BEYOND THE HEADLINES || LINGORM

CHAPTER 2

The scene outside the Agency building of Orm Kornnaphat was absolute chaos. Media people rushed the entrance with overlapping frenzy speculations and excitement. Cameras flashed like fireworks, capturing the moment as guards tried to hold things back, pushing against the tide of eager reporters.

Stepping out of a pointed black van was Cherry Khemupsorn, CEO of the agency. Undisplaced confidence clings to her like an aura and commands attention even amidst such turmoil. The people brought themselves forward as she pushed towards the door; people are desperate for some sort of answer regarding the scandalous photo that has upset social media lately.

Soon, the bodyguards closed in around her, so she slid past the crowd and into the safety of the building. It was the dance they performed so well-rehearsed times, yet the media were relentless, and she needed, but wait a few minutes before a second black van pulled up, from which emerged Orm Kornnaphat, who masked her face with oversized shades and a cap. Her manager and a few bodyguards flanked her to shield her from probing questions.

"Miss Kornnaphat, what's between you and the Grandview Hospital CEO?" yelled a reporter, his voice cutting through the din.

"Are you dating the Kwong heiress?" another chimed in with overlapping voices of curiosity.

A wave of worry washed over Orm, her heart racing as the barrage of questions came forward. The camera flashes felt blinding, and before she could even gather herself, her manager clutched her arm and yanked her away from the madness that surrounded them, allowing safety to predominate over the chaos thrust before them. Stepping into the building, she took a deep breath, the weight of the moment pressing heavily onto her chest.

The media did not back down once she entered; they kept pushing against the entrance, their voices still present in the air. The guards by the door stayed fixated, blocking the unstoppable questions.

"Let's go. Miss Cherry is already in the conference room," her manager urged, pulling her toward the elevator. Orm followed, feeling the coils tightening in her stomach.

The elevator doors slid open, and they stepped out onto the floor where the conference room awaited. One of Cherry's bodyguards opened the door to them, and they entered as Cherry looked up from her paperwork.

"Sit down so we can begin," Cherry said firmly, but with a subnote of anxiety.

Orm felt her boss's gaze heavy over her, and she settled onto the side of her manager, fingers interlocking firmly in her lap.

"You're everywhere online, and I had to find out what really happened that prompted all these dating rumors with the heiress of Kwong," Cherry started in a soft voice but stern tone. She leaned forward, fixed her eyes on Orm, the gravity of the issue obvious.

Orm looks hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest, licking her lower lip. "I honestly don't remember what happened last night. I was... wasted. The last thing I recall is calling someone," she admitted, avoiding Cherry's intense gaze and instead focused on the polished surface of the table, her fingers nervously fidgeting with her ring.

She arched an eyebrow, full of skepticism and worry. "I don't want to assume anything, but is there something between you and that Kwong? How did you call her if you don't know each other? Friends? Acquaintances? Or perhaps something more?"

Orm's cheeks grew hotter as she tried to speak. Cherry Khemupsorn was not really a controlled and strict boss; instead, she guarded her artists, especially in uncertain times like this.

Orm sat there, frozen in the light, as she tried to frame the question her boss had just thrown her way. It pressed down on her like an unyielding weight. Should she tell the truth or come up with a story to end this uncomfortable discussion quickly?

After a while of thought, Orm finally decided to tell the truth. She looked at her manager then at her boss before talking. "We knew each other since childhood, and to simplify, we've been friends since diapers."

The conference room fell silent, only the whirring of the air conditioner breaking the stillness. Her manager looked as surprised as her boss was.

"Believe it or not, I was equally surprised when I saw on my phone that I had contacted her last night," Orm continued.

Leaning forward, resting her chin on her fist, as she gazed at Orm, Cherry sighed. "I'm quite surprised," she chuckled. "You do know that this news will have to keep going around, especially that the Kwong heiress is involved," she seriously said. "The news will only continue the more until we give clear answers."

"I understand," Orm said, quite steady in her voice, notwithstanding the tension in the atmosphere.

"If this issue doesn't blow over by next week, we need to release a statement. And if needed, I need you to respond to this straight," Cherry ended, being stern.

The nervous feelings hit Orm, yet she knew the responsibility belonged to her-to herself-for the way that would tarnish her image and that would ruin CEO's too.

"I understand. It's my fault; I drank too much last night," she said, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and guilt.

"That's all part of the learning process. Just be more careful next time," Cherry said, prompting a nod of agreement from Orm. "Let's call it a day. I'll reach out to your manager if anything further develops."

With that, Orm and her manager stood up, bidden goodbye to the CEO as they left the conference room, with the weight of the situation still beaming in mid-air.