My Secret Letter

Chapter 6: Family Feud and Sparks

The following week, Orm's attempts to concentrate on her studies were futile. Every lecture felt hollow, and her mind drifted to Ling far too often. The fake-dating arrangement was turning complicated, with their emotions becoming more tangled each day. But just as Orm thought she could navigate through her feelings, chaos erupted.

While sitting in the campus café with Prikhing, Orm felt a chill run down her spine as she overheard a group of students gossiping nearby. "Did you hear about Ling and Jennie?" one girl said, her voice loud enough to catch Orm's attention.

"They say Ling called Jennie late at night, and they hooked up! There are even photos!" another girl chimed in, her tone laced with excitement.

Shock flooded through Orm, her heart racing as the words sank in. Photos? She couldn't wrap her head around it. Ling wouldn't do that to her, would she? The pang of betrayal twisted in her stomach, and she fought to keep her composure.

"Did you hear that?" Prikhing whispered, glancing at Orm with concern.

"I need to find Ling," Orm said, standing abruptly. She felt a storm brewing inside her and was determined to confront Ling about the rumors.

As Orm hurried across campus, she spotted Ling sitting outside, laughing with Bow and Nene. The sound pierced through Orm's heart, and she felt a mix of anger and heartbreak swell within her. Ling looked so carefree, so unaffected by what was being said about her. Orm approached, her steps heavy with tension.

"Ling!" Orm called, her voice cutting through the laughter.

Ling turned, her smile fading as she noticed the storm on Orm's face. "Hey, Orm! What's wrong?"

"Is it true?" Orm demanded, her heart racing. "Did you call Jennie? Did you two really hook up?"

Ling's eyes widened in surprise. "What? No, Orm, that's not true at all!"

"Then why is everyone saying that?" Orm pressed, the hurt evident in her tone. "Why are there rumors and photos? How could you let this happen?"

"Listen, I don't know who started this, but it's a complete lie! Jennie is just jealous that I moved on," Ling explained, her voice rising slightly in desperation. "You have to believe me!"

But Orm shook her head, the pain of betrayal clouding her judgment. "I don't know what to believe, Ling! You were with Jennie before me. Maybe you're just playing with my feelings!"

"Orm, please! I really care about you. I've never felt this way before," Ling said, stepping closer, her eyes pleading.

Orm's heart wavered, but the hurt was too fresh, too raw. "You're not helping! It feels like I can't trust you, like I'm just a rebound."

"I would never treat you that way! I swear, it's not true!" Ling insisted, desperation creeping into her voice. "You can't let rumors ruin what we have!"

But Orm felt the tears pricking at her eyes, and she couldn't hold back the wave of emotion. "You don't understand how much this hurts me! I thought we were building something real, but now..." She paused, her voice trembling. "I don't know what to think anymore."

Ling's expression shifted to anguish as she realized how deeply the rumors affected Orm. "Please, let's talk about this. I don't want to lose you. You mean so much to me!"

"I need space," Orm said, her voice barely above a whisper. She turned to walk away, the weight of the moment pressing down on her.

"Orm, wait!" Ling called, desperation etched on her face. She reached out, but Orm stepped back, her heart breaking at the sight of Ling's pleading expression.

"I can't do this right now," Orm replied, her voice cracking. "I just... I can't."

With that, she left Ling standing there, feeling like her world was collapsing. The distance between them felt insurmountable, and as Orm walked away, she could hear Ling's voice calling after her, but the words faded into the background. The hurt and betrayal swirled in her mind, and with each step, Orm felt a part of her heart shatter.

Ling stood there, watching Orm go, tears welling in her eyes. The pain of losing Orm, of being misunderstood, settled heavily on her chest. "I'll prove it to you," she whispered to herself, determination igniting inside her. But for now, all she could feel was the weight of the rumors and the fear that they would tear them apart.