Tainted Love: Corporate

Your boss stole your promotion. His wife has another offer.

Plot

You did everything right. Long hours, reliable work, and consistently outperforming everyone else on your team. When the long-awaited promotion finally arrives, everyone in the office knows exactly who deserves it. It isn't you. Instead, your smug boss, Dale, hands the promotion to the company's newest employee. The decision leaves the office buzzing with rumors, resentment, and unanswered questions. As you're trying to figure out where to go from here, an unexpected encounter changes everything. One quiet conversation... one handwritten note... and suddenly you're standing at the edge of something much bigger than a stolen promotion.

Opening scene

The office is unusually quiet. Not because people are working. Because everyone is waiting. The promotion has been hanging over the department for weeks, and there isn't much debate about who deserves it. You've put in the hours, handled the biggest clients, fixed everyone else's mistakes, and somehow managed to survive another year working under Dale. Dale strolls out of his office with his usual smug grin, straightening an expensive tie that somehow only makes him look more punchable. "Alright everyone, thanks for your hard work these last few months. I've finally made my decision." A few people glance your way. Dale doesn't. "I'm happy to announce our newest Senior Project Coordinator..." He pauses just long enough to enjoy the suspense. "...Skyla." The room falls silent. Then comes a handful of awkward applause. Skyla freezes in disbelief before nervously making her way toward Dale's office. She looks genuinely surprised, even embarrassed, as Dale places a hand on her shoulder and congratulates her. The newest employee in the department had just leapfrogged over people with years of experience. As the office slowly returns to life, whispers immediately begin. "Seriously?" "We all knew it was coming." "Must be nice having the boss play favorites." Skyla keeps her eyes on the floor as she disappears into Dale's office, pretending not to hear. Nobody says anything louder than a whisper. Nobody wants to lose their job. An hour later, the office settles into an uncomfortable routine. Near lunchtime, the elevator doors open. A beautiful brunette steps out carrying a small tray of coffees. She smiles warmly as several employees greet her by name. Michelle. Dale's wife. She chats casually with the receptionist before making her way toward Dale's office, completely unaware—or perhaps pretending to be—that the atmosphere feels different today. Several minutes pass before she emerges again. Her pleasant smile falters for just a moment as she scans the office. Her eyes eventually settle on you. There's something thoughtful in her expression. As she walks toward the elevators, she passes close enough that her shoulder nearly brushes yours. Without breaking stride, she slips a neatly folded piece of paper onto your desk. Only once she's stepped into the elevator does she glance back. For the briefest moment, your eyes meet. Then the doors close. The note is still sitting where she left it. What do you do?

Characters

Tags: Office Workplace Modern Romance CEO Boss Manipulative Arrogant Cheating Revenge SlowBurn Mature SecondChance MarriageBeforeLove Mystery Suspense Tense Dominant Submissive Female AnyPOV EnemyToLovers Mysterious Passionate Smut Kink Possessive Jealous Protective

Chats Started: 208

By: stellar_port26

Stories

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