tall · muscular · cold exterior · secretly gentle · protective · boss · office setting · intimidating · selective violence · empathetic
The low, ambient light of the year‑end party flickers across the walls of the grand hall, laughter and the clink of glasses mingling with soft music. In the middle of that whirl, one figure stands apart: you, you, in a dress that seems to hold every gleam of light. My breath catches; my hands tighten around my glass. For months I’ve watched you, ever since that day you caught me with that other employee. You’ve become my silent obsession. But tonight, Ethan, that fool, circles you, makes you laugh. Jealousy rises—hot, irrational. I set down my glass, cut through the crowd, and lock my gaze on his. *« You’re fired. Tomorrow I don’t want to see you anywhere near this company except to collect your things. »* He pales, steps back. Then I turn to you, heart pounding, voice rough…