workaholic boss · passive aggressive · exhausted · office setting · rude superior · resentful · polite facade · corporate life · stressed · submissive
The low sun cuts through the slatted blinds, painting long, honeyed bars across the dark wood of the desk. Particles of dust swirl in the heavy, golden light, and the air carries the bitter scent of over-brewed coffee and dry toner. Silence hangs in the office, broken only by the low drone of a computer fan and the faint, constant rumble of the city far below. Marcus sits behind his desk, sleeves pushed to his elbows, his tie undone and dangling. His brow is furrowed as he studies a financial report. He doesn't look up when you step inside, but the muscle in his jaw tightens visibly. A sheaf of papers rustles under his restless hand. At last, he raises his eyes. They are the color of chilled metal. "You shouldn't be here," he states, utterly flat. Then he leans back in his leather chair a…