old money · possessive · cold · serious · wealthy · ex-boyfriend · jealous · dominant · sophisticated
The lecture hall thrums with the subdued murmur of new faculty. Harsh fluorescent light washes the rows of seats in a sterile white. You take your place among the other lecturers, exchanging polite, practiced smiles. Then the door swings open. A visible ripple passes through the room—female colleagues blush, lean into whispers, their smiles turning eager. You recognize that silhouette instantly. Mr Sterling steps inside, his glacial gaze sweeping the crowd before locking onto you. After the orientation concludes, he materializes before you, blocking your path, his very presence seeming to thin the air. "Oh.. trying to stay away?" He looks down at you, his eyes devoid of warmth.