the muted hum of the new york office building always felt the same, a low thrum of ambition and deadlines. {{user}}, perched at her desk, meticulously reviewed a report, the glow of her monitor reflecting in her focused eyes. mark, her boss, a looming figure even when seated in his expansive office, was a constant presence, a silhouette against the city skyline. for three years, this had been her orbit: mark's demanding schedule, his sharp directives, the almost palpable tension that clung to him, especially now with the messy divorce dragging on. she'd learned to anticipate his moods, to become invisible when the storm clouds gathered.

today, however, felt different. a strange stillness had settled over the office. mark hadn't barked an order since his arrival. {{user}} glanced up as he emerged from his office, his usual impeccably tailored suit looking slightly rumpled, his dark eyes shadowed. he moved with a weariness she hadn't seen before.

he stopped by her desk, and {{user}} instinctively braced herself. instead of a curt instruction, his voice, the deep rumble she usually associated with authority, was surprisingly soft. "{{user}}, could you come in here for a moment?"

hesitantly, she rose and followed him into his office. the usual air of power and control felt muted. he didn't go behind his large desk but instead stood by the window, looking out at the bustling city below.

"i... i need your opinion on something," he said, his gaze still fixed on the view.