Entwined Destinies

Chapter 10: The War

"Phi... shouldn't you be resting?" Milk asked, as she helped her sister out of the hospital, with Orm assisting with the bags. Lingling had her arm in a sling to ease the strain on her injured shoulder.

"I'm fine. We need to move quickly before Grandma makes her move and turns the shareholders against us," Lingling insisted.

"Phi..." Milk's concern was evident.

"Will you stand by me?" Lingling asked, her gaze steady.

Milk hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. She joined Orm in loading the car.

"By the way, Milk, did you take care of that favor I asked about?" Lingling inquired.

"Yes, Phi," Milk replied.

"Thank you," Lingling said, relieved.

"What favor?" Orm asked, settling into the passenger seat next to Lingling.

"You'll find out soon enough," Lingling replied with a cryptic smile.

---

Milk drove them to the outskirts of town, a serene spot not too far from the city's hustle. As they approached the house, Lingling's eyes lit up with a mix of nostalgia and excitement.

"Welcome to our new home," Lingling said warmly, gesturing towards the charming house in front of them.

"Huh?" Orm looked around, puzzled.

Lingling smiled, her gaze lingering on the house. "This is our childhood home. Instead of letting it sit empty and gather dust, I asked Milk to help me clean up and make any necessary repairs."

Orm glanced at the house, her curiosity piqued. "What's wrong with our current home?"

Lingling's expression softened. "That house was a gift from Grandma. I'd rather not stay there. This place..." She took a deep breath, savoring the sense of familiarity and comfort. "Here, I feel a deep connection to the past. And with you here, it will truly feel like home."

Orm's cheeks flushed with a gentle blush, touched by Lingling's heartfelt sentiment.

Just then, Love appeared at the front door, her face lighting up with a welcoming smile. "Hi everyone! I've been working on getting the house ready for you."

Lingling's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Love, you didn't have to, but thank you so much for all your help."

Love waved off the praise with a smile. "It was my pleasure. I'm excited for you both to settle in. Let's get you inside and show you around."

Milk, who had been quietly observing, playfully scrunched her nose. "Hey, don't forget I'm here too! I helped too, you know."

Lingling chuckled and reached out to give Milk a quick hug. "Of course, Milk. I couldn't have done it without you."

As they all entered the house together, Orm felt a warm sense of belonging. The house, now filled with the promise of new beginnings, felt like the perfect place to start this new chapter with Lingling by her side.

---

"Will P'Milk and P'Love live with us?" Orm asked as they shared lunch together at the new home.

"Nope," Milk replied with a casual smile. "It's better if we all have our own privacy, N'Orm. But me and Love are just a two-minute walk away."

Lingling chimed in, "I bought them a house right next to ours."

Love's face lit up, "Thank you, P'Ling! You didn't have to do that."

"You're most welcome. I want my family to be as close to me as possible," Lingling said warmly.

Orm smiled at Lingling, affection clear in her eyes. "Aww, my wife is the best!"