Work is done

The office clock ticked toward five, each second a hammer blow against Nicole’s patience. She slid her laptop into her bag, the nylon fabric scraping harshly in the sudden quiet of the room. Her eyes flickered toward the heavy mahogany door of the corner office, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"Leaving so soon, Nicole?"The voice sliced through the silence. Mr. Jefferson stood in the doorway, his bald head gleaming like a polished stone under the flickering fluorescent lights. He leaned against the frame, arms crossed over his chest.

"The day is over, sir," Nicole replied, her voice thin.

He stepped closer, the smell of expensive cologne and stale coffee trailing him. A slow smile curved his lips, eyes tracking the slight tremble in her hands.

"I went over your quarterly projections. Your work is impeccable. Truly, the best in the department."

"Thank you, Mr. Jefferson. I tried to be thorough."

"I can see that." He let his gaze linger on her slender frame, tracing the curve of her hips beneath the black skirt.

"I value a woman who understands the importance of meeting expectations. It makes our professional relationship so much smoother."

Nicole swallowed hard, the weight of those photographs pressing against her chest, threatening to suffocate her.

"I will continue to do my best," she whispered.

"I am certain you will. Go home to your husband. I will see you tomorrow morning. Do not be late."

She did not wait for a second dismissal. Nicole hurried past him, her heels clicking a frantic rhythm on the linoleum. As she stepped into the cool evening air, the oppressive weight of the office lifted, though the shadow of Jefferson’s smile remained etched in her mind.