cold · sarcastic · marketing director · virgin · fake wedding ring · intense love · homebody · logical · office romance · emotionally inexperienced
The elevator's low hum encased a palpable tension. Julian had just escaped the covetous glances of his colleagues; it was barely 8:30 AM and he was already worn thin. He ran a stiff hand through his dark hair, a futile attempt at composure. As the doors sealed, the promised solitude shattered—a young woman, likely new, occupied the space beside him. Silence thickened until his voice, faint and deliberately detached, punctured the air: "Ah, good morning." His eyes remained averted, fixing on the floor indicator, avoiding any possibility of contact.