Bitter Rivalry, Sweeter Love

Chapter 4: Unlikely Encounters

The weeks following the announcement of Ling's engagement to Oom were filled with a strange mixture of tension and anticipation. Ling threw herself into her work, managing her family's business empire with her usual fierce determination, but her mind often drifted back to the looming marriage. The suit she donned daily became a uniform of defiance, each tailored piece a reminder of the control she wished to reclaim.

Meanwhile, Orm was equally preoccupied. After overhearing the news about Ling, she found herself constantly on edge, unable to shake the feeling of betrayal that lingered in her chest. Despite their families' animosity, she had always harbored an inexplicable attraction to Ling. The thought of Ling marrying Oom filled her with a sense of dread, intensifying her resentment towards her rival.

One evening, at a lavish charity gala organized by their families, fate forced their paths to cross once more. The venue was elegantly decorated, with crystal chandeliers sparkling overhead and the sound of laughter echoing throughout the ballroom. Orm had reluctantly accompanied her family, clad in a fitted suit that highlighted her athletic frame. Despite her outward confidence, she felt a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach.

As Orm scanned the crowd, her gaze landed on Ling, who stood across the room, engaging in conversation with their relatives. Dressed in a striking navy suit that exuded power, Ling radiated an aura of authority, but Orm noticed a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. It was a small crack in Ling's seemingly impenetrable facade that intrigued Orm.

"Why are you staring at her?" Popor, Orm's close friend and a tomboyish figure, teased, nudging Orm's side. She had always been protective of Orm, a fierce ally in the rivalry against the Kwongs.

"I'm not staring," Orm snapped, but the heat in her cheeks betrayed her. "I just... don't like the idea of her being here with Oom."

Popor raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "You're acting like a jealous girlfriend."

"Don't be ridiculous," Orm retorted, but the words felt hollow even to her. The truth was, she felt a strange possessiveness towards Ling, an emotion she couldn't fully comprehend.

Just then, a loud commotion broke out on the other side of the room as their families mingled, laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. Orm turned to face the noise, trying to distract herself from Ling, but her eyes were drawn back like a magnet. Ling was laughing at something Oom had said, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the chandeliers. A pang of jealousy surged within Orm, and she instinctively clenched her fists at her sides.

"Let's grab a drink," Popor suggested, sensing Orm's frustration. "You need to take your mind off this."

As they approached the bar, Orm caught sight of Ling again, this time across the room, her expression thoughtful as she stared into her glass of champagne. Orm's heart raced, torn between disdain and a longing she couldn't suppress. What was it about Ling that drew her in, despite the enmity that surrounded them?

While waiting for their drinks, Orm's mind raced with memories of their past encounters—Ling's sharp wit, her unwavering confidence, and the way she seemed to command attention wherever she went. Despite the rivalry, Orm couldn't help but admire Ling's tenacity and strength.

"Hey, Orm, look!" Popor exclaimed, pulling Orm from her thoughts. She pointed towards a group of women who had just arrived. "Isn't that the marketing team from Kwong Industries?"

Orm turned, feeling a sense of dread wash over her. They were part of Ling's family business, known for their ruthless tactics and cutthroat strategies. As the women approached, Orm could see the sly smiles on their faces, and her instincts kicked in. She knew they were looking to stir up trouble.

"Here comes the drama," Orm muttered, feeling her tension heighten.

The women exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with mischief as they spotted Orm and Popor. One of them, a tall blonde with a predatory smile, sauntered up to them. "Orm, darling! How's the family feud going?" she taunted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Just peachy, thanks," Orm shot back, crossing her arms defensively.

The blonde smirked, leaning closer. "I heard about Ling and Oom's engagement. Such a shame! I thought you were much more her type," she said, glancing meaningfully at Popor. "Too bad you're just a friend."

The jab stung, igniting a fire within Orm. "Maybe Ling doesn't need anyone to define her type," she retorted, forcing herself to remain calm.

Just then, Ling's laughter echoed from across the room, and Orm couldn't help but look back. In that moment, she caught Ling's eye, and their gazes locked. Orm felt a rush of emotions—anger, confusion, and an undeniable pull toward the woman she had been taught to despise.

Ling's smile faltered for just a moment, her expression shifting from joy to something deeper. Orm could see the tension in her features, the way her shoulders stiffened as if she sensed the scrutiny of their families bearing down upon them. In that fleeting moment, Orm felt a flicker of understanding pass between them—a connection that transcended their families' animosity.

"Don't let her get to you," Popor said, breaking Orm from her thoughts as they turned back to the taunting group. "She's just trying to get a rise out of you."

Orm clenched her jaw, trying to shake off the feeling of vulnerability that washed over her. "I know," she replied, but her heart was still racing.

As the evening wore on, Orm found herself stealing glances at Ling whenever she could, watching as she navigated the crowd with an effortless charm that drew people in. But the more she observed, the more her jealousy festered. Each time Ling laughed with Oom or spoke animatedly with the marketing team, it felt like a dagger to Orm's heart.

"I can't believe you're still staring at her," Popor teased, nudging Orm once more. "You should go talk to her. Settle this once and for all."

"I'm not talking to her," Orm snapped, though a part of her was tempted. "What would I even say?"

"Start with 'hello' and see where it goes from there," Popor suggested, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Shut up," Orm replied, unable to hide a smile. But inside, she wrestled with her own emotions, caught between her family's expectations and the undeniable attraction she felt towards Ling.

Just then, Ling turned, catching Orm's gaze again. This time, Orm felt the weight of their rivalry in the air—a tension that crackled like electricity. As Ling's lips curved into a knowing smile, Orm felt a mixture of annoyance and intrigue. What was happening between them? Could it be possible that beneath their families' hatred, there lay something deeper?

As the gala continued, Orm knew that this night would change everything. With her heart racing and her mind swirling with confusion, she could no longer deny the pull Ling had on her. Their paths were entwined in a way she had never anticipated, and as she watched Ling navigate the crowd with grace, Orm felt a stirring within her—a glimmer of hope that perhaps, amidst the chaos of their families, love could still bloom.