Chapter 15: Happily Ever After

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The aftermath of Ling's bold declaration rippled through both families like a shockwave. Conversations turned heated, and whispers filled the air, but Ling remained resolute in her decision. She was done with the secrets and the lies that had entangled her life for far too long. All she could think about was finding Orm and reclaiming the love they both deserved.

Ling hurried through the sprawling halls of her family's estate, her heart pounding with urgency and excitement. She needed to find Orm—needed to tell her that she had chosen her, despite the chaos that had erupted. With every step, she felt a surge of adrenaline. This was the moment she had been waiting for.

When she reached the garden, a serene spot where they had shared countless memories, she spotted Orm sitting on a bench beneath a flowering tree. The petals drifted lazily in the breeze, creating a picturesque scene that contrasted sharply with the turmoil of the past days.

"Orm!" Ling called, her voice breaking the tranquility of the garden.

Orm looked up, her expression a mix of hope and uncertainty. "Ling," she replied, her voice soft yet cautious. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Ling rushed to her side, sinking onto the bench beside Orm. "I did it," she said, breathless. "I told my family I'm breaking off the engagement with Oom. I want to be with you."

Orm's eyes widened in shock, a glimmer of disbelief flickering across her face. "You really did that? But what about your family's plans? The business? Everything?"

"I don't care about any of that," Ling replied, her voice firm. "I love you, Orm. That's all that matters. I'm not going to let our families dictate my happiness anymore. I want to fight for us."

A spark ignited in Orm's eyes, and Ling felt her heart soar. "But what about Oom? This will hurt her. She was looking forward to the wedding."

"I know," Ling said, her heart heavy with empathy for Oom. "But I can't pretend to love someone when my heart belongs to you. It wouldn't be fair to any of us."

Orm's expression softened, and she reached for Ling's hand, intertwining their fingers. "I've wanted this for so long, but I was so afraid of what it would mean for us. I didn't want to come between your family."

Ling squeezed Orm's hand, her heart swelling with affection. "You could never come between my family and me. You are my family. I want to build a future with you, no matter what obstacles we face."

With the warmth of Orm's hand in hers, Ling leaned closer, feeling the electric connection between them. "I've always loved you, Orm. Even when I was engaged to Oom, it was you I thought about. You were always on my mind."

Tears glistened in Orm's eyes as she leaned forward, her lips brushing against Ling's in a gentle, tentative kiss. The world around them melted away as they lost themselves in each other, the kiss deepening with every heartbeat. It felt like a promise, a declaration of their love that had been suppressed for far too long.

As they pulled apart, breathless and wide-eyed, Orm smiled, her heart finally free to embrace the love they had fought for. "I love you, Ling. I always have."

Ling's smile mirrored Orm's, a weight lifting off her shoulders. "Then let's start fresh, together. We'll face whatever comes our way, side by side."

With a newfound determination, they stood hand in hand, ready to face the world. As they walked back toward the estate, the path ahead seemed brighter, their hearts aligned.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the estate, the families gathered in the grand dining hall. Ling and Orm entered together, the tension palpable as they approached their families.

"Everyone," Ling began, her voice steady. "I know this has been a tumultuous time for both of our families. But I want you all to know that I love Orm, and I'm choosing her."

Murmurs rippled through the room, but Ling stood tall, unwavering in her commitment. "I understand this might not be what you all envisioned for us, but love doesn't work that way. It's not something you can control or dictate."

Orm stepped forward, her voice strong beside Ling's. "I love Ling, and I believe our families can find a way to accept us. Love should unite us, not divide us."

Ling's father exchanged glances with Orm's father, the weight of their daughters' words hanging heavy in the air. Ling's heart raced as she awaited their response, but she felt Orm's reassuring grip on her hand, a silent reminder that they were in this together.

Finally, Ling's father cleared his throat. "It may take time for us to adjust to this new reality," he said slowly, "but if this is what you both want, then we must respect that. Family is important, and we need to come together to support you."

Orm's father nodded, a hint of resignation in his expression. "I never wanted my daughter to feel trapped in a life she didn't choose. If you both are truly happy together, then I will support your decision."

The room fell silent, the tension dissipating as their families began to process the reality of Ling and Orm's love. Ling felt a wave of relief wash over her, the weight of uncertainty lifting as her family began to embrace the change.

That night, as the stars twinkled overhead, Ling and Orm found themselves on the balcony of the estate, overlooking the vast garden that had been the backdrop to their childhood dreams.

"I can't believe we did it," Orm said, her voice soft as she leaned against the railing.

Ling wrapped her arms around Orm, pulling her close. "We fought for our love, and it was worth every moment."

They shared another kiss, their lips moving in perfect harmony, a promise of the love and life they would build together. The future lay ahead of them, uncharted and full of possibility, but together they were ready to face whatever came next.

And as they stood there, hearts entwined beneath the stars, Ling knew one thing for certain: love had triumphed over rivalry, and this was just the beginning of their happily ever after.

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