PROLOGUE People often described Ling as cold. Perhaps it was the way she rarely smiled, or how her calm voice always sounded distant enough to keep others away. Ling never cared enough to correct them. Distance was easier. Feelings complicated things, and love had always seemed like the kind of illusion that eventually disappointed everyone. So when her grandfather informed her about the arranged marriage, Ling accepted it quietly. The woman she was supposed to marry was named Orm. Gentle. Soft-spoken. Far too kind for someone entering Ling's world. "You only need to protect her legally," Pakorn had told her. "Once everything settles down, you can divorce peacefully." At the time, Ling believed him. She believed distance would prevent attachment. She believed kindness did not always mean sincerity. Most of all- she believed she would never become the kind of person capable of destroying someone who loved her. Years later, Ling would learn how wrong she had been. DISCLAIMER This story is purely fictional. It has no connection to real-life events, individuals, or entities, whether living or deceased. Any similarities are purely coincidental and unintentional. Ling Ling Kwong & Orm Kornnaphat, of course, are lovely girls and not as the characters mentioned in this fanfiction. Remember, this is a fanfiction! Enjoy! **All photos are credited to their respective owners.