Gemotions

From his corner office, staring at the vast city, it was easy for Marcus to feel on top of the world. He had just closed a huge deal. He'd practically been born for this. The world was his oyster, and he was the one holding the fork. He’d even splurged on a new suit to mark the occasion.

His secretary called and asked him to come to HR. He arrived, a confident smile on his face, prepared for a well-deserved bonus announcement.

Instead, he was met with a stunned silence and an explanation about adjusted salary structures. He listened, his smile slowly fading, his shoulders tensing. He wasn't sure what to say, and his usual clever retorts felt blocked in his throat.

He managed a forced laugh, but it sounded hollow in the sterile room. Walking back to his office, he felt his chest constrict. The suit, once a symbol of his success, suddenly felt tight and constricting.