Live With Your Blood || LingOrm

BONUS: Orm's POV

"Where am I?" Orm asked, her voice tinged with exhaustion and confusion.

"We've arrived, ma'am," the driver responded quietly, her voice hollow. "You've paid online, no worries."

Orm nodded absently, still dazed, as she stepped out of the car. She watched the e-hailing vehicle pull away from her gate, feeling a strange sense of familiarity.

"Why do I feel like I've seen that driver somewhere before?" she whispered to herself, trying to grasp the fleeting recognition. But the thought quickly slipped away as fatigue set in, and she shrugged it off.

Inside her house, she took her time showering, trying to wash off the remnants of the evening. As she dried off and began her nightly skincare routine, she looked at herself in the mirror.

As she spread the cream over her cheeks, her eyes caught a faint red mark below her ear, nestled against the skin of her neck. Curious, she leaned closer, brushing her fingers over the spot.

"A... love bite?" she whispered in confusion, her brows furrowing.

And then, a sudden flash of memories burst into her mind—moments she hadn't realized were lingering just below the surface. Images of the alley, the argument, the anguish on Ling's face, all unraveled in her mind like a forgotten reel, bringing with it pieces she hadn't known were missing.

Her breath hitched, and an overwhelming wave of sadness crashed over her. She felt the first tear slip down her cheek, soon followed by more, each one carrying the pain of realization.

"Why, Ling...?" she whispered, her voice choked with hurt.

What had been the most beautiful day, the day they'd shared, had been shattered in the span of a single night. One moment, everything had been perfect—filled with laughter, whispered secrets, and warmth. And in the blink of an eye, it had all been ripped away, as though some cruel twist of fate had decided that joy and despair must share the same day.

Her hands trembled as she touched her neck, feeling the sting of betrayal mingling with the warmth of their earlier happiness.

***************

Orm had spent the last three days locked in her room, replaying the painful memory of Ling's betrayal. She was desperate for anything to distract her, so she invited June to go shopping, hoping that a day out might help her forget.

But luck was not on her side. As they strolled through the mall, Orm's heart nearly stopped when they bumped into Gulf and Bow. Her instinct screamed at her to run away, but it was too late—June invited them to join for lunch.

With no choice, Orm steeled herself and slipped into her role, pretending not to know them. She played her part, her heart pounding as she prayed they wouldn't see through her act.

As everyone settled into their seats, June turned to Bow, breaking the light chatter with a question. "So, did you close your restaurant today? I mean, you're just strolling around the mall like it's no big deal."

Bow looked up from her plate. "Actually, yesterday was the last day Prig Classic Kitchen was operating."

Hearing that, Orm accidentally dropped her fork and spoon onto the plate. All eyes turned toward her. She stared down at the utensils as if something had just slipped from her grip.

"Orm?" June's voice was filled with concern. "You okay?"

"How can I be okay?!" Orm screamed inside her head.

But she forced a smile, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Yeah, I'm fine," Orm managed, though the words barely sounded convincing even to her own ears. Her hand trembled as she quickly picked the utensils up, pretending it was nothing.