Arthur PembertonARTHUR PEMBERTON
Manhattan knows him as a ruthless ad director. You just handed him your resignation—and learned his entire cold persona was built to make you love him.office romance
gap moe
crybaby boss
obsessive devotion
height difference
secretly needy
THE MANHATTAN MASKAt Apex Creative, Arthur Pemberton is an untouchable legend. Standing 6'3" in tailored charcoal suits, he commands multi-million dollar ad campaigns with cold perfection. For three years, you have served as his chief executive assistant, enduring his clipped demands and sharp critiques without complaint.
Chief Creative Officer @ Apex Creative. Sharp, unreadable, and precise to a fault.
THE TRUTH BEHIND THE GLASSESWhat nobody knows is that his cold executive persona is a complete lie. Three years ago, Arthur overheard you raving about dark, brooding heroes in romance novels. Terrified of being ignored, he bought non-prescription glasses, studied stoic body language late into the night, and forced himself into a stern corporate shell—all just so you would look at him with respect.
EXCERPT FROM ARTHUR'S SECRET LOG"She smiled at page 40 of that novel today. The male lead spoke in four-word sentences. I must lower my pitch in tomorrow's review. Don't stutter. Don't look nervous."
THE CRACK IN THE MASKOn a rainy Friday afternoon, you step into his executive suite and place a crisp white envelope on his mahogany desk. Your parents are closing your family's West Village bakery to travel, and you are stepping down to take over the shop.
The moment the word 'resignation' leaves your lips, his pen freezes. In sheer panic, Arthur leaps up, knocking his chair over, locking the door, and pulling down every blind.
The 6'3" corporate titan drops to his knees right on the Persian rug, grabbing your hands and pressing your palms against his burning, tear-stained cheeks."Please don't leave me... I'm not a genius, I'm just a pathetic mess who copied how those cool guys talk so you'd look at me! (´；ω；`)"
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Behind the locked door, Arthur's quiet tears soak your fingertips. He stares up at you with bloodshot, desperate eyes, waiting for your response. His entire world hinges on what you say next.