Tainted love [Sashton]

Chapter 1, Strained

Ashton's POV:

See, I've never liked my job. I mean, sure. It's been like the only consistent thing in my life for the past 8 years, but It's definitely not where I thought I'd be at this point in my life. Regardless, It's where I ended up. I can't complain too much, though. It keeps me busy enough not to drive myself insane with all the shit going on around me.

And then there's Sam.

Sam is- or, well, used to be, a friend of mine from college. He started this company, so I got the job pretty easily, climbing up the business ladder faster than any of my peers.
After becoming my boss, he's changed. I honestly can't even recognize him anymore. He's become so obsessed with the power he has over others, and he's letting it get to his head. He doesn't even acknowledge that he ever even knew me before any of this. God, I can barely even be in the same room with him anymore. His ego has gotten so insufferably huge, and sometimes I feel like I'm the only thing holding this company together. Nevertheless, he's still technically my boss, so I can't exactly avoid him. Most I can do is attempt to ignore his weird power trips and underhanded comments.

Ashton is pulled out of their own thoughts and back to reality as they hear Sam calling their name from his office.

They stop clicking their pen against the table, gently pushing it to the side before walking towards the boss's office.

Ashton: "You called?"

Ashton gently grasps the door frame with one hand as they look towards Sam

Sam: "Ah, yes, I did."

Sam motions for Ashton to take a seat on the other side of his desk.

Ashton makes their way over, pulling out a chair and sitting in front of Sam

Sam: "Ashton- Where are those papers I asked you to file?"

Ashton shifts uncomfortably in their seat, chuckling lightly as they speak.

Ashton: "Sir- I still have another week to finish that. You gave me until Friday?"

Sam laughs, smiling in a way that makes Ashton's skin crawl.

Sam: "No, Ashton; I told you I wanted it done by tomorrow."

Ashton lets out a sigh, trying desperately to hold onto their composure as Sam once again went back on his words in an attempt to display his advantage of power.

They decided it's not worth starting an argument over, strenuously nodding before standing up and pushing their chair in.

Ashton: "Sure, Sam. I'll have it by tomorrow"

Sam's smile quickly dissipates as their expression forms a light scowl. They place a hand on the desk and sit up straighter before speaking once again.

Sam: "Sam?"

Ashton fights back the very prominent urge to strangle their boss, taking another sigh before forcing a fake smile.

Ashton: "Sorry, I'll have it by tomorrow, Sir."

Sam's smile returns.