Bitter Rivalry, Sweeter Love

Chapter 5: The Jealous Game

The days following the gala were marked by a strange, simmering tension that hung in the air like the humidity of Bangkok's late summer evenings. Orm found herself in a perpetual state of distraction, her thoughts always drifting back to Ling. Every encounter at family gatherings became a game of pretense, with both women masking their feelings behind polite smiles and cool indifference.

Ling, too, was struggling. Though she presented a façade of confidence at work, the impending marriage to Oom weighed heavily on her. Despite her family's insistence that the arrangement was for the best, she couldn't shake the sense of dissatisfaction gnawing at her. At night, in the solitude of her luxurious suite, she often replayed moments from the gala—the way Orm's eyes sparkled with defiance, how her laughter echoed in her mind, and the unsettling feeling of longing that followed.

One Friday evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Ling found herself at a high-profile party hosted by her family. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, a stark contrast to the turmoil within her heart.

"Ling! Come join us!" her cousin Ying called, beckoning her over to a group of relatives. Dressed in a fitted black suit that accentuated her figure, Ling exuded an air of authority, but beneath the surface, her thoughts were chaotic.

As she approached, Ling caught sight of Orm, who was mingling nearby. Dressed casually yet stylishly, Orm had a relaxed air about her, her laughter infectious as she spoke with a group of friends. Ling's stomach twisted at the sight. How could she look so carefree while Ling was burdened by impending obligation?

"Hey, I heard Orm is dating someone," Ying remarked, her voice laced with curiosity as she noticed Ling's intense gaze on the other woman.

"What?" Ling snapped, a mix of surprise and irritation flooding her senses. "Who is she dating?"

Ying shrugged, a smirk playing on her lips. "I'm not sure, but I think it's that tomboy, Popor. They've been seen together a lot lately."

A surge of jealousy coursed through Ling, leaving her momentarily speechless. She tried to mask her reaction, but the tightness in her chest betrayed her. "That's none of my concern," she replied, forcing her voice to remain steady.

"Sure it isn't," Ying teased, nudging Ling playfully. "You can't deny it bothers you."

Before Ling could respond, she felt a presence beside her. Oom approached with a confident stride, her eyes bright with excitement. "Ling, darling! Have you heard the news?"

"What news?" Ling asked, her voice flat.

"Oom! You're here!" Orm chimed in, her tone warm as she approached the two of them, clearly pleased to see Oom.

"Great timing!" Oom grinned, glancing between Ling and Orm. "I was just about to share that my family has a huge project lined up with yours. We'll be working closely together. Isn't that fantastic?"

Ling forced a smile, trying to suppress the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Orm, however, was unable to hide her surprise. "That sounds... interesting," she said cautiously, her eyes darting between the two.

"Interesting? More like a match made in heaven!" Oom exclaimed, his enthusiasm overflowing. "Just think of the possibilities. Our families united in business and love. It's perfect!"

Ling felt her heart drop. The thought of her life intertwining with Oom's while Orm remained a close presence was unbearable. "Right," she replied coolly, struggling to maintain her composure. "Perfect."

As the conversation continued, Oom leaned in closer to Ling, her hand casually brushing against Ling's arm. "You know, I always admired how you handle the pressure of your position. You have this incredible ability to command a room."

Ling felt a thrill at her compliment, but the sight of Orm watching them from the sidelines ignited a spark of mischief within her. With a coy smile, she leaned into Oom, letting her laughter spill over a little too freely. "You really think so? I've been told I have a certain charm," Ling replied, deliberately maintaining eye contact with Orm, reveling in the way Orm's expression shifted from curiosity to unmistakable irritation.

As Oom leaned in, playfully whispering something in her ear, Ling let out a soft laugh that she knew would carry over to Orm. The intimacy of the moment sent an unexpected jolt through her, one that left her feeling exhilarated and powerful. With each flirtatious exchange, she could see the tension building in Orm, the way her body stiffened, and how her eyes darkened with barely concealed jealousy.

"What do you think, Orm?" Ling asked, turning her attention to her rival with a teasing smile. "Should I bring Oom along to the next board meeting? I think we'd make quite the team."

Orm's heart raced as she watched them. "That sounds... fun," she replied, her voice strained as she forced a smile.

"Fun? Oh, it will be," Ling teased, winking at Oom. "We'll certainly shake things up."

Orm's stomach churned, a mix of annoyance and an unrelenting ache of jealousy. She tried to convince herself that she shouldn't care, that Ling's choice to marry Oom was just business. But the way Ling interacted with Oom, her laughter seeming to echo in the air, felt personal, intimate.

Suddenly, Oom reached out, playfully tugging at the collar of Ling's shirt, her fingers lingering on her skin for just a moment too long. "I really hope you're ready for this partnership, Ling. I can already see the headlines—Kwong and Kornnaphat united!" She grinned, and Ling chuckled lightly, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks, aware of how much Orm was watching.

Orm felt a burning sensation in her chest as she watched the display. "Really, Ling?" Orm said, her voice barely above a whisper, the words dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't realize you were so eager to partner up with my cousin."

Ling turned to Orm, enjoying the tension crackling between them. "What can I say? Oom has a certain charm, doesn't she?" Ling replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She could see Orm's jaw tighten, the jealousy radiating off her in waves. "Besides, I can't help but enjoy making things a little interesting."

Orm's breath hitched, a mixture of anger and confusion flooding her mind. "You think this is a game?" she shot back, trying to keep her composure intact.

"Just a little fun, Orm. Isn't that what we're all about?" Ling said, her voice smooth, laced with playful challenge. "Why don't you lighten up a bit?"

"Lighten up?" Orm echoed, incredulity clear in her tone. "You're the one flirting with my cousin in front of me!"

Ling stepped closer, the tension between them palpable. "Maybe you should think about what you really want, Orm. Because if you're so upset about this, perhaps it means you care more than you're letting on."

Orm stared at Ling, a mixture of disbelief and frustration crossing her face. "Fine. Do what you want, but don't act like this is just my fault," she replied sharply, turning to walk away, her heart pounding in her chest.

Ling watched Orm leave, a rush of exhilaration mingled with regret washing over her. What had she just done?

Feeling the sting of her own words, Ling took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The game of jealousy had taken a toll, but she knew that the real game was just beginning.

As the party continued around her, Ling realized she couldn't ignore the emotions brewing between her and Orm any longer. It was time to face the truth of what she felt, even if it meant stepping into unknown territory.