Falling For You

Chapter 6: Keep Moving or Start Moving On?

this chapter contains a song. It's not an ad or promotion—it's just something I felt fits the mood and the scene perfectly, If you'd like, you can listen along as you read to enhance the mood of the scene, Enjoy!

♫The silence is getting too cold

♫We stopped fighting 

♫'Cause deep down inside, we both know 

♫Just for once, what do you want? Baby, tell me the truth

♫Do you only love me 'cause you have to?

The soft hum of fabric being swished and adjusted filled the room as Ling stood in front of a large, gold-framed mirror. The afternoon light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the showroom, reflecting off the array of white gowns that hung around her. The wedding was just two weeks away, and her mother, Khun Ann, was in full wedding-planning mode.

"Hold still," her mother said sharply, tugging at the waist of the dress Ling was wearing. "This one has potential. It accentuates your figure and looks elegant enough for the event." Khun Ann stepped back, appraising her daughter with a critical eye. "What do you think?"

"Ling, darling, focus," Khun Ann's voice cut through the haze in Ling's mind. Her mother stood beside her, adjusting the hem of the dress with sharp, efficient movements. "This is your moment. You need to look the part."

Ling stared at her reflection, feeling utterly disconnected from the image in front of her. The lace sleeves, the intricate beading, the long train—it was all beautiful, no doubt. But it didn't feel like her. Nothing about this wedding felt like her.

"It's... fine," Ling murmured, her voice void of enthusiasm.

Her mother's eyes narrowed. "Fine? This is one of the most prestigious designers in Thailand, and you say it's fine? Ling, you're about to marry into a powerful family. You need to look perfect."

Ling bit the inside of her cheek, holding back the frustration that was bubbling inside her. The idea of marrying Gap felt more like a business deal than a romantic union, and the thought of it suffocated her. But what could she say? Her mother had planned everything meticulously, and the pressure to please her was overwhelming.

As Khun Ann circled her daughter, adjusting the veil, she couldn't help but press on. "Gap's family will be expecting the best from us. His father is the head of their company, and their reputation—"

"Mae," Ling interrupted, unable to keep her voice steady any longer. "I know all of this already. I just... I need a moment."

Khun Ann sighed, taking a step back. "Fine, take a moment. But remember, you don't have much time to 'figure things out.' The wedding is in two weeks, Ling. We need you to be prepared."

Ling turned away from the mirror, her fingers trembling slightly as she touched the fabric of the gown. She wanted to scream, to tell her mother that this wasn't what she wanted, that her heart wasn't in this marriage. But she swallowed the words, as she always did. She had been doing it for years—keeping her true feelings locked away, hidden beneath layers of obedience and familial duty.

Just then, the door to the fitting room opened, and Gap entered with his father in tow. Gap looked every bit the charming groom in his tailored suit, but the sight of him only made Ling's stomach twist. His father gave her a polite nod, but it was Gap's eyes that lingered on her.

"You look stunning, Ling," Gap said smoothly, his gaze lingering on her as he adjusted his tie.

Ling forced a smile, her heart heavy in her chest. "Thanks."