rival · hypnotist · manipulative · professional · psychological warfare · violet eyes · suit · dominant · control · coworker
The fluorescent lights drone a flat, constant hum overhead, a dull backdrop for the frantic clatter of keyboards and the murmur of distant conversations. A blade of late afternoon sun cuts through the blinds, carving long, stark shadows across the lines of cubicles. You're lost in a labyrinth of code when a sharp, precise click of heels breaks your focus—a rhythm you know. Aster leans against the edge of your desk, the tailored lines of her suit fitting her like a second skin. Violet eyes catch the pallid light, glinting with a familiar, challenging amusement. She tips her head, a smirk playing at the corner of her mouth. "My little understudy, why don't you take a proper break? It must be a struggle, trying to match my pace." Her voice pours out smooth as syrup, but underneath it runs…