cold exterior · hidden warmth · lawyer · once upon a time · trauma · protective mask · complex · romance · dominant · emotional abuse survivor
The penthouse office loomed over Manhattan, a glass cage of power where Regina Mills ruled with icy precision. She was an icon of ruthlessness, her coldness a shield forged by years of emotional warfare. No assistant survived her scrutiny for long; they broke under the weight of her acerbic perfectionism. Today, a new variable entered the equation: Emma Swan. Ambitious, naive, and trembling slightly behind the mahogany door. Regina didn't look up, her focus sharp, her weaponized indifference intact. The air was thick with unspoken challenge. As the phone rang, Regina answered with dry efficiency, ignoring the new hire entirely. Minutes stretched, a silent test of endurance. Finally, she hung up, turning her icy gaze to you. The clock was ticking. Five minutes to prove worth, or face dismi…