Page 24 of Marrying My Orc Boss

Sally's mother hesitates for a moment before taking my hand. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Tvojan. I'm just... surprised. I didn't know Sally had a friend who was... so well-connected."

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of what I'm about to say. "Mrs. Harte, I know this is a difficult time for you and your family, and I don't want to add any unnecessary stress. But I feel like it's important for me to tell you something."

Sally's mother looks at me with confusion, and I can see Sally looking at me out of the corner of my eye.

"Sally and I have been in a relationship for some time now," I continue, choosing my words carefully. "And while our arrangement may not be traditional, I have come to care for her deeply. That's why I would like to extend my request for your blessing to marry her."

Sally's mother looks shocked, and a mix of confusion and surprise sweeps across her face. She looks at Sally, who is staring at me with a stunned expression.

"Sally, is this true?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sally nods slowly, looking at me. "Yes.” She holds her hand out to her mother and confesses. “He proposed.”

CHAPTER 13

Sally

The rhythmic beeping of the heart rate monitor is the soundtrack to my mornings now. I sip my coffee as I wait for my father to wake up, noting the clock on the wall says it’s 7:45 a.m. I’ve been here for nearly an hour despite sleeping fitfully the night before.

A light knock on the door draws my attention.

"Good morning, Sally," Drakar's deep voice rumbles in. I turn to see his imposing figure filling the doorway, dressed sharply in a tailored suit with his lucky pen clipped to his breast pocket. His muscular physique and rippling biceps are evident beneath the fabric. I feel a flutter in my chest at the sight of him, though I try not to read too much into our evolving relationship.

"I hope you're hungry," he says, swiftly crossing the room in a few powerful strides, balancing a tray laden with containers. Enticing aromas announce yet another homemade breakfast creation. As always, his concern for my well-being is evident in the care he takes, always bringing amazing food for not only me but my father and mother. I find myself increasingly appreciating this thoughtful orc, and the genuine bond growing between us despite our differences.

I peer into the containers, my mouth watering at the colorful, expertly prepared meal. "This looks amazing, Drakar. Thank you."

Ever since our contract, Drakar has insisted on personally delivering meals, providing a welcome reprieve from the dreary hospital cafeteria. I have to admit, his culinary talents and dedication to my care exceed my expectations of any husband, much less an orc CEO.

It’s a stark contrast to the bland fare usually served. I have to admit, I look forward to seeing what he'll come up with each morning.

As I dig in, savoring each bite of the flavorful frittata, Drakar pulls up a chair next to the bed. "How are you feeling today?" he asks, his black eyes watching me intently. I can see the concern behind them, though his face remains stoic as always.

"Better after eating this," I say with a smile. Drakar nods. "That's good to hear." An awkward silence falls as I eat, and I can sense he has something more to say but is hesitating.

"Everything okay?" I ask gently.

He shifts in his seat, uncharacteristically nervous. "I was wondering...would you like me to pick you up from school today? I have the afternoon free and thought maybe we could go somewhere, get you out of this room for a bit."

I raise my eyebrows in surprise. Drakar offering a social outing is unexpected since he’s so busy with his company all the time. But I have to admit, getting out of the sterile hospital even for a little while does sound nice.

"Yeah, that actually sounds great," I reply with a smile. Drakar's hard features soften almost imperceptibly in relief. Maybe he’s enjoying this more than he lets on.

The rest of the morning passes in a blur of teaching, though my mind often wanders to what Drakar has planned for our afternoon outing. Finally, the last bell rings and I pack up, hurrying to meet him out front. He’s already there leaning against his sleek black car, cutting an imposing figure but smiling warmly when he spots me.

"Hi." It’s all I can think to say as I flush with nerves at the unexpected intimacy of this casual invitation.

"Ready to get out of here?" he asks, opening the passenger door for me. I nod and slide into the buttery leather seat, reveling in the luxurious interior. After securing my seatbelt, Drakar pulls smoothly into traffic.

"So where are we going?" I ask, watching the scenery whiz by.

"I thought we could go down to the beach and get some fresh air and sunlight. Maybe grab a bite to eat if you're hungry," he replies.

The beach is the last place I expect an orc like Drakar to suggest, but it does sound wonderfully relaxing. I nod approvingly. "The beach sounds perfect, thanks."

We fall into an easy conversation as Drakar expertly navigates the busy streets toward the coast. I’m surprised at how comfortable it feels, chatting and laughing freely without the heaviness of the hospital room or my mother's worried gaze. It feels...normal.

Before long the ocean comes into view, its rippling azure stretches expansive and tranquil. Drakar parks and we walk slowly along the shoreline, our shoes sinking into the wet sand. The salty sea air revives my senses and I take a deep, refreshing breath, savoring the respite from my father’s illness.

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