Because of You..| LingOrm

In the heart of Thailand, where towering skyscrapers stood alongside ancient temples, the grand Kwong estate loomed over the horizon. Its towering white walls and polished marble floors were a stark contrast to the modest servant quarters nestled at the back of the property. Inside, footsteps echoed through the pristine hallways as Ling Ling Kwong made her way downstairs, her expression one of irritation.

Ling had lived in wealth all her life, never having to worry about things as trivial as money or status. She was beautiful, intelligent, and the envy of many at school, yet there was one constant blemish in her otherwise perfect life—Orm.

Orm Kornnaphat had lived in the Kwong household for as long as she could remember. She was the daughter of Usanee, the Kwong family's long-time maid, and because of that, she was allowed to stay under their roof. But to Ling, Orm was nothing more than an unwanted presence, an outsider who had no right to share the same air as her.

Even though they went to the same prestigious private school, Ling never acknowledged Orm's existence beyond sneers and cold words. At school, Orm was invisible, a nobody. She had no friends, no allies—only whispers and side glances from those who looked down on her for being poor.

Ling entered the dining hall, her gaze immediately locking onto Orm, who was quietly setting the table for breakfast.

"Orm, fetch my bag and clean my shoes," Ling demanded, crossing her arms as she stood by the grand dining table.

Orm glanced up for only a second before nodding and hurrying to fulfill the command.

Ling smirked, tapping her manicured nails against the table's surface. "You live here because of my family's kindness. Don't forget your place."

Orm paused momentarily but didn't respond, continuing her work with the same quiet obedience she always displayed. It was this silence that irritated Ling the most. No defiance, no complaints—just cold acceptance.

Ling's lips curled downward. "Are you mute now?" she pressed, her tone dripping with condescension.

"No, Miss Ling," Orm answered softly, keeping her gaze lowered.

"Then speak when I address you," Ling snapped, standing abruptly. "Or is it too difficult for someone like you to understand basic respect?"

Orm's grip tightened on the cloth she was holding, but her voice remained even. "I understand."

Ling let out a scoff, rolling her eyes as she sat down. "Pathetic."

The tension in the air was suffocating, but Orm simply continued with her duties. Years of enduring this treatment had taught her that resistance was futile.

But everything changed the moment Ling's father walked in, his expression serious.

"Ling, we need to talk," he said, his voice firm.

Ling turned to her father, recognizing the weight in his tone. "What is it?" she asked, though irritation still laced her voice.

Mr. Kwong took a deep breath before delivering the news. "The marriage arrangement has been finalized."

Silence fell over the room.

Ling's fingers froze mid-tap, her expression contorting into one of disbelief. "What?"

"You are to be married to Orm," her father continued. "It has been decided."

The words felt like a slap to her face. Ling shot up from her seat, her chair screeching against the floor. "I will never marry her!" she spat, her voice laced with fury. "I don't care what you or Mother say. This is ridiculous!"

Orm, who had been standing quietly by the table, felt the familiar sting in her chest. She knew this wasn't something either of them had a choice in, but hearing Ling's outright rejection still hurt more than she expected.

Her father's gaze darkened. "This is not up for debate."

Ling let out a bitter laugh, turning to glare at Orm. "Is this what you wanted?" she hissed. "To trap me in this disgusting arrangement? You must be thrilled."

Orm finally met Ling's eyes, her own gaze unreadable. "I never asked for this," she said quietly. "You think I want to marry someone who despises me?"

Ling flinched, caught off guard by the rare sharpness in Orm's voice. But she quickly masked her surprise with anger. "Then do us both a favor and refuse."

Orm let out a humorless chuckle, shaking her head. "You know I can't."

Ling clenched her fists, her breath shallow with frustration. She felt trapped, suffocated by a fate she couldn't escape. She had spent years ensuring Orm knew her place, yet now, that very same girl was being forced into her life permanently.

Orm, on the other hand, felt nothing but resignation. She had loved Ling from afar since they were children, but the years of cruelty had hardened her heart. This marriage would be nothing more than another chain around her already burdened life.

Yet, fate had already decided for them.

As the morning sun bathed the house in golden light, both girls sat in silence at the breakfast table, their futures intertwined yet their hearts miles apart.

One filled with resentment.

The other with a love that had long been crushed under the weight of reality.