Page 27 of Accidental Orc Daddy

But his expression says otherwise. His eyes are flicking from my face to my stomach, and I can see the realization dawning in his eyes. "Meiko, are you for real? You say the words, but you won’t even look at me," he asks, his voice laced with disbelief.

I feel a lump form in my throat as I realize the truth. I can't keep lying to him. He deserves to know the truth. "I… I don't know what you're talking about," I stammer, avoiding his gaze. "I just… I can't do this right now."

Before he can say anything else, I push past him and rush out of the bathroom, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Meiko, stop!” he calls after me.

I don’t bother listening, letting my feet carry me as far away from him as they can. The cool night air hits me like a wave, and I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. But it's no use. My mind is spinning out of control.

I place my hand gently over my belly, wishing I could apologize to the little life growing there. It deserves so much better than a fling for a father, and a mother that isn't anywhere near ready to raise a child.

Sitting there on the bench for what feels like an eternity, I wait dreadfully for Mustaf to come out and join me. But as the minutes tick by, I realize that he's not coming. I feel a twinge of disappointment, but I also feel a sense of relief. I'm not ready to face him yet. I'm not ready to have this conversation.

Taking a deep breath, I stand up with the decision to take a walk through the gardens to clear my head. The cool night air is refreshing, and the sound of the wind rustling through the trees is soothing.

As I wander through the gardens, my mind drifts to the baby growing inside of me. I still can't believe it's real. I never thought I would be in this position.

I wonder what Mustaf is thinking right now. Is he angry? Hurt? Confused? I wish I could read his mind.

I come across a small pond, and I sit down on a bench to watch the koi fish swimming lazily in the water. It's peaceful here, away from the noise of the party. I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

I don't know what the future holds, but I know one thing for sure. I will do everything in my power to protect this little life.

CHAPTER 16

Mustaf

“What the fuck…” The words trail off, lingering in the stale air as I stand rigidly outside the women’s bathroom, the heavy wooden door bearing silent witness to my turmoil. My fists clench involuntarily, my mind a whirlwind of disbelief and confusion.

Meiko is nowhere in sight, practically invisible from the moment I stepped outside the bathroom. Like she vanished into thin air.

She's pregnant. The realization hits me like a thunderbolt, a sharp pang of reality cutting through the swirling chaos of my thoughts. Meiko is with child, and, as adamantly as she’s trying to deny it… I know it's mine.

Numbly, I drift back into the dining room, my movements mechanical, as if puppeteered by some unseen force. The room buzzes with a cacophony of laughter, cheers, and congratulatory well-wishes directed towards the glowing couple of the hour.

But everything is passing by in a daze. The clinking of glasses and the chatter of guests fade into a distant hum, the weight of my thoughts consuming me whole. While everyone around me revels in the joyous occasion, my mind is fixated on Meiko.

If she won’t give me any answers, I’ll just have to find them myself.

With a newfound determination, I force myself to focus, pushing aside the turbulent emotions threatening to consume me. I begin to methodically scan the room, searching for familiar faces among the crowd.

I spot an acquaintance leaning against the bar with a drink in hand. His eyes meet mine, and a flicker of recognition passes between us. I make my way towards him, weaving through the throng of guests.

"Tom," I greet him curtly, extending a hand. "It's been a while."

He takes my hand, a smirk playing on his lips. "Mustaf, too long."

“Still working as a P.I.?” I ask, hoping he can help me.

“You know me,” he jokes, swirling his whiskey. “Married to the job.”

"Good. I need a favor," I say, cutting to the chase. "I'm looking for information on someone – a woman named Meiko Fanning."

Tom raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Meiko Fanning, huh? What do you need to know?"

"Everything," I reply, my voice steady and resolute. "Her recent movements, any contacts she's made... I need to piece together her past few months."

He nods. "I'll see what I can do. But it'll cost you."

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