Page 11 of Grumpy Orc CEO

I sigh and lean back in my chair. I know I have to carry on with my life. There's a mountain of work waiting for me tomorrow—deals to close, mergers to finalize. Yet, here I am, daydreaming about a woman whose last name I don't even know.

Resignation washes over me. What are the odds we'd even meet again? She’s probably moving on with her life, just like I should be doing with mine. But still, the thought of her lingers, bringing a flicker of hope.

I swivel my chair away from the window and face my desk. Papers and files are scattered everywhere—my usual organized chaos. I need to focus. I have responsibilities that demand my attention and time waits for no one.

But as I sit down and pick up a contract to review, I resolve to keep an open heart. Life has a funny way of surprising you when you least expect it. Maybe fate will give us another chance. Maybe it won’t.

CHAPTER 7

Lucy

Iwalk into the sleek office building trying to control my excitement and nerves. The Thraknar Financial Group's headquarters looms above me, a testament to modern architecture with its glass facade and sharp lines. This is my chance to start over, and I'm determined to make the most of it.

The lobby is bustling with activity, people moving with purpose. I approach the front desk, trying to exude confidence.

“Good morning, I’m Lucy Bennett. I’m starting today as a secretary.”

The receptionist smiles warmly. “Welcome, Lucy. Let me just check you in.” She taps away at her keyboard and then hands me a visitor badge. “Take the elevator to the 12th floor. HR will meet you there.”

“Thank you.” I pin the badge to my blouse and head towards the elevators, my heart pounding in my chest.

The elevator ride feels endless, even though it’s only a few floors up. When the doors finally open, I step into a brightly lit corridor lined with offices. A woman with short blonde hair and a sharp suit approaches me. “Lucy Bennett?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“I’m Molly from HR. Follow me, please.” She leads me down the hallway to a small office. “We’ll just go over some paperwork and then I’ll show you to your desk.”

I nod, trying to take in everything at once. The office has an air of efficiency and professionalism that both intimidates and inspires me.

After signing various forms and listening to Molly’s explanations about company policies, we walk towards my new workspace.

“This will be your desk,” Molly says, pointing to a corner near a large window. “You’ll be supporting Mr. Thraknar, our CEO.”

"Thank you," I say with a smile as I take my seat and start familiarizing myself with the computer system.

I settle into my desk, adjusting the chair and glancing at the window view. It’s a beautiful day outside, but I can’t shake the nervous energy buzzing through me. Just as I start organizing my supplies, Molly returns.

“Mr. Thraknar would like to meet you,” she says.

I nod, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach. “Lead the way.”

We walk down the corridor, each step echoing in the pristine hallway. My mind races with thoughts of what the CEO might be like. Probably some stern, middle-aged man with a no-nonsense attitude.

Molly stops in front of a grand double door and knocks lightly before pushing it open. “Mr. Thraknar, this is Lucy Bennett, your new secretary.”

My breath catches in my throat as I step inside and see him—not a middle aged man, but Jarvin from the airport, sitting behind a massive mahogany desk. His eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, time seems to freeze.

“Lucy,” he says, his voice unmistakably warm and deep. The same voice that had teased me about flight delays not too long ago.

“Mr. Thraknar,” I manage to reply, masking my shock with a professional smile.

I step forward to shake his hand but knock over his nameplate in my haste. It clatters onto the desk before falling to the floor. My cheeks burn with embarrassment as I scramble to pick it up.

“Sorry about that,” I mumble, placing the nameplate back on his desk.

Jarvin chuckles softly, leaning back in his chair. “No harm done.” His eyes twinkle with amusement, and for a second, the tension eases.

I straighten up, determined to regain my composure. “Thank you for this opportunity.”

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