The clock was nearing midnight, and the office was eerily silent save for the rhythmic tapping of my fingers on the keyboard. Deadlines were looming, and I had chosen to stay late to finalize a crucial project. Exhausted but determined, I decided to take a brief break. My heels were off, my blouse slightly unbuttoned for comfort, and my chair tilted back as I closed my eyes, visualizing the solution to a tricky problem.

That’s when the door opened, and I was jolted back to reality. It was my boss, Mr. Cartwright—tall, impeccably dressed, and known for his no-nonsense demeanor. His eyes scanned the scene, landing on me in my disheveled state. A moment of awkward silence hung in the air before he cleared his throat.

“Working late, I see,” he said, his tone neutral but his expression unreadable. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I fumbled to sit upright and adjust my blouse. “Yes, sir,” I stammered. “Just trying to meet the deadline for tomorrow.”

He gave a curt nod and left without another word, but the damage was done. Since that night, his demeanor toward me has shifted. His glances seem more critical, his tone more clipped. Despite my efforts to prove my dedication, I can’t shake the feeling that he now views me as unprofessional.

The tension is unbearable, and I fear it’s beginning to affect my performance. I’ve been debating whether to address the situation directly, but how? Should I apologize for something as innocent as taking a breather? Or would that make it worse?

The stakes feel impossibly high. My career, my reputation, my confidence—all hang in the balance, waiting for me to make the next move.