The Senator's Daughter

Chapter Three

The grand ballroom of the Orchid Lux Hotel was alive with glittering lights and the hum of high society. Chandeliers cast a golden glow over the sea of elegantly dressed attendees. The event was a charity gala organized by one of Thailand's most influential families, drawing the country's elite and media icons together. For Ling, this was another professional obligation—a chance to fulfill her duties as a rising star while keeping her emotions in check.

After her last visit to the Kornnaphat residence, Ling had been seething. Orm's dismissal of her as someone who hated her, combined with her obliviousness to their shared history, was enough to keep Ling's anger simmering. Tonight wasn't any better. She had learned at the last minute that she and Orm would both be attending. Avoiding her completely would be impossible.

Ling arrived in a gown of midnight blue, its flowing fabric shimmering like starlight with every step. Her black hair was swept to one side, exposing the graceful curve of her neck, and subtle makeup enhanced her sharp yet delicate features. She strode into the event with poise, determined to maintain her composure.

Her resolve wavered the moment she spotted Orm across the room.

Orm stood with her father, the senator, exuding effortless charm in a tailored ivory suit. Her hazel-green eyes swept the room as she engaged in polite conversation. When their eyes briefly met, Orm offered a faint smile—a polite, distant gesture that only fueled Ling's irritation. She quickly looked away, focusing on greeting other attendees.

As the evening progressed, Ling did her best to avoid Orm entirely, slipping between groups of guests and politely excusing herself whenever necessary. Her reprieve was short-lived.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the host's voice rang out from the stage. "Please join me in welcoming two very special guests—Orm Alexandra Kornnaphat and Ling Ling Kwong!"

Ling froze. She hadn't agreed to any stage appearance, and the sudden announcement set her nerves on edge. As applause erupted, she glanced toward the stage, where Orm was already making her way up with a composed, professional smile.

Ling had no choice but to follow. The last thing she needed was to appear ungracious or uncooperative.

Standing side by side under the bright lights, the tension between them was palpable. To the audience, they seemed perfectly poised—two accomplished women sharing the spotlight. But Ling could feel the weight of Orm's presence, every small movement and shift in her posture sending a ripple through her already frayed nerves.

The host began asking questions about their respective careers. Ling answered with practiced ease, her voice steady even as her mind churned. Orm, however, spoke with natural charisma, drawing laughter and admiration from the crowd. Ling couldn't tell if her irritation stemmed from Orm's effortless charm or the fact that it reminded her of the woman she used to know.

When it was time for photos, Ling stiffened as Orm's hand lightly rested on her waist.

"You're tense," Orm murmured under her breath, her voice low enough for only Ling to hear.

Ling's lips barely moved as she responded, "And you're insufferable."

Orm chuckled softly, and Ling's stomach churned. The familiarity of that laugh—the same laugh that had once made her heart race—was now a bitter reminder of how things had changed.

......

Ling stood near the far end of the ballroom, a glass of wine in hand, enduring yet another round of praise and superficial compliments from the glittering crowd. The noise of the gala was a dull hum in her ears, her attention drifting as she replayed her earlier encounter with Orm.