Résonance: a LingOrm's Story

Chapter 45: Picking Up the Pieces

The courtroom battle had ended, but life, as always, had to go on. It had been weeks since the final verdict, and though Ling had spent the first few days recuperating, her natural inclination to work soon kicked back in. As someone who had always prided herself on running a successful travel agency, she couldn't stay idle for long. Her desk, once piled high with legal documents and stress, was now cluttered with itineraries, travel brochures, and business reports.

Ling sat at her desk, scrolling through emails, reviewing marketing strategies, and catching up with clients. Though she was still pacing herself, the familiar rhythm of work was soothing.

"Are you sure you're not pushing yourself too hard?" Orm asked from across the room, perched on the edge of the couch. She had just returned from a casual meeting with one of the small brands she was beginning to collaborate with. She had a concerned but playful look on her face as she eyed Ling, who was hunched over her laptop.

Ling glanced up and smiled. "I'm fine, Orm. I've been taking it easy. It's just nice to get back into a routine."

Orm crossed the room and stood behind Ling's chair, gently massaging her shoulders. "Just don't forget to take breaks, okay? I don't want to see you in the hospital again."

Ling leaned back into Orm's touch, closing her eyes for a moment. "I won't," she promised, reaching up to place her hand over Orm's. "How was your meeting?"

Orm's eyes lit up. "It went really well! It's a small skincare brand, but I love their concept. They're focusing on sustainable products, and they want me to be part of their next campaign."

Ling looked up at her, pride evident in her smile. "That's amazing, Orm! I knew this break from your old job would open up new opportunities for you."

Orm sighed, a mix of relief and contentment. "Yeah, it's been refreshing, to say the least. Leaving the finance job was hard, but it feels good to be working on something I'm passionate about. And thanks to Ying's PR company, I've been getting a lot of support after coming out to my followers."

After the lawsuit, Orm had made the decision to come out publicly on her social media platforms. It wasn't something she had planned for a long time, but after everything they had been through—fighting for justice, standing up against bullying, and coming out stronger on the other side—she felt it was the right time. With Ying's suggestion, Orm hired a PR company that had experience handling public figures going through significant personal changes. They helped her craft a thoughtful message to her followers, revealing her relationship with Ling in a way that felt authentic to her.

The response had been overwhelmingly positive.

"I was nervous at first," Orm confessed, sitting beside Ling now, her hands fidgeting with her phone. "I didn't know how people would react. I mean, there are always trolls online, but... the amount of support I've gotten has been incredible. People have been so kind, and some have even shared their own stories with me."

Ling reached out and took Orm's hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm so proud of you. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there like that."

Orm smiled softly, her eyes reflecting gratitude. "I'm just glad we can be open about it now. No more hiding."

"Do you miss your old job at all?" Ling asked curiously.

Orm thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Not really. I mean, I enjoyed it while it lasted, but I think this is what I was meant to do. I'm working with brands I actually believe in, and it gives me the flexibility to focus on my health and on us. It's a new chapter."

Ling nodded in agreement. "We've both been through a lot. It's nice to finally have some peace."

Ling's younger brother, Daniel, had been stopping by frequently since the lawsuit ended. He had been worried about his sister, especially after her collapse, and made it a point to check in on her. Though he was only a year younger, Daniel had always looked up to Ling, admiring her resilience and dedication.