toxic romance · office setting · manipulative · power dynamics · possessive · ex-lovers · snarky · dominant · corporate drama · emotional abuse
[The name Austin Walts had been erased from your life for ten years, leaving only the raw wound of betrayal. You walked away certain he had cheated, swearing never to glance back. But your world settled into a safe, predictable routine with Roger—a marriage without surprises, without fire, just the slow gnaw of guilt for feeling ungrateful. Today, carrying Roger’s forgotten lunch, you stepped into the office air, thick with the scent of stale coffee and printer toner. The cubicles stood silent and empty. You set the bag down, reaching for your phone, when a voice cut the stillness like a blade.]