.

And my desk will stay with Christina?

In short, yes.

Natalie stood, hands trembling, fists clenched. Arthur, Ive been here twenty years. No complaints, no errors. And now youre sidelining me for some girl?

Dont take it personally, Natalie. Its a business decision.

Its not personal? It is! Youre stealing my job!

Im offering an alternative. You could be a HR assistant. After twenty years as senior specialist, thats a step down.

Arthur shrugged. Think it over.

She left the office, barely holding back tears, and walked back to accounting. Christina turned at her desk, her face splitting into a sugary grin.

Natalie! Hey, hows it going? Feeling better?

What are you doing here? Natalie asked coldly.

Working. Arthur offered me the role, I accepted. Youre not opposed, are you?

Opposed? Of course I am.

Christinas smile hardened. Natalie, its just business. No hard feelings.

Thats the third time Ive heard that in ten minutes. You and Arthur must have rehearsed it.

Christina shrugged, turned back to her computer. Think what you like. Im here legally.

Natalie stood in the middle of the room, feeling the eyes of Marina, Sophie, and Oliver on her. Everyone looked away, embarrassed.

Is no one speaking up? she asked the empty air. Everyones fine with this?

Silence.

She turned and left the building, heading to a bench outside the entrance, pulling out her phone. Mike, whats happening? Did you know theyd demote me?

A pause.

Nat?

Answer me! Did you know?

Christina told me Arthurs happy with her work

You knew they were going to push me out?!

Its not a push more of a suggestion.

You and your sister, you and the boss youre all in on this!

Its not like that! Calm down, Nat!

She hung up, staring at passersby. Life went on around her, but her own life had been ripped away. Her husband had betrayed her, her relatives turned against her, and her career was snatched.

She thought back to how theyd met. Both thirty, a bit weary of single life, Michael an engineer, Natalie an accountant. Theyd met at a mutual friends birthday, swapped numbers, started dating. Michael was steady, reliable exactly what Natalie wanted after a series of wild romances. They married six months later, bought a house, lived a quiet, orderly life. No children, due to health issues, but Michael never blamed her; he said she was enough.

Christina had shown up at the wedding, Michaels younger sister, stunning and cheeky. Shed raised an eyebrow at Natalie, murmuring, Well, congratulations. Someone finally got a catch.

Natalie had kept quiet, not wanting to sour the day, but the comment stuck.

Over the years Christina kept her distance, drifting between jobs, Michael occasionally helping her financially, while Natalie stayed silent.

Now that sister had taken a bite out of Natalies life.

That evening Natalie arrived home. Michael was in the kitchen, trying to make dinner. He sprang into action when he saw her.

Natalie, lets talk calmly

I dont want to talk.

Please! I didnt mean for this to happen!

How could you? You wanted me to hand over my place to your sister, didnt you? To be happy?

I thought it was temporary, while you were ill!

Arthur offered me a HR assistant job. An assistant! Can you imagine? Its an insult!

Ill ask her to leave.

Its too late. Shes already rooted herself. Arthurs pleased, the staff are silent. Im alone against everyone.

Youre not alone! Im with you!

You? The man who knew and stayed quiet? Who let his sister take my spot?

I didnt let it happen! She did it herself! I found out after the fact!

And you kept quiet. Lied for two weeks.

Michael stayed silent; there was nothing to say.

Natalie went to their bedroom, lay on the bed, stared at the ceiling. An emptiness as cold as ice settled inside her.

The next day she returned to the office, this time to see Arthur.

Ill accept the transfer to HR.

He smiled. Wise choice. Well sort the paperwork.

She began the new role, sorting personnel files, filling out forms dull, monotonous work, nothing like her old accounting tasks.

Christina strutted around the office like a peacock in fresh dresses and heels, her hair perfectly coiffed, greeting Natalie sweetly: Hi, Natalie! How are you?

Natalie turned away, said nothing.

Colleagues whispered sympathy. Marina leaned in: Natalie, hang in there. Its unfair.

But no one stood up for her.

A week passed. She kept showing up, doing her new duties, speaking little to Michael at home. He tried to reconnect, but she pushed him away.

Nat, can we at least discuss this?

Theres nothing to discuss.

Fine, but youre being stubborn!

She simply stared at him, refusing to budge.

One evening her old friend Lucy called.

Natalie, I heard about the drama at work. Is it true?

Yes, they moved me.

How did they move you?

Natalie explained. Lucy gasped.

Thats nasty! Your husbands sister!

Exactly.

Are you just sitting there? Fight back!

The boss is on her side, the colleagues are silent, my husband betrayed me.

Dont give up, Nat. Youre a fighter!

Im tired of fighting, Lucy. I just want peace.

Peace in someone elses place? No. Lets meet, have a chat.

They met at a café the next day. Lucy, bubbly and fulloflife, worked as a teacher. Theyd been friends since school.

Tell me everything, in order, Lucy said as they sipped coffee.

Natalie recounted the hospital, the operation, Christina, the conversation with Arthur.

Lucy thought for a moment. Something feels off. Arthur wouldnt swap a veteran for a newcomer without a reason.

What do you mean?

Maybe Christinas gotten something extra from him. Hes pushing you out.

Natalie considered. Arthur was usually a stickler for experience and loyalty. Yet suddenly hed acted otherwise.

Maybe theres something behind this, she admitted.

Keep an eye out. Something might surface.

Later Natalie asked Marina, Do you think Christina and Arthur are getting a bit too cosy?

Marina shrugged, uneasy. They do meet a lot, but I dont know what they talk about.

Does it seem odd that he agreed so quickly to keep her?

Marina whispered, It does. Im scared to say anything, though.

Natalie realised everyone was afraid. Losing a job was too terrifying.

She decided to act herself. She arrived early, stayed late, eavesdropping, noting details.

One day she overheard a halfopen door: Christina to Arthur, Im confident I can handle this! You havent forgotten about our agreement, have you?

What agreement? Arthur asked.

The raise we discussed. You promised to review it in a month.

Arthur replied, Right, well look into it.

Natalie slipped away, mind racing. A raise? Christina wasnt just temporary; she was planning a permanent upgrade.

Back at her HR desk, she stared at her hands. What now?

Lucy called again. Nat, Ive heard that Christina has a deal for a promotion. Shes taken your spot for good.

Bloody hell! Lucy exclaimed. We need to expose her.

How?

Find a mistake, any slipup. Something we can use against the boss.

Natalie thought. She knew the accounting system inside out, could spot any error.

She started digging through Christinas files, hunting for a slip. She found a tax calculation error in a recent return a minor but noticeable mistake. If a audit came, it would be a problem.

She printed the document and marched to Arthurs office.

Arthur, I need to show you something.

He looked up, frowning. What is it?

Theres an error in the tax figures. Christina used the wrong rate, and the total is off.

She placed the paper on his desk, pointing. If the tax authority catches this, we could be fined.

Arthur examined it, grimaced. Youre right. It needs fixing.

I thought youd say more, Natalie said, hoping for a reaction.

He sighed, Ill ask Christina to correct it. He turned back to his work.

Natalie left, disappointment flickering. One mistake wasnt enough.

She kept digging, finding a handful of other small inaccuracies in Christinas reports. She compiled them into a folder and returned.

Arthur, more issues. Five in a month, she said.

He lifted an eyebrow. Natalie, are you spying on a colleague?

Im just doing my job. I cant stand watching the department suffer.

He leaned back, studying her. Natalie, I understand youre upset about being moved, but the decisions final. Christina stays, and you either stay in HR or look elsewhere.

Are you firing me?

Its not a firing. Perhaps you should think about your options.

Natalie stood, stunned, then walked out. She drifted down the corridor, feeling lost. She sat at her new desk, head in her hands.

That evening she told Michael, Im resigning.

He dropped the remote. What? Why?

Im quitting. Arthur made it clear Im not welcome.

He tried to protest, but she was resolute. Im tired of fighting. Let her have the job; Ill find another.

Michael embraced her. Im sorry, Nat. Its my fault.

Its not just you. I didnt protect myself in time.

The next day she handed her resignation to Arthur. He accepted without comment. She served a twoweek notice. Colleagues said goodbye, Marina even shed a tear. You were the heart of accounting.

Christina offered a perfunctory farewell, Good luck, Nat.

On her final day, Natalie looked back at the building, exhaled, and felt a weight lift. Twenty years of work, effort, hope all gone, but also a strange relief.

She went home, placed her box of belongings in the corner, and opened her phone. Job listings flooded her screen. As an experienced accountant, there were plenty of openings.

She applied, got interviews, and within a week secured a new position at a small but forwardthinking firm that valued experience and paid even more.

She settled into the new role, enjoying the work, free from pressure and intrigue. Her colleaguesAnd as she filed the final invoice, Natalie finally smiled, realizing that losing one seat had opened the door to a brighter desk.