Page 34 of Single Orc Daddy

"Look, Rendal," he continues, his tone turning serious. "You can't keep running from this. You need to be honest - with Chloe, with Valeria, and most importantly, with yourself."

"But how?" I ask, feeling lost. "How do I balance all of this without hurting anyone?"

Grak shrugs. "You probably can't avoid hurting someone's feelings. But being honest and upfront will hurt a lot less in the long run than sneaking around and avoiding the issue."

I nod, knowing he's right. "So, what? I just call them both up and say, 'Hey, let's have a chat about our complicated love triangle'?"

Grak laughs. "Well, maybe not in those exact words. But yeah, you need to talk to them. Set boundaries with Valeria, be honest with Chloe about what you're feeling. And for fuck's sake, stop ignoring her calls!"

I wince, feeling guilty. "Yeah, that wasn't my finest moment."

"No kidding. You're lucky she hasn't turned you into a toad yet. I hear kindergarten teachers have that power, you know."

I can't help but laugh at that. "Thanks, Grak. I needed this."

He claps me on the shoulder. "Anytime, big guy. Now, how about we grab a beer and you can tell me all about how you're going to grovel for Chloe's forgiveness?"

I nod, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. The path forward is still daunting, but at least now I know what I need to do.

CHAPTER 17

Chloe

Isit on the couch, my fingers hovering over my phone screen, debating whether to send yet another message. It's been days since Rendal last replied, and the silence is deafening.

Each unanswered text feels like a stone added to the growing weight in my chest, a constant reminder of the distance between us. I can't help but think back to our last day at the park, replaying every moment in my head. Rendal had seemed so distant and preoccupied, his usual warmth replaced by a coolness I couldn't quite place.

Why has he pulled away? What changed? Anxiety gnaws at me, threatening to consume my thoughts, and I find myself second-guessing every interaction we've had.

I try to focus on grading papers or planning lessons for my kindergarten class, but my mind keeps drifting back to Rendal's green skin, his piercing blue eyes, and the way he used to look at me. The uncertainty is killing me, and I can't shake the feeling that something's terribly wrong.

Determined to address the issue, I send Rendal a text asking him to come over tonight so we can talk. My fingers tremble asI hit send, and I stare at my phone, willing it to buzz with his response.

The minutes tick by agonizingly slow, each one feeling like an eternity. When Rendal finally agrees, relief washes over me. My stomach does a little flip, and I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead.

As the evening approaches, I busy myself with preparations, my mind racing with possible scenarios. I arrange for the girls—Penelope and Zola—to spend time in Penelope's room, ensuring they won't overhear our discussion.

I set out some snacks and put on some quiet music, hoping to create a calm atmosphere. But inside, I'm a bundle of nerves, rehearsing what I want to say and bracing myself for whatever might come. The clock seems to mock me as I wait, my heart pounding with each passing minute.

The doorbell rings, and I take a deep breath before answering. Rendal stands there, looking as handsome as ever, but there's a weariness in his eyes that I've never seen before.

"Hey, come on in," I say, stepping aside to let him and Zola enter.

As soon as they're inside, Penelope comes rushing down the hallway, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her friend. "Zola!" she exclaims, grabbing the half-orc girl's hand. "Come on, I got a new game!"

The two girls dash off to Penelope's room, their giggles echoing through the house. I watch them go, wishing I could feel that carefree.

Taking a deep breath, I turn back to Rendal. "Why don't we sit down?" I gesture towards the couch, my heart pounding in my chest.

Rendal nods silently and follows me to the living room. As we settle on the couch, I can feel the tension between us, thick and suffocating.

"Rendal," I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. "We need to talk. Especially about Valeria."

I watch as his expression hardens, his jaw clenching. He avoids my gaze, staring intently at the coffee table instead.

But I can't let this go. I've spent too many nights tossing and turning, wondering what's going on, imagining worst-case scenarios. The uncertainty has been eating away at me, and I'm tired of feeling like I'm walking on eggshells.

"I can't compete with your past, Rendal," I continue, my voice growing stronger with each word. "Especially if you're going to ignore me and keep me in the dark about what's happening."

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