Bitter Rivalry, Sweeter Love

Chapter 6: Family Feud and Sparks

The following week, the tension between the Kwong and Kornnaphat families reached a boiling point during an extravagant gala hosted by the Kwongs to celebrate a recent tech merger. The grand ballroom sparkled with opulence, adorned with elaborate floral arrangements and shimmering chandeliers casting a warm glow over the guests mingling below. However, beneath the surface of clinking glasses and laughter lay a thick undercurrent of animosity, palpable in the air.

Ling stood at the center of it all, a beacon of confidence in her fitted navy suit, her trademark style. As a prominent figure in the tech industry, she had an image to maintain—powerful, composed, and unyielding. Yet every glance toward the dance floor where Orm was mingling with friends sent a rush of conflicting emotions coursing through her. The way Orm laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief, made Ling's heart race and her pulse quicken.

Ying approached, her voice low. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"More like a rival," Ling replied, her gaze still locked on Orm, who was now animatedly chatting with Oom.

"Still hung up on that kiss?" Ying pressed, raising an eyebrow.

"It's complicated," Ling muttered, frustration boiling beneath the surface.

Suddenly, Oom approached, a dazzling smile on her face. "Ling! You've got to come see the dance floor! Everyone's raving about my moves!" Oom exclaimed, her voice bright and cheerful.

Ling plastered on a smile, knowing all too well that Oom's excitement would only fuel Orm's irritation. "Sure, why not?" she replied, allowing Oom to take her arm as they moved through the crowd.

Orm's expression hardened as she watched them from across the room. The way Ling laughed with Oom, the casual touches and playful banter ignited a fire within her. Ling was enjoying every moment, fully aware of the effect it had on Orm.

"Isn't this just perfect?" Oom chirped as they reached the dance floor, pulling Ling into the spotlight. "Let's show everyone how it's done!"

Ling feigned enthusiasm as she followed Oom's lead. Inside, however, she relished the sight of Orm's jealous expression. "Come on, Ling! You're a natural!" Oom cheered, spinning Ling around, oblivious to the storm brewing in Orm's eyes.

As they danced, Oom leaned in close, whispering, "You really know how to draw attention, don't you? Everyone is looking at us."

Ling smirked, allowing the teasing tone to wrap around her words. "Isn't that the point? I mean, we wouldn't want to leave anyone out, would we?" She caught Orm's gaze again, the mixture of anger and longing making Ling's heart flutter.

The music shifted to a slower, more romantic tune, and Oom pulled Ling closer, her hands resting on Ling's waist. Ling felt herself tense momentarily. The intimacy of the moment sparked a visceral reaction, and she couldn't shake the feeling of Orm's gaze boring into her. It was as if the entire world had faded away, leaving just the three of them—Ling, Oom, and the intensity of Orm's jealousy.

Ling allowed herself to lean into Oom's warmth, feeling bold as she met Orm's eyes from across the dance floor. In that moment, a wicked idea formed in her mind, fueled by the desire to provoke Orm even more. "What do you think, Orm?" Ling called out, feigning innocence. "Care to join us?"

Orm's heart raced, a mix of frustration and desire churning within her. "Ling! Can I talk to you for a second?" she shouted over the music, her tone clipped.

Ling turned back to Oom, her heart pounding with mischief. "Wait right here," she said, turning to Orm with a teasing smile. "I'll be right back."

As Ling stepped away from Oom, she turned back and pulled Oom closer, capturing her lips in a playful kiss, fully aware of Orm's seething glare. The kiss was brief, a show for the crowd, but the effect was electric. Ling could feel the heat of Orm's gaze like a spotlight on her, igniting jealousy and anger in equal measure.

Orm's expression hardened, fury flashing in her eyes as she watched Ling kiss Oom. "What the hell, Ling?" Orm shouted, her voice rising above the music.

Ling pulled back, a playful smirk on her lips as she turned to face Orm. "Just having a bit of fun, Orm," she replied, savoring the rush of adrenaline. "After all, Oom is my fiancée, thanks to our family's arrangement. Don't you think I should show some affection?"

"Affection? That was just cruel!" Orm shot back, fists clenched at her sides. "You're just doing this to make me jealous!"

Ling stepped closer to Orm, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "And what if I am? It's a little fun, don't you think?"

"Fun? You think this is fun?" Orm's voice shook with a mix of anger and hurt. "You're toying with people's feelings!"

"Maybe I am. Maybe I'm tired of hiding my feelings, too." Ling's heart raced, a mixture of exhilaration and fear coursing through her.

Before Ling could say more, Oom's cheerful voice rang out, interrupting the moment. "Ling! Orm! Come join us! We're about to cut the cake!"

Ling shot a glance at Orm, who seemed torn between frustration and a flicker of hope. "We'll be right there," Ling called back, her mind racing.

As they walked back toward the party, Ling's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of exhilaration and dread. She could feel Orm's presence beside her, the unspoken connection stronger than ever. But the reality of their families' feud loomed over them, an obstacle neither could ignore.

"Let's just enjoy the evening," Ling said quietly, her voice steady as she fought to mask her own internal turmoil.

Orm nodded, but the uncertainty lingered in the air. The gala continued around them, filled with laughter and joy, but for Ling and Orm, it was a bittersweet reminder of the love they were both too afraid to fully embrace.