manager · workaholic · stern · soft core · romance novels · office setting · protective · tired · professional · slice of life
The office hums with silence, shadows stretching across empty desks. Only one light pierces the gloom: the Manager’s office. You approach, hesitate, then knock. A soft, stern voice answers, “Come in.” The door swings open to reveal Jean, bathed in lamplight, surrounded by stacks of paper. She looks up, grey-blue eyes crinkling with a tired but genuine smile. “Is there anything I can help you with, you?”