Page 2 of Grumpy Orc CEO

I laugh at the familiar jokes and feel a warmth spread through me—not just from the wine but from the comfort of familiarity. This movie has been my go-to for years, and tonight it feels like an old friend keeping me company.

The room around me begins to feel less like a strange new place and more like home. Each sip of wine, each laugh at the movie’s antics makes it all more real.

I glance at the half-unpacked boxes and smile to myself. There’s still work to be done, but for now, this moment is enough. This is where I start anew surrounded by fairy lights, sipping wine on my couch with an old favorite playing in the background.

“Here’s to new beginnings,” I whisper softly before taking another sip. The initial loneliness ebbs away as I immerse myself in the film’s world, feeling content in my own little sanctuary.

The next day, I wake up to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the curtains. The new apartment still feels unfamiliar, but there's a sense of possibility in the air. I stretch and roll out of bed, determined to make the most of the day.

First things first: coffee. I rummage through the boxes in the kitchen, finally finding my coffee maker and a bag of beans. As the aroma fills the room, I feel a bit more like myself. Mug in hand, I settle at my small dining table with my laptop, ready to tackle the job search.

I open my resume file, scanning through it with a critical eye. It's been a while since I've updated it, and there's so much I've accomplished since then. Promotions, new skills, projects I've led—all need to be reflected here. I make notes and start editing, ensuring each word packs a punch.

The hours slip by as I fine-tune every detail. By mid-morning, I'm satisfied with the results. My resume looks polished and professional, highlighting my strengths and experience.

I take a deep breath and begin sending out applications. Each click feels like a step forward, like I'm laying bricks for my new path. Marketing positions at creative firms, project management roles at tech companies—anything that aligns with my skills and passions goes into the mix.

After sending off another application, I lean back and sip my now-cold coffee. The sense of purpose is exhilarating. For so long, I've felt stuck in one place; now every application is a ticket to something better.

As the sun dips below the horizon, I lace up my sneakers and decide to explore my new neighborhood. Stepping out of the apartment, the cool evening air greets me. The old, charming buildings around me exude character, each with its own story to tell.

I walk down the tree-lined street, taking in the sights and sounds. There's a small park on the corner, kids laughing as they play on the swings. A couple walks their dog, chatting animatedly. The scene feels like a warm embrace, a stark contrast to the sterile environment of my previous condo.

With each step, I reflect on my decision to move. It wasn't easy leaving behind what I knew but staying there felt like living in a cage. Here, I feel a sense of freedom, like I'm finally in control of my own destiny.

It was driven by necessity as much as by desire. I'd outgrown my old life and needed room to grow into someone new. Challenges lie ahead—finding a job, making new friends—but I'm ready to face them head-on. For the first time in a long while, I feel determined rather than defeated.

As I loop back towards my apartment building, I take in every detail—the cracks in the sidewalk, the flowers blooming in front yards, the distant hum of traffic. This place is far from perfect, but it's real and alive, and it already feels more like home than anywhere else has in years.

Back at my doorstep, I pause for a moment, taking one last look around before heading inside. This is where it all begins again—a fresh start with endless possibilities. And for once, I'm embracing it with open arms and an open heart.

CHAPTER 2

Jarvin

Ishuffle through the stack of documents on my desk, organizing them by priority. Each paper represents a significant piece of the puzzle for the upcoming business trip I’ll be heading to.

I grab the documents I’ll need and put them to the side. It’s almost time to head to the airport and I don’t want to forget anything.

My home office, tucked away in the back of my penthouse, is my sanctuary. The sleek furniture and the panoramic window that overlooks the city remind me of how far I’ve come. Lately, it’s been more of an escape, burying myself in work to avoid the loneliness of a failed relationship.

As I pack my briefcase, my phone buzzes on the desk. A quick glance at the screen reveals a name that makes me groan: Elara. I let it ring, focusing on placing the contracts in neat folders. Ignoring her call is easier than dealing with the flood of emotions she always brings.

The weight of responsibility feels heavier today, knowing what's at stake for Thraknar Financial Group.

As I close my briefcase, I catch a glimpse of myself in the polished glass cabinet door—amber eyes sharp and unwavering, green skin contrasting with the crisp white shirt and suit jacket over it. A put together CEO, and that’s exactly what I am. Put together, pushing all the other bullshit to the side to be the best boss I can be.

My phone buzzes again—another message from Elara.

Why won’t you talk to me? You're always too busy, what about me?

This is exactly why we're not together. The incessant calls, the come home messages. She wanted the CEO but couldn’t handle the responsibilities that came with the job, and I couldn’t handle the tears and the clinginess.

Silence fills the room again and I take a deep breath, savoring it.

I move to my desk, picking up one last document—a detailed analysis of our potential partners' financial health. This meeting could make or break our future expansion plans. No pressure, right?

"Time to go," I murmur to myself, picking up my briefcase and heading for the door. My thoughts shift back to work as I mentally review what lies ahead. The high-stakes negotiations demand all my attention—there's no room for anything else right now, no matter how much the unresolved emotions linger beneath the surface.

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