Bitter Rivalry, Sweeter Love

Chapter 3: The Deal

Ling sat in her family's opulent dining room, the kind of place that whispered of wealth and status. The long, polished table was set for a formal dinner, but the atmosphere was thick with tension. Her father, a formidable figure in the business world, had gathered the family to discuss a significant new venture. Ling, dressed in a sleek black suit that accentuated her sharp features, felt a knot of unease in her stomach as she listened to her father speak about their rival family, the Kornnaphats.

"I have an important announcement," her father declared, his voice booming across the table, commanding everyone's attention. "In order to solidify our business relationship with the Kornnaphats, we will be arranging Ling's marriage to Oom, their cousin."

The room fell silent, the weight of the news settling like a thick fog. Ling's heart raced. Oom? She had never liked Oom; they were always embroiled in some petty rivalry at family gatherings. "Father, you can't be serious," Ling protested, trying to keep her voice steady. "I don't even know her well."

Her father's gaze hardened. "This is not just about you, Ling. It's about the future of our business. Marrying Oom will strengthen our ties with their family and ensure our dominance in the market."

Ling felt her blood boil. How could they do this to her? She wanted to make her own choices, to fall in love on her terms, not through some business transaction. As she looked around the table, her family members nodded in agreement, clearly not understanding her anger. They saw this as a strategic move, while Ling saw it as a betrayal of her autonomy.

Meanwhile, across town, Orm was attending a family gathering of her own. She had just returned from a long day of studying at university, her mind still racing from the stress of exams. As she mingled with her relatives, she overheard whispers about the deal between the Kwongs and the Kornnaphats.

"Did you hear? Ling Kwong is being arranged to marry Oom!" one of her aunts said, her voice tinged with excitement.

Orm felt a twist in her stomach at the mention of Ling's name. It was a name that had always stirred something in her, a mix of disdain and fascination. She hated Ling for the rivalry between their families, for the smug confidence that seemed to radiate from her every time they crossed paths. Yet, hearing about Ling's impending marriage to Oom sent a pang of jealousy coursing through her veins, a feeling she refused to acknowledge.

"Why do you care?" a cousin nudged Orm, noticing her reaction. "You've never liked her anyway."

"Of course I don't care," Orm snapped, trying to mask her emotions. But deep down, she felt the jealousy simmering. Why should Ling get to choose her future, especially with someone like Oom? The idea of Ling marrying anyone—let alone her cousin—felt like a direct affront.

That night, as Orm lay in bed, her mind was plagued with thoughts of Ling. The more she thought about the arrangement, the angrier she became. How could her family force her cousin into this marriage? Was it really about business, or was there something more? The feelings stirred within her, a chaotic mix of hatred and undeniable attraction that left her restless.

Back at the Kwong residence, Ling paced her room, her mind racing. The suit she had worn earlier felt suffocating, a reminder of the expectations placed upon her. She despised the thought of being tied to Oom, and the idea of being forced into a marriage felt like a prison sentence.

As she stared out at the sprawling city of Bangkok, illuminated by twinkling lights, she knew she had to do something. She couldn't let this decision be made for her. But how could she fight against the forces of her family and their business interests? The weight of her situation pressed down on her, but in that moment, a flicker of defiance ignited within her.

Ling decided then and there that she wouldn't go down without a fight.