Maybe This Time

013

Lingling sat in her apartment, the prestigious job offer lying on the coffee table in front of her. She knew she should feel excited it was everything she'd worked for, a position that would take her career to new heights.

But she couldn't shake the weight in her chest when she thought of Orm, of all the small gestures she'd made to prove she had changed. Taking the job would mean leaving Orm, possibly forever, and she wasn't ready for that.

Lingling unlocked her phone and opened the group chat with her closest friends, Gap and Jeje. She hesitated, typing and retyping her message, before finally hitting send.

Lingling: Hey, guys. I've got good news and bad news.

Gap: Ooo, spill the tea! I'm all ears!

Jaja: Same here! We need an update on "Operation Win Back Orm."

Lingling: Good news... I got offered that job in Paris.

Jaja: Lilling!!! That's amazing!!! Paris! That's what you've been dreaming about!

Gap: This is huge! You're going to be a big deal in Paris. Just imagine! The fashion, the food!

Lingling: Yeah... But here's the bad news. I think l'm going to turn it down.

Gap: WHAT? Ling, why would you give up a once in a lifetime opportunity?

Jaja: Hold up. Are you saying you're staying because of Orm?

Lingling took a deep breath, typing out her response slowly.

Lingling: Yeah. I know it sounds crazy, but I don't want to leave her, not when I'm finally making progress. I feel like if I leave now, i'll never get another chance to show her I've changed. It's a risk, but... she's worth it to me.

Jaja: Ling, this is huge. Are you sure? You've wanted this Paris opportunity forever.

Gap: But if Orm's what you want, we're here for it. Just don't look back later and wonder "what if," okay?

Lingling smiled, her heart a mix of warmth and nerves. She typed one last message.

Lingling: Thanks, guys. I don't know what the future holds, but I do know I want to give this my all.

She took a deep breath, once again as she put her phone down. The decision felt right, even if it was hard.

The following day, Lingling walked into her father's office, her heart pounding.

He looked up from his desk, a proud smile on his face as he gestured for her to sit. "Ling, I'm so proud of you. This position in Paris... it's everything we've worked for." Her father said warmly.

Lingling took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Dad, I... I'm not taking it."

The smile faded from her father's face. "What? Ling, you've dreamed of this role for years. It's everything you've wanted."

Lingling looked down, her voice steady but full of emotion. "I know, Dad. But I need to stay here. I need to show Orm that I'm committed to her, that I've changed. If I leave now, I'll lose her for good."

Her father's brow furrowed. "You're willing to throw away your career for someone who hasn't even forgiven you yet? Ling, think about this."

Lingling met his gaze, her voice unwavering. "I have thought about it. And if I don't do this, I'll regret it for the rest of my life. She's the one person I can't let go of, not again."