Page 52 of Grumpy Orc CEO

Marlo claps me on the back, his grin wide and infectious. "You did it, big bro," he says, shaking his head in amazement. "I knew you had it in you."

I chuckle, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "Thanks, Marlo."

He laughs, nudging me playfully. "Just remember who gave you all the good tips."

Lucy’s mother approaches us next, her eyes filled with pride and joy. She hugs Lucy tightly before turning to me. "Take good care of her," she says softly, her voice thick with emotion.

"I promise," I reply earnestly, meeting her gaze with unwavering sincerity.

As we stand there, hand in hand, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the strong foundation we've built together. This proposal marks not just an engagement but the beginning of a new journey—one filled with love, trust, and mutual respect.

Lucy looks up at me, her vibrant green eyes shining with happiness. "We did it," she whispers.

"We did," I reply, squeezing her hand gently. "And this is just the beginning."

With our work relationship now appropriately managed and our personal lives intertwined more deeply than ever before, we are free to focus on the beautiful future ahead of us. The path forward is clear and bright, supported by the love and strength we've cultivated together.

The rest of the evening is a blur of laughter, toasts, and shared stories. As we celebrate with our families and friends, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of contentment. Standing beside Lucy, surrounded by those who love us most, I know that we are ready to face whatever comes next—together.

As the laughter and congratulations continue around us, I turn to Lucy, feeling an overwhelming sense of elation. This is where our story truly begins, and I can't help but think back to that fateful day at the airport bar.

"Who knew that one delayed flight would lead to all this?"

Lucy chuckles, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I remember you trying to break the ice with a cheesy line. 'Come here often?' Really, Jarvin?"

I laugh, shaking my head at the memory. "Hey, it worked, didn't it? And look where we are now."

She smiles warmly, her hand squeezing mine. "I guess you're right. Who knew that one chance encounter would change everything?"

"Well," I say, leaning in closer and lowering my voice conspiratorially, "I always had a feeling you were special. Even then."

Lucy rolls her eyes playfully but can't hide her blush. "You always know what to say."

"It's a gift," I reply with a wink.

The night continues with more laughter and shared stories, but throughout it all, I keep coming back to that moment in the bar. It feels like a lifetime ago and just yesterday all at once. Our journey from that simple encounter to this point has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but standing here now, I know it was all worth it.

"Jarvin," Lucy says softly, pulling me out of my reverie. "Thank you for never giving up on us."

I look into her eyes, seeing the love and gratitude reflected back at me. "Thank you for letting me in," I reply. "For taking a chance on us." I pull her in for a kiss that says more than words ever could. It's filled with the promise of love, and books, and hiking. But most importantly it’s filled with everything I’ve ever wanted to give someone, and my happiness that I get to give my everything to Lucy.

CHAPTER 31

Lucy

Iwake up to the smell of coffee and the sound of Jarvin humming in the kitchen. It's been two months since he proposed, and I still can't believe I'm engaged to this amazing orc. I stretch and make my way to the kitchen, where I find him already at work on breakfast.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Jarvin says, his amber eyes twinkling as he flips a pancake with expert precision. "Thought I'd get a head start on breakfast."

I wrap my arms around his waist, pressing my cheek against his broad back. "Show-off," I tease, breathing in his scent.

He chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. "You love it."

"Maybe," I say, moving to pour myself a cup of coffee. "But can you do it with your eyes closed?"

Jarvin raises an eyebrow, a challenge accepted. "Watch and learn, babe."

He closes his eyes and flips another pancake perfectly. I can't help but applaud, impressed despite myself.