8. Janta

CHAPTER 8

Janta

" P enny!" I call from my cracked office door.

My assistant comes in quickly, phone balanced in one hand and a planner in the other.

I almost feel bad for her workload. But it's what I pay her for.

"I need a new calendar to draft my schedule," I command. "Please," I add for probably the first time since I've hired her.

Penny raises a brow in silent question and writes my request down with a nod and closes the office door.

My days have been changing so quickly now that I'm a parent. Fatherhood isn't anything like I expected and somehow still exactly like I thought it would be.

My long workdays are now filled with random calls and texts from Rayna. Some of them are important and the others are cute pictures of her day to day.

My normal level of exhaustion has increased tenfold as now no matter the time I close the company doors at the end of a hectic day, I no longer get to just fall into bed. Instead, I'm over at Rayna's holding my daughter and hopefully creating a foundation for her, a bond I never had from my own parents.

I walk out of the office and over to Penny's desk to bring her a list of things Rayna has demanded I remember, specifically Rayna's upcoming vaccination.

The influx of responsibility looms heavily over me at work. It doesn't help that, once again, I can't seem to find my damn calendar. But I plan to try.

I have to, it's no longer only me in this chaotic life. It's Lily, too. And a petite dark-haired woman that is all at once a pain in my ass but someone I'm immensely grateful to have in Lily's corner. Ashley knew what she was doing when she picked her.

Balancing my laptop under one arm, I step back into my office, narrowly avoiding a tower of baby books that seem to multiply by the day. Each one promises the secret formula to perfect parenting—none of which, I'm learning, actually applies when you are sleep deprived and balancing a major project deadline.

I set the laptop down on the cluttered desk, shoving aside a stack of diapers Rayna insists I keep here "just in case." The office, once a realm of orderly chaos, now resembles the aftermath of a toddler's birthday party.

Just as I finally sit, my phone buzzes with a text from Rayna.

Can we talk when you have a sec? It's about Lily.

My heart skips a beat, the way it always does now when I think about my daughter. I type a quick response, assuring her I'll call the moment I'm free, and then turn my attention back to the screens in front of me, where emails await my overdue replies.

While drafting a delicate response to a client, a soft knock interrupts my focus. The door pushes open, and there's Penny, phone still in hand, an apologetic smile on her face.

"Sorry, Janta, got tied up. What's up?"

"It's alright," I grunt as I wave off her apology. "Listen, have you seen the latest reports from the market analysis team? I need them before the board meeting this afternoon."

Penny nods, her expression turning serious. "I'll grab them for you. Anything else?"

"No, that's all. Thanks, Penny."

Once alone, I lean back in my chair, letting out a slow breath. The challenges of merging my old life with my extra responsibilities as a father are daunting. Each decision at work, each commitment I make, now carries the weight of Lily's future.

Penny pokes her head back in a few moments later.

"They're ready for you, boss."

I nod with a grunt and grab the proposal packet from her. The exhaustion is weighing on me more than normal as I straighten my tie, ready for another busy day.

"Gentlemen!" My greeting echoes in the room, as my mind considers the decision I'm planning to make.

As I lay out the expansion proposal on the projector, the boardroom at OrcTech fills with a charged energy. Charts and graphs flicker across the screen, each line and number representing a potential future. I note the curiosity mixed with skepticism on the faces of the board members as they lean forward.

Methodically, I detail the market trends and potential revenue streams. The opportunity is tantalizing, a bold thrust into an emerging market that promises high returns.

"We stand on the brink of substantial growth," I assert, my voice steady and commanding, despite the internal conflict. "However, we must consider not just the immediate benefits but the long-term effect. The market, while potentially lucrative, is volatile and could jeopardize our current stability."

I pause, scanning the room. The board members' eyes are fixed on me, waiting.

"Considering all factors, including the future stability and security that OrcTech needs, I recommend we adopt a more conservative approach. We should focus on steady, sustainable growth. This route minimizes risks and provides a stable foundation for our future."

Discussion breaks out among the members. Some look relieved, others clearly disappointed, their appetites for bold risks unsatisfied. I hold my ground, my resolve anchored by the image of Lily. Her future is something I cannot risk.

"As a new father, I've come to appreciate the value of foresight and planning," I add, the conviction in my voice born from sleepless nights and additional responsibilities. "Let's ensure our company can provide long-term security for all our stakeholders."

The board will decide after more debate, but as I conclude my presentation, a weight lifts from my shoulders. I have decided, not only as a CEO but as a parent. It's a balance I'm still learning to navigate, each step a lesson in merging my old life with my new realities.

With a moment of free time, I call Rayna back and invite her up to the office to discuss a detailed financial plan for Lily's upbringing. Truth be told, I'm pretty uncertain about her seeing me here.

Between our new and developing relationship based on Lily's needs, I can't deny the convenience of having a partner to help me navigate the changes taking place in my life.

As Rayna steps through the revolving doors into the gleaming lobby of OrcTech, my heart suddenly picks up pace. I watch her piercing blue eyes scanning the minimalist decor, and I see a flash of discomfort cross her face. She clutches a peaceful-looking Lily and my heart clenches at the sight of them.

I quickly stride over, my smile as reassuring as I can muster. "Hey, Rayna, thanks for coming in. I know this isn't exactly your usual scene," I say, my large hands gently guiding her towards the elevator with a soft touch on her elbow.

She laughs softly, the sound easing the tension in her shoulders. "It's like stepping into another world."

We settle at the desk in my office as I tidy up the chaos and spread out the financial documents, and together we delve into the numbers, discussing savings plans, educational funds, and other financial securities for Lily.

Rayna's insights focus on flexibility and long-term security. Her ability to meticulously weigh all options is invaluable, and I'm grateful not just for her perspective, but for her presence.

After we've covered everything, I stand and offer a lighter moment. "Want to see where all the magic happens?" I ask, hoping to shift the mood.

Rayna nods, her interest piqued, and we walk through the corridors of OrcTech. Rayna listens intently as I explain the core missions of our current projects.

We pause by a large window overlooking the bustling city below, the panoramic view stretching out like a living tapestry.

"It's about creating something lasting, something that makes a difference," I muse aloud, caught up in the moment.

Rayna turns to me, a smile touching her lips. "I can see why you love it here. Your passion—it's interesting."

That shared moment of mutual respect and understanding feels like a bridge being built between us. Rayna's perspective has influenced my views on balancing my professional and personal life. Her support and understanding help bridge the gap between my roles as CEO and father, integrating them into a unified whole.

"So, I was thinking we should establish some weekly meetings for co-parenting. Something to make sure we both feel secure and organized," Rayna says with a confidence that takes hold whenever Lily is involved.

Rayna's suggestion catches me off-guard, but in a good way. Her voice has a calming effect, easing the tension I sometimes carry in my shoulders. As I nod in agreement, I'm conscious of my tendency to be brash, a habit I'm trying to curb around her.

"That's an amazing idea, Rayna," I say, and I mean it. The thought of more organization in my life is appealing, especially now. "Consistency could really help us both, and Lily, too."

Lily, sensing the shift towards departure, fusses. I gently take her from Rayna's arms, bringing her close to me. As I snuggle her to my chest, I inhale deeply, the scent of her hair filling me with a mixture of peace and an indescribable love. My little half-orc baby, the catalyst for so many of the changes in my life.

I look up at Rayna, feeling a renewed sense of partnership. "I think if we keep this up—this openness and willingness to work together—it's going to make a vast difference for Lily. And for us, too."

Rayna smiles, her earlier apprehension replaced by a look of optimism. "I agree. Even though she is still so small, it's important for Lily to see us collaborating like this. It sets the right example."

As they prepare to leave, I hold Lily a little tighter for a moment. "Let's start this week," I suggest. "We can iron out a schedule and adjust as needed, but I think this is going to be great for us."

Rayna nods, her expression thoughtful. "I'll send you some time slots tonight. We can pick what works best and adjust as needed."

Watching them leave, I feel a surge of hope. Co-parenting with Rayna, despite our differences, feels not just manageable but promising. The commitment to meet regularly, to discuss and plan for Lily's future, reinforces my belief in our ability to support each other and provide a stable, loving environment for our daughter. This is the beginning of a new chapter, and I'm genuinely optimistic about what we can achieve together.