Between Us || LINGORM

Epilogue

The early morning sun cast a warm glow over their cozy backyard, where a golden retriever named Charsiu bounded joyfully across the grass, chasing after a bright yellow ball. Lingling watched from the patio, her sharp eyes softened by the scene before her. Orm knelt in the grass, laughing as Charsiu tackled her, tail wagging furiously.

"Careful, Charsiu! You're going to knock her over," Lingling called out, a rare hint of amusement breaking through her usual composed tone.

Orm looked up, her face glowing with happiness. "He's just excited, aren't you, boy?" She ruffled the dog's fur affectionately before standing up and brushing grass off her sundress.

Lingling sipped her tea, her lips curving into a faint smile. She wore a crisp button-down shirt and tailored slacks, her usual polished demeanor as impeccable as ever. The sight of Orm's carefree laughter, paired with the playful energy of Charsiu, made Lingling's heart swell—a feeling she still wasn't entirely used to, even after all these years.

Life after graduation had been an adjustment, but one they embraced together. Lingling's career in luxury travel management had soared, her meticulous attention to detail earning her recognition and respect. Orm, with her natural charisma and quick thinking, had quickly risen through the ranks at her international trade company.

Their lives were busy, but they always found time for each other—and for Charsiu, the golden retriever Orm had begged Lingling to adopt. Lingling had initially resisted, arguing that their schedules were too demanding, but Orm's pleading eyes had broken her resolve. Now, she couldn't imagine their home without the dog's boundless energy and loyalty.

That evening, after dinner, they sat together on the couch, Charsiu sprawled lazily at their feet. Orm leaned against Lingling's shoulder, flipping through photos on her phone.

"Look at this one," Orm said, showing Lingling a picture of Charsiu as a puppy, his tiny body barely able to stand on his wobbly legs. "I can't believe how small he used to be."

Lingling chuckled softly, her hand resting on Orm's knee. "He's grown a lot. Just like us."

Orm turned to her, her playful expression softening. "Do you think so?"

Lingling met her gaze, her dark eyes steady. "Absolutely. We've built a life together—one that's strong, balanced, and full of love."

Orm smiled, leaning up to kiss Lingling's cheek. "You're getting sappy, Ling. I like it."

Lingling smirked, but her hand tightened slightly on Orm's knee. She glanced at the small box hidden in the drawer of the coffee table, her heart beating a little faster.

A week later, Lingling set her plan into motion.

It was a quiet Saturday morning, and Lingling had arranged for them to visit their favorite park. Charsiu trotted happily ahead, the leash loosely held in Lingling's hand. Orm walked beside her, dressed in a simple white dress that swayed in the breeze.

The park was nearly empty, the golden light of dawn filtering through the trees. Lingling had chosen this time carefully, wanting the moment to feel private and special.

"Why are we out so early?" Orm asked, yawning.

"You'll see," Lingling replied, her tone calm but tinged with anticipation.

They reached a secluded spot by the lake, where a small picnic had been set up—a blanket, a basket of their favorite snacks, and a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Orm's eyes widened. "Did you plan this?"

Lingling nodded, guiding her to the blanket. "Sit."

Orm obeyed, her curiosity growing. Charsiu flopped down beside them, his tail wagging lazily.

Lingling reached into the basket, her fingers brushing against the velvet box hidden beneath the food. Taking a deep breath, she pulled it out and turned to face Orm, her expression uncharacteristically serious.

"Orm Kornnaphat," Lingling began, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest, "you've brought so much light and chaos into my life. You've taught me how to let go, to embrace the unexpected, and to find joy in the little things. I can't imagine a future without you in it."

Orm's eyes widened as Lingling opened the box, revealing a sleek, elegant ring that caught the sunlight.

"Will you marry me?" Lingling asked, her composure intact but her heart racing.

For a moment, Orm was silent, her mouth slightly open in shock. Then, a wide smile broke across her face, and tears filled her eyes.

"Yes!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Lingling. "A million times, yes!"

Lingling exhaled a soft sigh of relief, her arms wrapping around Orm in return. Charsiu barked happily, as if joining in the celebration.

The months that followed were a whirlwind of wedding planning, family meetings, and countless moments of shared joy. Mae Koy was ecstatic, immediately offering to help with the arrangements. Lingling's parents, though reserved at first, warmed up quickly, charmed by Orm's genuine kindness and humor.

Their wedding was an intimate affair, held in a beautiful garden surrounded by their closest friends and family. Lingling stood tall and confident in a tailored white suit, while Orm glowed in a flowing gown.

As they exchanged vows, Lingling's voice was steady and firm, her words filled with love and commitment. Orm's voice trembled with emotion, her sincerity shining through every word.

Years later, their home was filled with the sounds of laughter, Charsiu's excited barks, and the occasional strum of Lingling's guitar.

Their careers flourished, but their greatest achievement was the life they built together—a life filled with love, respect, and the perfect balance of their contrasting personalities.

Lingling's reserved dominance and Orm's playful warmth continued to complement each other, creating a partnership that weathered every storm and celebrated every victory.

As they sat together on their porch one evening, watching Charsiu chase fireflies in the fading light, Orm leaned her head on Lingling's shoulder.

"We did good, didn't we?" Orm murmured.

Lingling placed a gentle kiss on Orm's forehead, her hand resting on her wife's. "We did."

And as the stars began to twinkle above them, they knew that their story was far from over—it was just the beginning of a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventures, always shared between us.

The End.

And it's a wrap! This story has officially ended. Thank you so much for reading and for supporting! I love y'all! Happy Holidays, everyone! Don't forget to vote and comment your thoughts about this book!

PS. Want some spicy special chapter? 😉