The Wedding Day â A Few Hours Before
The house buzzed with the final preparations. Ormâs parents were making sure everything was perfect, but Orm was lost in thought, standing in front of the mirror, her hands resting on the sink. Her wedding dress hung in the background, its delicate lace shimmering under the soft light. She should be excited, anxious, maybe even nervous, but instead, her mind was elsewhere.
A month ago, when the wedding was first arranged, Orm had seen it as nothing more than a business dealâan opportunity to secure her father's company under her name. She had agreed to marry Lingling, but it was all in the name of family duty and expectations. There was no love, no deep connectionâat least, thatâs what she had told herself.
But now? Now, as the wedding loomed closer, Orm found herself feeling something completely unexpected. Her thoughts kept returning to Lingling, to the way Lingling cared for her, to the way her presence calmed Ormâs nerves and made her feel things she had never felt before. She had never expected this. Never expected to care so deeply for someone like Lingling.
The truth was undeniable now. Ormâs feelings for Lingling were growing stronger every day. She wasnât just getting married to fulfill her familyâs wishes anymore. She was marrying Lingling because, somewhere along the way, Lingling had become so much more than just a business partner. She had become a person Orm wanted in her life, a person Orm realized she couldnât imagine living without.
But Orm still had doubts. She wasnât sure if Lingling felt the same way. She wasnât sure if her feelings were strong enough, or if Lingling would even open her heart to her in return. But there was something inside Orm that knew, deep down, that she couldnât let this go. She couldnât just marry Lingling because it was expected. She had to be real with her feelings.
Orm took a deep breath, her hand pressed against her chest. If my feelings for Lingling grow stronger, she thought, then I will do everything I can to make her fall for me, too. I wonât let this slip away. She deserves more than just a half-hearted marriage.
She wasnât ready to admit to anyone just how much Lingling meant to her. It was too complicated, too messy, and Orm wasnât sure how Lingling would react to the truth. But Orm knew one thing for sureâthis marriage would be real, even if it had started as a deal.
Lingling deserved more than just a corporate partnership. She deserved love, and Orm was finally ready to give her that.
This is my chance, Orm thought, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her dress. If Lingling can feel the same way about me, if we can both make this work... then I will fight for her.
With that resolve settling in her chest, Orm turned toward the door. She had a wedding to attendâone that she had agreed to a long time ago. But today, it would be more than just a ceremony. Today, it was the beginning of something real. Something she never thought sheâd want, but now couldnât live without.
___
Lingling stood by her sister, her heart pounding in her chest as the ceremony preparations continued around her. The air was filled with excitement, yet there was a heaviness in her heart that she couldn't shake off. As she glanced around, her eyes found Orm.
Orm was walking toward her, hand in hand with her father, looking as graceful and confident as ever. She was stunningâabsolutely radiant in her wedding attire, every inch the vision of a bride. But it wasnât just the way Orm looked that caught Linglingâs attention. It was the happiness she could see in Orm's eyes, the quiet smile on her face as she walked beside her father, despite everything that had happened between them.
Linglingâs gaze then shifted back to her father, standing far off with a disinterested look on his face. His absence from Lingling's life had left a deep scar that she never really understood. The memories of trying to get his attention, only to be met with coldness, rushed through her. She had invited him to her wedding day, a day that shouldâve been filled with warmth and family. But, as always, he had failed to show up. Lingling bit her lip, trying to suppress the painful emotions rising within her.
She forced her thoughts away from the past and back to the present. As Orm finally stood beside her, Lingling could feel her heart skip a beat. Orm looked even more breathtaking up closeâso composed, yet so warm. There was a sparkle in her eyes, a gentle confidence that made Linglingâs breath catch. For a brief moment, Lingling felt completely mesmerized, but then Orm leaned in, her voice a soft whisper against Lingling's ear.
âYouâre looking cool and hot,â Orm whispered, her words sending a shiver down Linglingâs spine. The compliment was so casual, but the way Orm said it made Linglingâs face flush a deep shade of red. Her heart raced, and she felt warmth spread across her cheeks, making her feel both embarrassed and happy at the same time.
Lingling tried to hide her blush, looking down at her hands for a moment to collect herself, but the fluttering in her chest wouldnât stop. Orm, noticing Lingling's flustered expression, smiled softly, and there was something so comforting about the way Orm looked at her, as if she saw right through Linglingâs defenses.
Lingling took a deep breath, meeting Ormâs gaze, and despite the weight of the past and the confusion in her heart, she couldnât help but feel a spark of something real.
This was her moment. This was their moment.
The ceremony was unfolding beautifully, with soft music filling the air and a gentle glow from the candles surrounding them. Lingling and Orm stood before the officiant, the moment having finally arrived. Their wedding rings were now in place, a symbol of their union, but both were feeling a bit nervous. The reality of what was happening was starting to sink in.
The officiant smiled warmly at them. âNow, you may kiss each other â
Orm was already looking at Lingling, her eyes filled with anticipation. She leaned forward slightly, but Lingling hesitated. She felt a flutter of nervousness in her chest, unsure of how to handle this moment. It was one thing to marry Orm, but kissing her in front of everyone was a different story.
Orm seemed to sense Linglingâs nervousness. She gave her a reassuring smile and whispered softly, âItâs okay, Lingling. Just a quick kiss, .â
Lingling nodded, her cheeks turning pink. She slowly leaned in, pressing her lips softly against Ormâs for a brief, gentle kiss. It was quick, sweet, and shyâjust a peck, nothing more. But even so, it felt meaningful, and the crowd could sense the tenderness in the air.
As Lingling pulled back, Orm couldnât help but smile, her heart fluttering. Sheâd been ready for a deeper kiss, but she understood Linglingâs shyness. The kiss had been enough for nowâperfectly simple and full of the emotion they had yet to fully express.
The crowd, especially Ormâs parents, exchanged happy glances. It wasnât a grand, passionate kiss, but there was something so sincere about it. The love between them, though quiet for now, was evident in the way they looked at each other.
Lingling smiled softly at Orm, feeling both relieved and a little embarrassed. Orm caught her gaze and gave a gentle wink, the playful connection between them bringing a sense of calm.
âPerfect,â Orm whispered.
Lingling chuckled quietly, still feeling the warmth of the moment. âWe did it,â she said, a little out of breath from the nerves but with a soft smile.
And so, the ceremony continued, with both of them feeling more at ease as the day unfolded, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives Together
_to be continued_
I know its bit short !