Gemotions

Sweat beaded on David’s forehead despite the air conditioning. He tapped the pen against the legal pad, the rhythmic sound echoing in the sterile office. Across from him sat Mark, flipping through the contract with a casual ease that only served to ignite David's ire.

“So, you’re happy with the terms?” Mark asked, voice a smooth, confident purr. He hadn’t even blinked.

David picked up the contract. It was *his* project, *his* idea. But according to Mark’s version of the story, it was a collaborative effort, a joint venture. David’s contribution had been… minimal. He scanned the document, his stomach churning with each word. He focused on the details, searching for mistakes. Finding none, he began to sign the contract. The memory of their shared project, years ago, when Mark took credit for all of the planning, all of the hard work, flickered in his mind.

“Great.” Mark clapped him on the shoulder, a gesture that usually would have made him feel good, but now only sent a cold feeling to his spine. “Excellent collaboration, David. To many more successful projects!” David barely managed a weak smile.