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.
Lingling: "Uh... Orm, right?"
Orm's lips curl into a tight, forced smile.
Orm: "So you know who I am. Good. That'll save us some time."
Lingling steps aside nervously, gesturing for Orm to enter.
Lingling: "Please, come in."
Orm strides in without hesitation, her eyes sweeping over the apartment.
Orm (mocking): "Cozy."
Lingling flushes but chooses to ignore the jab.
Lingling: "Can I get you something? Tea? Water?"
Orm (curtly): "Water's fine. Don't go out of your way."
Lingling hurries to the kitchen, her mind racing. Why was Orm here? Was this about the engagement? What did she even say to her?
When she returns with a glass of water, Orm is standing near the window, arms crossed. She doesn't look up when Lingling places the glass on the table.
Lingling: "So... what brings you here?"
Orm turns, her gaze sharp and unyielding.
Orm: "Let's cut to the chase. I'm here to tell you to back off."
Lingling blinks, taken aback.
Lingling: "Back off? From what?"
Orm: "From this ridiculous engagement. I don't know what my father promised you, but it's not happening."
Lingling feels a flicker of anger beneath her nervousness.
Lingling: "Excuse me? Your father asked me. I didn't agree to anything yet!"
Orm steps closer, her presence intimidating.
Orm: "Then don't. Whatever he offered you-money, status-it's not worth it. Stay out of my life."
Lingling bristles, her fists clenching.
Lingling: "First of all, I'm not after your money or your status. Second, you don't get to barge into my home and talk to me like this. If you don't want the engagement, tell your father. Don't take it out on me!"
Orm narrows her eyes, looking Lingling up and down.
Orm: (sarcastic) "You're awfully defensive for someone who claims they don't want this."
Lingling's face flushes with anger.
Lingling: "You think I want this? Newsflash: You're not exactly a prize, either!"
Orm stares at her, momentarily stunned by Lingling's outburst. Then, a slow smirk spreads across her face.
Orm: "Finally showing some spine, huh? Maybe you're not as meek as you look."
Lingling: (snapping) "Get out."
Orm picks up the glass of water, taking a slow sip before setting it back down.
Orm: "Gladly. But consider this your first and only warning: stay out of my life, or you'll regret it."
She turns and strides out, leaving Lingling standing in the middle of the living room, shaking with a mixture of anger and frustration.
Lingling (to herself): "Who does she think she is?"
Lingling's Decision
Lingling is back in Mr. Sethratanapong's office, nervous but resolved. She sits across from her boss, her hands resting on the armrests of the plush chair, trying to maintain an air of confidence.
Mr. Sethratanapong (leaning forward): "So, Lingling? Have you made your decision?"
Lingling hesitates, her mind racing with doubt. She remembers the countless ways Mr. Sethratanapong had helped her through hard times, and the weight of gratitude presses down on her.
Lingling: (clearing her throat) "Yes, sir. I... I'll do it."
Mr. Sethratanapong smiles warmly, as though her response was never in doubt.
Mr. Sethratanapong: "Good. You've made the right choice. Now, we need to prepare. There will be an announcement dinner tonight with my family and a few close associates. I want you to be ready to present yourself as my future daughter-in-law."
Lingling's eyes widen slightly, the reality of the situation sinking in.
Lingling: "Tonight?"
Mr. Sethratanapong: "Yes. I expect you to look your best. After the announcement, you'll move into my house to live with Orm and the family starting next week. This trial period will give you both time to adjust before the wedding."
Lingling nods reluctantly, her stomach twisting at the thought of living in the same house as Orm.
Lingling (quietly): "Understood, sir."
---
Orm's Club Night
At a trendy club in the city, Orm sits in a dimly lit corner with her boyfriend, Kai. Music pulses in the background, but she's distracted, swirling her drink with a straw as Santi leans in closer.
Orm (irritated): "I already told you, kai. She's not going to go through with it. This whole thing is just my dad being dramatic. Lingling will back out once she realizes what she's up against."
Kai smirks, his hand sliding onto her thigh.
Kai: "And then what? You'll finally stop playing your dad's game and focus on us?"
Orm stiffens at his touch, pulling her leg away subtly.
Orm: "Something like that."
Kai moves closer, attempting to kiss her neck, but Orm gently pushes him back.
Orm (firmly): "Not here, kai."
Kai (grinning): "Come on, Orm. Why so uptight? You've been acting weird ever since this whole marriage thing started."
Orm stands abruptly, dropping a few bills on the table.
Orm: "I'm done for tonight. Take this and get yourself a cab home."
Kai (grabbing the money): "You're impossible sometimes, you know that?"
Orm doesn't respond, leaving the club in a haze of frustration.
---
Orm arrives at her family's grand estate, kicking off her heels at the door. She grabs a glass of water and sits alone in the living room, her thoughts racing.
Orm (to herself): "She'll back out. She has to. No one in their right mind would go through with this."
But despite her certainty, a small part of her wonders if Lingling is more resilient than she anticipated.