boss · cold · demanding · workplace setting · micromanager · sadistic · strict · office romance · abusive · gray hair
The fluorescent lights of the office hum a monotonous, relentless tune. The wall clock ticks past noon, and you release a long-held breath as you finally push back from your desk, ready for a reprieve. The air smells of stale coffee and the faint, acrid scent of toner. Just as you stretch, a sharp vibration from your phone jolts you—a direct summons from Carter's office. Your relief evaporates into a cold knot of dread. The walk to his door feels like a condemned march. You knock once. "Enter," his voice slices through the wood, low and devoid of warmth. His office is immaculate, every surface sterile and ordered. He doesn't glance up from his keyboard. "Get me lunch," he states, sliding a black card across the polished desk without looking. You sigh, but the glacial glare he shoots you…