Arranged in Chaos || lingorm ff

Lingling sits stiffly in her chair, her mind spinning. The word marriage lingers in her thoughts like a heavy weight she can't shake off. She grips the edge of her notebook tightly, as if holding onto it will somehow stabilize her world.

Lingling: "You want me to... marry your daughter?"

Her voice trembles slightly, disbelief dripping from every word.

Mr. Sethratanapong leans back in his leather chair, calm and composed, as if discussing a business deal.

Mr. Sethratanapong: "Yes, Lingling. I understand it's a lot to take in, but I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't think it was the right choice."

Lingling: "But, sir... Orm and I-"

Mr. Sethratanapong (interrupting): "Haven't met. I know. That's precisely why I've arranged for you two to spend time together."

Lingling's mind races. Spend time together? What was this man thinking?

Lingling: "Sir, with all due respect, marriage isn't just something you... test drive. I barely know her! What if we don't get along?"

Mr. Sethratanapong's expression softens, but his tone remains firm.

Mr. Sethratanapong: "That's why I'm proposing a trial period. You'll be engaged and live together for one month. After that, if it doesn't work, you can call off the wedding. And even after marriage, you'll have the option to divorce after two years. But I trust you, Lingling. You're the most capable and reliable person I know. You and Orm... you're more alike than you think."

Lingling swallows hard, trying to process the bombshell. She feels trapped between her loyalty to her boss, who helped her through so much, and her gut screaming that this is a terrible idea.

Lingling: "Sir... this is a huge decision. I don't know if I can-"

Mr. Sethratanapong: "I won't force you. Take the night to think it over. But I'll need your answer by tomorrow."

He stands, signaling the end of the conversation. Lingling stands too, clutching her notebook like a lifeline.

---

Lingling sits in her well-kept, minimalist apartment. Despite its smaller size compared to Orm's sprawling estate, it exudes a quiet luxury-a reflection of Lingling's hard work. She stares blankly at the television, her thoughts elsewhere.

Lingling (muttering): "Marry her? He can't be serious..."

Her gaze drifts to a framed photo of her younger sister, Sonya, on the shelf. A pang of sadness and longing hits her chest.

Lingling (to the photo): "What would you do, Sonya? Would you say yes? Or would you tell him to shove it?"

Her phone buzzes, pulling her out of her thoughts. A message from Mr. Sethratanapong:

"Take your time, but remember, I trust only you for this."

Lingling sighs deeply, leaning her head back against the couch.

Lingling (to herself): "Why does this feel like walking into a trap with my eyes wide open?"

A sudden, sharp knock at the door makes her jump. Frowning, she walks to the door and looks through the peephole.

Her heart skips a beat.

It's Orm.

---

Lingling hesitates for a moment, smoothing her clothes and trying to steady her nerves before opening the door.

Orm stands there, tall and imposing, her sharp eyes scanning Lingling's face with obvious scrutiny. She's dressed impeccably, her confidence radiating like a shield.