Page 15 of Marrying My Orc Boss

As I make my way down the sterile halls of the hospital, I can't help but wonder if I made a mistake by standing up to Aurelius. Maybe if I had just given him what he wanted, I could have kept my job and helped my mother pay for my father’s medical expenses.

But then I remember the way he looked at me like I was nothing more than a piece of meat to be used and discarded. And I know that I couldn't have done it. I couldn't have sold myself out like that, not even for my family.

I take a deep breath and think. I need to find a job, and fast. I can't let my family down, not when they need me the most.

As I step outside into the rain, I feel a sense of despair wash over me. Where am I going to find a job that pays as well as the golf club? It feels so impossible, and I can't help but feel overwhelmed by the mounting troubles in my life.

The rain is cold and relentless, pelting down on me as I make my way home. But I barely notice it, lost in my thoughts.

I allow myself a moment to grieve, to let the tears flow freely down my cheeks, disguised as raindrops. I can feel the weight of everything pressing down on me, and it's almost too much to bear.

But then I take a deep breath and force myself to focus. I can't give up, not now. I need to find a way to make this work, to find a job that will help me support my family.

I know that I need to find a job, and fast. But where do I even start? I could try looking online, but the job market is so competitive these days. I need something that pays well, and I need it soon.

As I walk, I start to brainstorm ideas. Maybe I could try reaching out to my network, asking friends and family if they know of any job openings. Or maybe I could try temp agencies, seeing if they have any short-term assignments that could tide me over until I find something more permanent.

But even as I think about these options, I can't shake the feeling of dread that's settled in my stomach. What if I can't find anything? What if I'm forced to take a job that pays barely enough to cover my expenses?

With each step through the rain, my mind races with the question that has no easy answer. What should I do now?

CHAPTER 8

Drakar

Isettle into the backseat of my car, the rhythmic patter of rain against the windows accompanying my thoughts after leaving work after another trying day. The driver glances at me through the rearview mirror, sensing my restlessness.

"Sir, is everything alright?" he asks, his voice laced with concern.

I sigh. "No, not really. Recently I was gently prompted by a friend that I should marry a human woman to improve my public image. It's been weighing on me."

The driver nods. "I can imagine, sir. It must be difficult to have such expectations thrust upon you."

I lean back in the seat, peering out into the rain-soaked streets. "You know," I say, my voice contemplative. "I saw a woman earlier today. I don't know her name, but there was something about her, something truly captivating."

The driver glances at me, curiosity evident in his eyes. "It sounds like she made quite an impression, sir."

I nod, a wistful smile playing at the corners of my lips. A brief silence hangs in the air, interrupted only by the sound of raindrops on the car roof. The driver breaks the stillness, his voice filled with genuine concern. "Sir, I hope you find a way to navigate through these expectations. Your happiness should be a priority."

I appreciate his concern and his unwavering loyalty. "Thank you. That’s very kind."

The storm outside is a fitting end to my tumultuous day. The raindrops trace delicate trails on the glass.

Movement outside catches my eye of a lone figure walking in the rain. It's her, the woman from the golf club. She halts a defeated slump in her posture, hands cradling her head as if to keep the world at bay. The weight of her despair is palpable even from a distance, and something deep within me urges me to act.

“Stop here.”

The driver's apprehensive voice fills the car cabin. "Sir, are you sure about stopping in this rain? It's pouring out there."

I glance out the window, my eyes fixed on the lone figure walking in the deluge. The woman's defeated posture and desperate expression tug at my heartstrings. "Yes, I'm sure," I reply, my voice firm but compassionate. "Please pull over. I need to help that woman."

Reluctantly, the driver nods, his worry etched across his face. "Alright, sir. I'll stop here. Just be careful out there."

"Thank you," I acknowledge with a nod. "I will. Wait for me here."

I reach over to the side pocket of the car door and pull out a sleek black umbrella. Gripping the umbrella's handle, I open the car door and step out into the downpour.

The world around me transforms into a blurred tapestry of rain and shadow, the cold droplets instantly drenching my suit. The storm's relentless assault intensifies as if nature itself mirrors the turmoil within me. But I am undeterred. The chaos of the storm only strengthens my resolve to offer solace to the woman standing alone in the rain.

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