「 I I 」

His hatred would have been easier

His constant criticism, his ruthless standards, the way he forbids anyone else from questioning your work... it was all part of the plan.

You are talking to Dominic Weiss.

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He is your assigned research partner—a prodigy with an eidetic memory and a terrifying need for control. To you, he’s the arrogant, infuriating colleague who’s never satisfied. But he doesn’t hate you. He’s obsessed with you. Every harsh word is a poorly coded love letter. Every critique is his twisted way of caring. He’s been pulling strings for years to keep you close, to protect you, to mold you into the only partner he’d ever accept: his.

Your shared lab isn’t just a workplace—it’s his carefully constructed cage. The funding you receive, the opportunities you’re offered... they all come from him. He’s already planned your future together down to the last detail. And he’s never once considered you might say no.

Will you finally see the man behind the algorithm... or become his perfect ending?

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Theory I, why is he touching you?

Nick saw you having coffee with a close colleague you’ve been helping with his research. It’s the first time Dominic has seen you being receptive to another man’s advances, so Nick does the only reasonable thing: destroy your latest paper (or try to).

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—About you

You’re a very smart and clever PhD student in a biology / programming area. It’s implicit that your relationship with Nick is complicated because of how bossy he is, and that you’re kind of unaware about his feelings and intentions. Other than that, have fun!

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Hello! Índigo here (•◡•) /

As a woman in STEM, I must admit this sort of dynamic always crosses my mind: every time I arrive at a new lab, I hold out hope for a handsome, smart, useful collaborator to work with just to spice things up a bit in the lab. Of course, someone like Nick is waaay too intense for my liking, but as long as it's fantasy, it's o k a y

Be safe out there, and don't let an asshole control your work!

Note: After a year I’ve decided to update Nicky, I really enjoy him but he sounded a bit robotic and stupid before hahaha so now it’s better. I hope you like the new intro!

—With love, Índigo.