Chapter 10

From Lingling's Perspective 🖤🐅

As I stepped out of the elevator and into the private hallway leading to my penthouse, I barely had time to take a breath before I spotted Jiang standing stiffly outside my door, arms crossed over his broad chest.

The moment his sharp eyes landed on me, his expression darkened.

"Where the hell have you been?" His voice was tight, edged with barely controlled frustration. "I waited for you at the club, but you never showed. I called. I texted." His eyes flickered over me, scanning for any new injuries, his ever-watchful gaze sharp as a blade. "You can't just disappear like that, Boss."

I sighed, rolling my shoulders back as I approached him. "Relax, Jiang. I was out." I moved past him, pressing my palm against the biometric scanner beside my door. A soft beep sounded before the lock clicked open.

Jiang didn't budge. He stepped inside right behind me, his presence towering, his energy tense. "Out where?"

I exhaled slowly, already anticipating his reaction. "With the doctor."

Silence.

I turned slightly, just in time to see Jiang's jaw clench. His dark brows furrowed, and for a second, he just stared at me as if I'd lost my damn mind. "You mean Orm?" His voice was low, disbelieving.

I nodded, kicking off my shoes and shrugging out of my coat. "Yes."

Jiang ran a hand down his face, pacing slightly before turning back to me with a glare that could've burned through concrete. "So let me get this straight," he started, voice deceptively calm. "You, a woman who has been shot and stabbed within the past month, who has a goddamn target on her ass, decided to just go out without any bodyguards?" He let out a bitter laugh. "And not just anywhere, but with a woman you've known for—what? A month?"

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Jiang—"

"No, Boss. You don't get to brush this off." His tone sharpened. "Do you understand how reckless that was?" His eyes flashed with something between anger and deep concern. "After everything that's happened, you can't just disappear like that. What if something happened? What if Sen Yui got to you?"

I stiffened slightly at the mention of his name, but kept my expression impassive. I wasn't about to tell Jiang that I'd already gone after Sen Yui. That I had come so close to ending him, only for things to spiral out of control. That I had left the bastard barely breathing, but not dead. Not yet, though i was sure he would find out soon.

Instead, I merely said, "Nothing happened."

Jiang scoffed, shaking his head. "Nothing happened this time, but what about next time?" He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You know I'd take a bullet for you. Hell, I almost have. But I can't protect you if you don't let me." His eyes searched mine, softer now, less anger, more worry.

I held his gaze for a moment before sighing, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I know," I murmured.

Jiang ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "Then act like it." His voice dropped to something almost pleading. "Please, Lingling. Be careful."

I didn't answer right away. I turned towards the large floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out at the vast city skyline, the lights glittering like distant stars.

Orm's amber eyes flashed through my mind. The warmth in them. The way she held me without hesitation. The way her presence—soft, unwavering—made me feel something I hadn't let myself feel in years.

Safe.

But safe was dangerous.

Safe made people reckless.

Safe made people weak.

And yet...

I sighed, shaking the thought away before turning back to Jiang. "Fine," I muttered. "Next time, I'll take you with me."

Jiang eyed me suspiciously. "You swear?"

I smirked. "You want me to pinky promise?"

His glare deepened. "Boss."

I sighed, raising a hand in surrender. "I swear."

He studied me for a long moment, then finally exhaled, though his tension never fully faded. "Good." He stepped back, heading toward the door. "Get some rest."

As he left, I let out a slow breath, rolling my shoulders before heading to my room.

The moment I laid on my bed, I stared at the ceiling, the faint scent of Orm lingering on the hoodie she gave me, the other day.

Jiang was right.

I had been reckless.

But for once, I didn't regret it.

...

As the morning sun filtered through the large windows of my penthouse, I slowly opened my eyes, feeling the weight of exhaustion still pressing against my body. The sharp ache in my stomach reminded me of my injuries, a dull throb beneath the bandages.

I exhaled, pushing the covers off and swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. The routine started as usual—morning stretches, a few careful squats to test my mobility, brushing my teeth, making my coffee. But the one thing missing from my routine was a shower.

I hated skipping my showers, but the bandages on my stomach made it impossible. Instead, I settled for washing up at the sink, running a damp towel over my skin before getting dressed in a crisp black button-up, followed with a tie.

By the time I stepped out of my penthouse, Jiang was already waiting for me at the entrance, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

"Morning," I muttered, adjusting my sleeves as I walked past him.

"Morning, Boss," Jiang said, his voice dry.

I ignored the tone, already knowing where this was going.

We got into the sleek black car waiting downstairs, and as the driver pulled out onto the road, Jiang finally spoke.

"So," he started casually, but I could hear the sharp edge beneath his words. "Are you going to tell me what's going on, or do I have to drag it out of you?"

I glanced at him. "What are you talking about?"

Jiang gave me a look. "Boss." His voice was quieter now, more serious. "You've been acting reckless."

I huffed a small laugh. "That's rich coming from you."

"I'm not joking." He turned his body slightly towards me, his dark eyes narrowing. "Sneaking into Sen Yui's house alone? Going out without bodyguards? Letting someone like Orm—someone you barely know—get so close to you?" He shook his head. "This isn't like you."

I tapped my fingers against my thigh, staring at the passing city outside the window. "I don't see how Orm has anything to do with this."

Jiang scoffed. "Oh, come on." He leaned closer. "I've seen how you look at her. You've never let anyone get close to you like that. Not since—" He stopped himself.

I stiffened.

Not since him.

I turned my head sharply, meeting Jiang's eyes. "Don't." My voice was low, warning.

Jiang held my gaze for a long moment before sighing, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, all I'm saying is... you're not thinking straight when it comes to her."

I smirked, tilting my head. "And you're saying you are?"

Jiang shot me a glare. "This isn't about me, Boss."

"Isn't it?" I raised a brow. "You've never questioned my judgment before, but now that Orm's involved, you suddenly think I'm making mistakes."

Jiang stayed quiet for a second, then sighed. "You're different around her. That's all I'm saying."

I turned back to the window, watching as we neared Éclipse, my high-end nightclub, the neon sign barely visible in the early morning light.

"Maybe," I admitted quietly.

Jiang didn't say anything after that.

Because we both knew—whether I wanted to admit it or not—he was right.

As the car pulled up in front of Éclipse, the nightclub was still in its daytime slumber. The neon lights were dimmed, and the entrance, usually lined with high-profile guests and flashing cameras, was nearly empty save for a few staff members waiting to begin their shifts.

Jiang opened the door for me, but his eyes lingered on me as I stepped out. I could feel his concern, the unspoken words behind his silence. I ignored it.

The moment I walked in, the scent of expensive liquor and polished leather filled my senses. The floors gleamed, the bar was pristine, and the VIP section was already being prepared for the night's elite clientele.

I owned a lot of things—businesses, power, secrets—but Éclipse was more than just a nightclub. It was my sanctuary. My empire. And yet, even standing at the heart of it, my mind drifted somewhere else.

No.

Someone else.

Orm.

I shook the thought away, walking towards my private lounge upstairs. The VIP floor was empty, as expected, except for a few of my most trusted workers.

The moment I entered my office, I let out a slow breath and sank into the leather chair behind my desk. Jiang followed, closing the door behind him.

"You have meetings today," he reminded me, pulling out his phone. "Some investors want a private sit-down, and we need to discuss security improvements after what happened with Sen Yui's men."

I rubbed my temples. "Push the investors to tomorrow. And increase security at all my properties. I don't want any blind spots."

Jiang nodded, tapping something on his phone. "And about Orm?"

I tensed. "What about her?"

"You're putting her in danger just by being around her, Boss. You know that, right?"

His words made something tighten in my chest, an uncomfortable mix of frustration and truth.

Orm was just a doctor. A woman who had nothing to do with my world—who shouldn't have anything to do with it. But she was already too close. Too entangled in my thoughts, my nights, my decisions.

And the worst part?

I didn't want to let her go.

I exhaled sharply. "She's not involved in this."

Jiang scoffed. "Sen Yui tried to kill you twice in a month. You think he won't target the people close to you?"

A slow, cold anger built in my chest. If Sen Yui even thought of touching Orm—

I clenched my jaw.

No. I wouldn't let that happen.

Jiang leaned back against the desk, watching me carefully. "You need to make a choice, Boss. Either keep her at a distance or accept that she's in this, whether you like it or not."

I didn't respond.

Because deep down, I already knew the answer.

I wasn't going to stay away from Orm.

I just had to make sure no one ever dared to lay a hand on her.

The weight of Jiang's words lingered long after he left my office. I stayed in my chair, staring at the dark wood of my desk, my fingers drumming against the surface.

I knew he was right. Orm was already at risk just by being around me. And yet... I couldn't stay away.

It's as if she's a drug coursing through my veins—intoxicating, inescapable, and impossible to quit.

A vibration from my phone pulled me from my thoughts. I glanced at the screen.

Doctor

DoctorHow's your wound?

A small, almost involuntary smile tugged at the corner of my lips. It was such a simple message. Direct, no unnecessary words. So Orm.

MeBetter.Did you make it to the clinic safely?

Doctor Yeah. Long day though.

I leaned back in my chair, imagining the way she must have looked—probably tired, but still dedicated, still meticulous in her work.

MeYou should rest.

DoctorYou too.If I find out you're moving around too much, I'll personally come check on you.

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. The idea of Orm storming into Éclipse just to scold me was strangely endearing.

But I knew this moment of peace was fleeting.

With a sigh, I locked my phone and stood up, pushing everything aside. Jiang was right—I had business to handle.

I left my office and walked down to the lower floor, where my most trusted people were already waiting.

"Gather everyone," I said. "We're making the first move against Sen Yui."

The air in the room shifted. My people didn't ask questions. They nodded and got to work.

It was time to strike.

And I was going to make sure no one—especially Sen Yui—ever had the chance to hurt me or the people I cared about again.

The room buzzed with a quiet intensity as my people moved swiftly, preparing for what was to come. Plans were in motion, and there was no turning back now.

Jiang stood beside me, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. "We're hitting one of Sen Yui's key shipment routes first," he stated. "Tonight. It'll send a message."

I nodded. "Good. Make sure it's clean. I don't want loose ends."

Jiang's lips pressed into a thin line. "And what about you? You gonna sit this one out?"

I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my hair. My wound was still fresh, and even though I'd never admit it, the pain lingered with every small movement.

"I'll oversee things," I replied. "But I won't get directly involved."

Jiang scoffed. "We both know that's bullshit, Boss."

I gave him a look, and he sighed, shaking his head. "Fine. Just don't do anything reckless."

A knock on the door interrupted us. One of my men stepped in, his expression careful. "Boss, you have a visitor."

I frowned. "Who?"

He hesitated. "Dr. Kornnaphat."

For a second, I didn't move. I hadn't expected her to come here—hadn't expected her to willingly step into my world.

Jiang muttered a curse under his breath. "Of course she did."

Ignoring him, I straightened. "Let her in."

Moments later, Orm walked in, looking completely out of place yet entirely composed. She wore a simple blouse and jeans, but even in the dimly lit space of my nightclub's private office, she radiated an effortless elegance.

Her amber eyes found mine immediately, scanning me with quiet scrutiny.

"I figured you'd be here," she said, crossing her arms. "And I also figured you wouldn't be resting like you promised."

Jiang let out an amused huff. "See, Boss? Even she knows you don't listen."

Orm shot him a glance before turning her full attention back to me. "I came to check on your wound."

I felt the corner of my lips twitch. "You didn't have to."

She rolled her eyes. "Of course, I didn't. But I did anyway."

I couldn't help it—I stepped closer, drawn in by her unwavering presence. "You do realize this isn't exactly the safest place for you?"

Orm met my gaze, unshaken. "You think I'm scared?"

Jiang groaned. "I'm gonna leave before you two start making heart eyes at each other."

Orm turned slightly pink at his words, but she didn't break eye contact with me.

Once Jiang left, the room fell into a charged silence.

Orm sighed. "Lingling... what are you getting yourself into?"

I hesitated. For once, I didn't have an easy answer.

Instead, I reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Nothing you need to worry about."

Her eyes darkened slightly, frustration flickering beneath their depths. "I am worried."

Something in my chest tightened at those words.

I knew I shouldn't drag her into this. But Orm was already in too deep.

And so was I.

The room felt smaller the moment I slipped off my suit jacket, placing it carefully on the back of my chair. My hands moved to loosen my tie, but my mind was elsewhere—on Orm, standing in front of me with that concerned look in her amber eyes.

She shouldn't be here.

Jiang's words from earlier echoed in my head, unsettling me more than I wanted to admit. 'Sen Yui tried to kill you twice in a month. You think he won't target the people close to you?'

Orm's voice pulled me back. "Sit."

It wasn't a request.

I smirked, despite everything. "So bossy, as always, Doctor."

Her eyes narrowed, but the faintest hint of amusement flickered behind them. "I deal with stubborn patients all the time. You're just another one."

I sat down on the couch, exhaling slowly as she knelt in front of me. Her hands moved with precise care, unbuttoning my shirt enough to reveal the bandage wrapped tightly around my stomach.

The second her fingertips brushed my skin, I felt it—that quiet, dangerous pull between us.

I tried to ignore it.

Orm, on the other hand, was entirely focused. She peeled the bandage away gently, her brows furrowing as she examined the healing wound.

"You've been moving too much," she murmured.

I watched her, my gaze lingering on the way her lips pressed together in concentration.

"I don't have the luxury of rest," I said.

Orm's fingers stilled for a brief moment before she glanced up at me. "You don't allow yourself to rest."

I didn't reply.

Because she was right.

The silence stretched between us as she reached into her bag, pulling out fresh gauze and antiseptic.

Then, she asked the question I had been dreading.

"Lingling..." Her voice was softer now. "Why are you so scared of me being here?"

I felt my throat tighten.

She had noticed. Of course, she had.

I looked away, forcing a small chuckle. "Scared? I don't get scared, Doctor."

Orm didn't smile. She just held my gaze, waiting.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "...Because you don't belong in this world."

She blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

I leaned back slightly, my fingers gripping the armrest. "You're different, Orm. You're not like me, not like Jiang, not like the people I deal with every day. You're good. And people like him?" My voice dropped lower. "They don't care how good you are. If they think you're a way to get to me... they will come for you."

Her hands paused, the bandage halfway wrapped around my stomach.

A beat passed. Then another.

Orm's expression softened, but there was something firm in her eyes, something unshakable.

"So you're pushing me away?" she asked.

I exhaled. "I should."

"But you wouldn't."

Her voice was quiet, but full of certainty.

My lips parted slightly, but no words came out.

The tension in the room was thick, almost suffocating. Orm's hands were still gently pressing the bandage against my skin, and I could feel her fingers linger longer than necessary. It wasn't that I wanted her to stop—I didn't—but I was scared. Scared of what would happen if I let this pull between us grow stronger.

Orm seemed to sense the shift in the air. She finished wrapping the bandage and stood up, reaching for her bag without saying a word. Her eyes flickered to me as she adjusted her coat, the weight of the unspoken still hanging heavily in the air.

I knew what I had to do, even if it felt wrong.

"You're done," I said quietly, turning to face her. My voice wasn't as steady as I wanted it to be. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, the rush of adrenaline making me even more unsure of myself.

Orm looked at me with those amber eyes, her gaze softening, but still unreadable. She didn't protest as I motioned for her to leave.

"Don't walk around too much. Your wound needs time to heal," Orm advised as she adjusted her coat.

I nodded, trying to push down the strange ache in my chest. I couldn't let her stay longer. I couldn't let her get too close.

closer than she already is.

I reached for my phone, the cool glass of the screen calming my nerves, but there was no comfort in it. I quickly sent a message to Jiang, telling him to take Orm back to her apartment. I didn't want her walking out of here alone. I knew she was capable—strong—but my paranoia got the better of me. I wouldn't risk her safety, even if she wasn't part of my world.

I motioned to the door. "One of my bodyguards will escort you home. Don't argue. It's for your own safety."

Orm stood still for a moment, her eyes locking with mine. I could tell she was going to push back. She always did. But then, she just nodded.

"Alright," she said softly, almost too softly for my liking.

She looked at me for a moment longer, before stepping toward the door. I could feel her hesitation, and it made something twist inside me, but I didn't let it show.

She turned to walk out, but before leaving, Orm paused, her back to me. Her voice was low, almost a whisper. "Take care of yourself, Lingling."

The moment Orm left, a strange emptiness settled in the room. The silence felt louder than ever, and for some reason, my thoughts refused to settle. I stood frozen for a moment, my hand still lingering on the doorframe where Orm had just passed through.

I had done the right thing, hadn't I?

I couldn't keep her in my world. My dangerous world. My chaotic world. Orm was a breath of fresh air in a suffocating atmosphere, but I couldn't breathe with her as close as she was. She was everything I couldn't afford to have—innocent, pure, untainted by the dirt of my life. The thought of anything happening to her because of me, because of what I was... it sent a chill down my spine.

Shaking my head, I tried to push the thoughts away. I had always been able to keep my emotions in check—today was no different. I couldn't let myself crack under the pressure. Not now. Not when there was so much at stake.

I turned around, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as I walked toward the window. The city sprawled out before me, the lights twinkling below like a sea of stars. I was so used to the darkness of the world I lived in, but tonight, it felt even darker. Something was missing. A void where Orm had been, and a part of me didn't want to acknowledge that.

I took a breath, pushing my emotions aside, focusing on the mission at hand. I had things to do—business, strategy, the plans for tomorrow. Sen Yui was still a threat. My focus should have been on him, not Orm. I didn't want to think about what was building between us, what had already formed, no matter how much I tried to deny it.

My phone buzzed. It was Jiang, a simple text asking if everything was alright after Orm left. I quickly typed back, dismissing any concern with a single line: 'Everything is fine. I'm just tired.'

But I wasn't.

I wasn't fine. And the longer I pretended, the more it hurt.

...

The clock on the wall ticked past midnight, the soft hum of the city outside mixing with the distant bass of the nightclub below. I sat at my desk, a half-empty glass of whiskey in my hand, swirling the amber liquid absentmindedly as I stared at the documents spread out before me.

Numbers. Shipment details. Routes. The underbelly of the business. But my mind wasn't on the papers. It wasn't even on the mission Jiang and the others were handling tonight.

It was on her.

Orm Kornnaphat.

I exhaled sharply, frustrated with myself. Pushing her away should have made things easier, but instead, it left me restless. Empty. The way she looked at me when I sent her off tonight—it lingered in my mind. She didn't question it, didn't argue, but I saw it in her eyes. The confusion. The slight hurt. And that made it worse.

A firm knock on my office door snapped me out of my thoughts. I straightened up, my expression shifting back into the unreadable mask I wore so well.

"Come in."

Jiang entered, his presence as imposing as ever. His sharp eyes scanned the room before he stepped forward. His dark suit was slightly ruffled from the night's work, but his demeanor was as professional as always.

"It's done," he said simply.

I leaned back in my chair, setting my whiskey glass down on the desk. "Any complications?"

"None," Jiang replied. "Everything went smoothly. The shipment was intercepted, just as planned. Sen Yui won't be getting his hands on it." His lips curled slightly. "We also left a message. Loud and clear."

I nodded, letting the information settle. It was a good hit—one Sen Yui wouldn't be able to recover from easily. But I knew better than to think this was over. He would retaliate. He always did.

"And our men?" I asked.

Jiang's expression darkened slightly, but he shook his head. "One minor injury. Nothing serious. Everyone made it back."

"Good," I murmured. I glanced at the documents on my desk, but my thoughts were elsewhere. "Make sure the injured get proper medical attention. Double security on all our assets. Sen Yui might be desperate enough to move faster than we expect."

Jiang nodded. "Understood."

There was a pause before he spoke again, his voice more measured this time. "You weren't focused tonight."

I didn't react immediately, but my fingers curled slightly against the armrest of my chair. "What are you talking about?"

Jiang didn't back down. "You know exactly what I mean. Your head wasn't in the game." His sharp eyes locked onto mine. "Is it because of the doctor?"

I clenched my jaw. "I told you to leave it alone, Jiang."

He exhaled through his nose, his expression unreadable. "Then act like it. If you really want to keep her out of this, don't let her be your weakness."

My lips pressed into a thin line, but I didn't respond. Instead, I reached for my whiskey glass, taking a slow sip. The burn did nothing to ease the weight in my chest.

Jiang waited for a moment longer before nodding slightly. "I'll take care of the next steps. Get some rest, Boss."

With that, he turned and left, the door clicking shut behind him.

I sat there in silence, staring at the spot he had just occupied. His words echoed in my mind.

'Don't let her be your weakness.'

But wasn't it too late for that?