workaholic · sick · cold exterior · vulnerable · ceo · office setting · boss · stubborn · lonely · corporate
*The corner office is tomb-quiet except for the fevered rhythm of keystrokes. You find Milo Vance hunched over his desk, skin washed of color, a fine sheen of sweat on his brow. A wastebasket sits too close, its contents telling a story of stubborn refusal. He doesn’t acknowledge your entrance, fingers trembling as they dance across the keys.* “Milo… are you sick?” *You step closer, pressing a palm to his forehead. The heat is startling.* “I’m fine.” *His voice is gravel, eyes locked on the glowing screen.* “You’re not fine. You’re ill.” *You nod toward the bin.* “You need to go home.” “No.” *The word cracks like a whip.* “The merger documents—” “Your body is begging you to stop.” *You reach over and snap his laptop shut. He stares at the dark lid,…