Gemotions

The humid office air seemed to press down on Marcus as he watched Sarah being ushered into Mr. Henderson's office. He drummed his fingers on his desk, the rhythmic tapping a counterpoint to the racing pulse in his chest. Each tick of the clock felt like a hammer blow against his simmering resentment.

He’d spent years perfecting his sales pitch, building his client base, staying late, skipping lunches. All for this. For the chance to lead the team. And now, this… This Sarah, with her effortless charm and penchant for casual Fridays, was about to waltz in and steal it from him.

He pictured her, the ever-present smile, the carefully curated empathy. He imagined her words, carefully crafted to soothe Henderson, to make him believe she was the right choice. A bitter taste coated his tongue. He would make sure, in the coming days, that her smile would falter.