Chapter 20

From Orm's Perspective 🤍🩺

I tapped my fingers against the desk, staring at my phone screen for the tenth time in the last five minutes. Still nothing. No calls, no texts—nothing from Lingling.

I wasn't the type to obsess over things like this, but after the way we spent yesterday together, after the way she looked at me, touched me, teased me about being her wife—how could she just disappear like this?

I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to push down the irritation bubbling up in my chest. Maybe she was busy. Maybe something came up. She was always dealing with dangerous business, things she wouldn't tell me about. I knew that.

But still.

She could've at least sent a text.

A knock on my office door snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Doctor Kornnaphat?" Priya peeked her head in, her brows slightly raised. "Your next patient is waiting."

I sighed, forcing my professional mask back on. "Send them in."

Priya gave me a knowing look—she could always tell when something was bothering me—but she didn't pry. Instead, she nodded and stepped out, leaving the door open for the patient to enter.

I straightened in my seat, forcing myself to focus. Lingling could wait. Whatever she was doing, I wasn't going to sit here all day and sulk over it. If she wanted to play this game, fine.

Two could play.

...

I poked at my food, barely listening as the conversation flowed around me. My mind was still stuck on Lingling, but I wasn't going to admit that out loud.

Charlotte, sitting across from me, clinked her fork against her glass to get everyone's attention. "Alright, listen up! Since the clinic is officially debt-free, I say we go out and celebrate. A proper night out, drinks, fun—the whole thing."

The other doctors around the table nodded enthusiastically, throwing in suggestions for bars and restaurants.

Namtan grinned at me. "Orm, you in?"

I hesitated, chewing the inside of my cheek. Normally, I would've made an excuse—going out wasn't really my thing. But right now? Lingling was ignoring me, and I wasn't about to sit around waiting like some love-struck fool.

I smirked slightly. "Yeah. I'm in."

Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "Wow. Didn't expect that."

"Why?" I asked, taking a bite of my food.

Namtan chuckled. "Because you never come out with us. And now you're saying yes without a fight? What's going on?"

I rolled my eyes. "I can have fun too, you know."

Charlotte smirked. "Uh-huh. Sure. Well, wear something hot. We're not just celebrating the clinic, we're celebrating our freedom."

I just shook my head, but a small part of me was already thinking—if Lingling wasn't going to text me, then fine. I'd have my own fun. Let's see how she liked that.

...

As I stepped out of the clinic, the sleek black Mercedes was already parked outside, the driver standing by the door. Of course, Lingling had assigned him to me—her way of keeping control even when she was silent.

I slid into the car without a word, arms crossed, still irritated at her ghosting me. Fine. If she wanted space, I'd give it to her.

When I got home, I didn't waste time. I stripped out of my work clothes and went straight for the dress I had been saving—a black, backless one that hugged me in all the right places. Sleek, elegant, and just the right amount of dangerous.

My hair, I decided to keep straight, falling effortlessly down my back. A classic red lip for contrast. Jewelry—minimal, just enough to catch the light.

As I fastened my heels, I caught my reflection in the mirror. I looked good. No—better than good. I looked like a woman who was ready to own the night.

I grabbed my clutch, gave myself one last glance in the mirror, and headed out. The moment I stepped outside, Lingling's driver was still there, standing like a soldier by the car. He barely reacted to my outfit, but I knew he noticed.

"Let's go," I said, sliding into the back seat with ease.

The club Namtan sent the location of wasn't far. As the city lights blurred past, I checked my phone—still nothing from Lingling. My jaw clenched.

The car pulled up to the entrance of Noir Night Club, an upscale club with a line stretching around the block. The neon glow reflected off the tinted windows, and the bass from inside vibrated through the pavement. But I didn't need to wait in line.

I stepped out, the cool night air kissing my skin, and immediately caught attention. People looked. I knew they would.

The bouncer barely said a word before letting me through. Inside, the club was alive—music thumping, bodies moving, the scent of expensive liquor and perfume hanging thick in the air. I scanned the crowd until I spotted them.

Charlotte, Namtan, and a few other doctors from the clinic were already at a booth, laughing over drinks.

"Finally!" Namtan grinned as I approached. "I was about to think you weren't coming."

"Oh, I wouldn't miss this," I said smoothly, sliding into the booth.

Namtan slid a drink into my hand, a knowing smirk on her lips. "You look like you need this."

I took a sip, letting the burn of tequila settle in my chest. "Do I?"

Charlotte leaned in, resting her chin on her hand. "You're tense. Is it work?"

I exhaled through my nose, swirling the liquid in my glass. "Something like that."

It wasn't work—it was Lingling.

Her silence was crawling under my skin. After everything, she just disappeared without a single word. No texts. No calls. Just gone.

I pushed the thought aside and focused on the music, the way the bass pulsed through my veins. People danced, their bodies moving in sync with the rhythm, and the alcohol started to take the edge off.

"Let's dance," Namtan announced, already pulling me up before I could object.

The crowd swallowed us as we moved onto the dance floor. The beat was infectious, and soon I found myself swaying, letting the music take over. Namtan spun me playfully, laughing, and I let myself enjoy it.

For a moment, I wasn't a doctor. I wasn't someone tangled up with one of the most dangerous women in the country. I was just Orm.

But then—

A shift in the air.

My skin prickled, a sensation too familiar to ignore.

Someone was watching me.

I turned slightly, my gaze sweeping over the club. Neon lights flashed against the silhouettes of strangers, but then—

Dark brown eyes.

A dark figure leaned against the upper balcony, cigarette between her fingers, watching me like a predator observing its prey.

Lingling Kwong.

My breath hitched.

She was dressed in all black, suit tailored perfectly to her lean frame, her presence commanding even from across the room. Smoke curled from her lips, and even in the dim lighting, I could see the sharp intensity in her gaze.

She wasn't just watching.

She was claiming.

I clenched my jaw, turning away. So now she decides to show up?

Fine.

I moved with the music, letting my body sway, my dress clinging to my every motion. Namtan laughed, oblivious to the storm brewing behind me.

But I knew Lingling saw everything.

Good.

Across the dimly lit club, I felt a man's eyes on me before I even turned. He was watching—me, my movements, the way I let the music take me. I pretended not to notice, rolling my hips to the bassline, letting my fingers trail over my bare shoulder as if brushing off invisible dust.

The first time I caught his gaze, he didn't look away. Neither did I.

I dipped my chin, lashes lowering just enough to make him wonder. And he took the bait.

His hands slid onto my waist, his breath hot against my ear as he leaned in. "You dance like a dream, beautiful."

I gave him a slow, lazy smile, tilting my head just enough for the neon lights to catch on my collarbone. "Do I?"

He chuckled, fingers pressing a little firmer. "You do."

I didn't care about him.

I cared about the heat burning into my skin from across the room.

Lingling hadn't moved from her spot on the balcony. She was still there, watching, a cigarette hanging between her fingers, but her posture had changed. The easy, relaxed way she'd leaned against the railing before was gone.

Now, she was rigid.

Her jaw was locked, shoulders tense.

And her eyes—

Those chocolate-brown eyes were dark, stormy, practically glowing with fury.

Good.

Let her burn.

I let the man's hands wander a little, fingers ghosting down my back. Not because I wanted it, but because I wanted her to see it. I wanted to feel that tension snap across the space between us like a wire pulled too tight.

Lingling exhaled a slow drag of smoke. Her gaze hadn't left me for a second.

I turned back to the man, pretending he was the only thing on my mind. "Buy me a drink?"

He grinned, clearly thinking he was winning. "Anything you want."

I felt Lingling move before I even saw her.

The energy in the club shifted—something darker slithered into the air, like a predator stepping into the light.

The man barely had time to react before a hand clamped onto his wrist, squeezing tight.

"That's enough."

That damn voice.

Low. Dangerous.

It sent a shiver straight down my spine.

Lingling stood beside me now, a head shorter than the man but somehow towering over him, her presence suffocating. Her cigarette still burned between her fingers, but her other hand—her free hand—gripped his wrist like she was deciding whether to break it.

The man stiffened, sensing the danger too late. "What the fu—"

Lingling twisted his wrist just enough to make him wince. "Leave."

The man didn't take the warning.

Drunk and cocky, he rolled his wrist and sneered. "Who the hell do you think you are?" His hand shot forward, grabbing Lingling's arm, his grip rough.

Bad move.

Lingling moved faster than I could blink.

The cigarette she'd been holding was gone—snuffed out, flicked away as her fingers wrapped around his throat instead.

The music thumped in the background, bass-heavy, but the people around us had noticed. A few heads turned. The man choked out a curse, his hands flying up to pry her grip off.

"Let—let go, bitch!"

Lingling smiled.

And then she slammed him onto the bar counter.

The sound was deafening.

Glass shattered.

People gasped.

I watched, heart pounding, as Lingling twisted his arm behind his back, shoving his face harder against the sticky surface of the bar.

"You don't touch what's mine." Her voice was quiet, but it carried over the music like a gunshot.

The man groaned in pain, struggling uselessly.

"Lingling," I said, stepping closer.

She didn't look at me.

She didn't need to.

Her rage was a living thing, radiating off her like heat.

With one final shove, she released him. He crumpled onto the floor, coughing, clutching his wrist. Lingling didn't spare him another glance.

She turned.

Walked away.

Didn't look at me. Didn't say a damn thing.

I just stood there, watching her disappear through the crowd, my pulse ringing in my ears.

Fuck.

I moved fast, barely weaving through the club's crowd before finding Charlotte, Namtan, and Priya by the bar.

"I have to go," I said quickly, breathless. "Now."

Charlotte frowned. "Orm, what—"

"I'll explain later." I forced a smile, trying to ignore the pounding in my chest. "Enjoy your night, okay?"

Namtan gave me a knowing look, her brows slightly raised, but she just lifted her glass. "Call if you need us."

I nodded, barely hearing Priya's goodbye before I was already heading out.

The second I stepped outside, the cool night air hit my skin, but it wasn't enough to stop the heat rushing through me.

And then I saw her.

Lingling stood by her G-Wagon, a new cigarette perched between her fingers. Her suit jacket was slightly ruffled, her tie loosened just enough to show the barest hint of her collarbone. But it wasn't just her stance that made my breath hitch—it was the look in her eyes.

Pure, seething rage.

She took a slow drag, exhaling smoke through her nose.

Her dark eyes locked onto me.

I swallowed.

The man in the club had gotten what he deserved, but this anger—this storm in her gaze—wasn't just about him.

This was about me.

Lingling flicked the cigarette to the ground, crushing it under her heel.

Then, finally, she spoke.

"Get in the car, Orm."

Her voice was low, sharp.

A command.

I hesitated only for a breath before stepping off the curb. The G-Wagon loomed under the dim streetlights, black and gleaming like a beast waiting to be unleashed. I pulled open the door and slid inside, the scent of leather and Lingling's perfume thick in the air.

Behind me, I heard the click of her heels on the pavement, slow, deliberate. Then the driver's door swung open, and she got in without a word. The moment she settled into the seat, the atmosphere shifted—charged, electric.

Lingling's grip on the steering wheel tightened as she pressed the accelerator, the car speeding down the road with reckless abandon. The tires screeched, the engine roaring as if it matched the storm inside her.

I barely had time to brace myself before she whipped the G-Wagon around a sharp turn, the force pressing me against the seat. The night was blurring by in a rush of lights and shadows, but I could feel the tension radiating off her in waves.

"You're driving way too fast," I muttered, trying to keep my voice steady despite the adrenaline pumping through my veins.

She didn't even glance at me, her eyes fixed on the road ahead, a fierce intensity there that made me hesitate to speak further. But I couldn't keep quiet anymore.

"How did you find me?" I asked, a knot forming in my stomach as I watched her, knowing that whatever answer I got was going to be unsettling.

Lingling's lips curled into a cold, tight smile. "I have my ways. Bodyguards, surveillance... I always know where you are, Orm. Always." Her voice was so quiet, so deadly calm, it sent a shiver down my spine.

I swallowed hard, but didn't say anything else. The knowledge that Lingling could track me so easily—could know my every move, my every decision—felt suffocating.

But that wasn't the worst part.

It was the fact that I wanted to be found by her.

The car cut through the streets, every sharp turn and fast acceleration a reminder of just how far this was going. How deep we were both going into something neither of us could control. Lingling's eyes flickered to me for a brief moment, her expression hardening.

"You think you can just do whatever you want, Orm? Flirt with men in front of me? Tease me?"

I didn't say anything. The words stuck in my throat.

Lingling's grip on the steering wheel tightened even more, her knuckles going white. The rage in her eyes was unmistakable as she shot me a quick, piercing glance. "Why the hell are you at a nightclub dressed like that, Orm?" Her voice was sharp, filled with raw anger, and it sent a shiver down my spine. "What the fuck were you thinking?"

I met her gaze, my jaw clenching. This wasn't the Lingling I knew. The one who had been so gentle, so intimate. This was someone else, someone furious and out of control.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself before I spoke. "You didn't text me after yesterday," I said, my voice low but firm. "You just left, Lingling. I'm not some toy you can ignore when it's convenient."

Her eyes flickered with something—guilt, maybe, but it was quickly replaced with more anger. "You think I owe you explanations?" she snapped, her voice rising again, her words sharp enough to cut. "You think you can just ignore me too? You were flirting with that man. Do you know how fucking humiliating that was to see?"

I swallowed, the words stinging. I didn't want to make this worse, but I couldn't stay silent either. "You're yelling at me like I'm one of your people, Lingling," I said, my voice more controlled now, but with an edge of warning. "I'm not one of your subordinates. You don't get to talk to me like this."

For a moment, Lingling was silent, her lips pressed into a thin line as she turned her attention back to the road, her jaw clenched. I could see her thoughts racing, her chest rising and falling as she took a sharp breath.

Then, she spoke again, but much more softly this time. "You don't get it, do you, Orm? You think you can do whatever you want and I won't care?" Her voice cracked, and for just a second, I saw something—vulnerable, raw, and unfamiliar. "I can't stand seeing you with someone else. I can't."

I felt a cold shiver run through me, something deep and unsettling, but I wasn't sure if it was fear or something else. She was unraveling in front of me, but I didn't know how to help, didn't know what to say.

I got out of the car, but before I could step away, she spoke again, her words laced with venom. "You think you can just ignore me, Orm? You think I'm going to let you just walk away from this? From us?"

Her voice was so filled with rage that it sent a shiver through me. She was angry, and I could see it in her eyes. She wasn't just angry about what happened tonight. She was angry about everything. About me, about her fear of losing me, about her inability to control the situation.

I closed the door gently, but there was no softness in my actions. "Stop, Lingling. Just... stop."

She didn't even flinch at my tone. "Stop?" she repeated bitterly. "Why should I stop, huh? Why should I pretend like everything's fine when it's clearly not?"

I didn't answer. I just walked, my heels clicking against the pavement as I headed toward my building. Lingling followed, close on my heels.

The elevator ride was suffocating. Tense. She didn't look at me, but I could feel her anger vibrating in the air between us.

When the doors slid open, I strode down the hallway, unlocking my door with sharp, practiced movements.

The moment we stepped inside, the tension hit even harder. The walls of my apartment seemed to trap it, magnify it.

Lingling shut the door behind her, the sound echoing in the quiet space.

I turned to face her. "I never said everything was fine," I snapped, my voice low but sharp. "But yelling at me like this isn't going to make it better, Lingling. You can't just throw a tantrum every time things don't go your way."

Her eyes flared with anger, and she stepped closer, her face inches from mine. "You want me to not be angry? You want me to just sit there and let you treat me like I don't matter?"

I felt a cold shiver crawl up my spine at her proximity, her words like ice. She was close to the edge, and I knew if I said the wrong thing, we'd both be too far gone to fix it.

"I never treated you like you don't matter," I said through gritted teeth, my heart hammering in my chest. "But you don't get to control me, Lingling. You don't get to throw around ultimatums like you own me. You can't do that."

She stood there for a moment, her chest heaving as if she were fighting the urge to lash out again. The silence hung between us, thick and heavy.

Finally, Lingling let out a frustrated, almost broken sigh. "I don't know how to do this, Orm. I don't know how to be like this with you. I don't know how to trust you and not be scared of losing you."

I swallowed hard, trying to hold onto some semblance of composure. She was raw, vulnerable, and that scared me. But I couldn't let her off the hook, not when she was treating me like this.

"You don't trust me?" I asked quietly, my voice suddenly much softer than before. "Is that what this is about? Trust?"

She avoided my gaze, staring down at the floor. "I don't know how to trust you in the way I should. And when I see you with other people, it makes me feel like I'm not enough. Like I'm not enough for you."

My chest tightened. "Lingling..." I started, my voice faltering. "I've never wanted anyone else. You're the one I'm here for."

She shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "You're telling me that after everything? After tonight?"

I didn't know how to respond. My heart was racing, torn between wanting to reach out and hold her and wanting to stay angry, to match her bitterness with my own.

"I just... I don't know what you want from me anymore," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "You push me away, but you also want me close. You make me feel like I can't breathe, and then you expect me to just act like everything's fine."

Lingling's face softened for a fraction of a second before the anger returned, hard and sharp. "I don't want you to breathe without me, Orm. That's the problem. But when you act like you don't need me, when you flirt with other people, it feels like I'm invisible to you. Like you don't care about me."

I bit my lip, my own anger flaring again. "I never meant to make you feel that way, Lingling. But I can't be controlled. You can't expect me to just bend to your will whenever you feel like it."

Her eyes flashed with something dangerous, something darker. "Then maybe we shouldn't be together at all."