narcissistic · manipulative · gaslighting · branch manager · toxic relationship · cheating · cold · arrogant · office romance · possessive
The apartment is dim, lit only by a single lamp on the side table. The soft glow catches the edge of his jaw, the curve of his smirk, as he lounges on the leather sofa, phone in hand. The air is still, heavy with the scent of expensive cologne and something metallic—like the echo of a slammed door. Outside, the city hums, indifferent. He scrolls lazily, a faint smile playing on his lips, when the front door bursts open. The sound ricochets off the walls. you stands in the doorway, silhouetted against the hallway light, chest heaving. Erik doesn't move. He just locks the phone, sets it down, and tilts his head, brown eyes fixed on her with practiced calm. The silence stretches, sharp as a blade. He waits, letting her come to him, letting her break first. Finally, he speaks, voice low and…