Objection Overruled II
Ling was used to working under pressure. As a lawyer, handling high-stakes cases with tight deadlines was part of the job. But sitting at her desk with her boss, Mr. Keller, looming over her while holding a file, she felt like she was back in law school being grilled by a particularly harsh professor.
"Ms. Kwong," Keller said, placing the file on her desk with a heavy thud. "You're a talented attorney, one of the best we've got. But..."
There it was. Ling tensed, bracing herself. "But what, sir?"
Keller crossed his arms. "But I've noticed you've been unusually... cordial with opposing counsel. Specifically, Ms. Sethratanapong ."
Ling blinked, keeping her face neutral despite the sudden spike of adrenaline coursing through her veins. "Cordial?" she repeated, stalling for time.
Keller raised an eyebrow. "You two were practically flirting during the last hearing."
Ling's stomach dropped. "Flirting?" she echoed, her tone incredulous. "I was cross-examining her witness, Mr. Keller. That's hardly flirting."
Keller didn't look convinced. "Be that as it may, I need to remind you that personal relationships with opposing counsel can lead to... complications."
Ling forced a polite smile. "I appreciate the advice, but I can assure you, my relationship with Ms. Sethratanapong is strictly professional."
That wasn't entirely a lie, she told herself as Keller gave her a skeptical nod and left her office. Sure, Orm was technically the opposing counsel in this case, but their relationship was anything but professional once they were off the clock.
---
Later that evening, Ling was sprawled on the couch in their shared apartment, recounting the conversation to Orm, who was listening with a mixture of amusement and mock horror.
"So, what you're saying is..." Orm said, her amber eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned against the kitchen counter. "We've been caught?"
Ling groaned, covering her face with a pillow. "No, we haven't been caught. Keller just has... suspicions."
Orm laughed, walking over to sit beside her on the couch. "Well, I can't exactly blame him. We were a little intense during that hearing."
Ling sat up, glaring at her. "You were smirking at me the whole time!"
"You looked cute when you were mad," Orm said with a shrug, completely unapologetic.
Ling grabbed the nearest throw pillow and smacked Orm with it. "You're impossible."
Orm laughed, catching the pillow and tossing it aside. "Admit it-you like me this way."
Ling huffed but couldn't fight the smile tugging at her lips. "You're lucky you're cute."
Orm grinned, leaning in to press a quick kiss to Ling's temple. "I know."
---
The next morning, Ling walked into the office feeling slightly more at ease-until she saw Keller standing by the coffee machine, chatting with none other than Orm.
Ling froze in the hallway, her brain scrambling to come up with an excuse to turn around and walk away, but it was too late. Keller spotted her and waved her over.
"Ms. Kwong! Come join us."
Plastering on her best professional smile, Ling approached them. Orm turned to face her, and Ling could see the glint of mischief in her eyes.
"Good morning, Ms. Kwong," Orm said, her tone perfectly polite.
"Ms. Sethratanapong ," Ling replied, keeping her voice steady even as her heart raced.
Keller, oblivious to the tension between them, gestured to Orm. "Ms. Sethratanapong was just telling me about her latest case. It seems the two of you can't stop running into each other."
Orm smiled, her gaze flickering to Ling. "What can I say? Great minds think alike."
Ling clenched her jaw, willing herself not to react. "Or we just happen to practice in the same niche area of law."
Keller chuckled. "I suppose that's true." He turned to Orm. "It's always a pleasure running into you, Ms. Sethratanapong . Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to get to."
As soon as Keller walked away, Ling rounded on Orm.
"What are you doing here?" she hissed.
Orm smirked, leaning casually against the counter. "I came to drop off some documents. Didn't know I'd run into your boss, though. He seems nice."
Ling glared at her. "You're playing with fire."
"I like a little danger," Orm said, her voice low and teasing.
Ling sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'm going to kill you."
"Not before our dinner date tonight," Orm said with a grin, straightening up. "See you at home, counselor."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Ling standing there, equal parts exasperated and smitten.
---
That evening, over takeout and wine, Ling finally let herself laugh about the whole situation.
"You're going to be the death of me," she said, shaking her head.
Orm raised her glass in a toast. "But at least I'll make it fun."
Ling clinked her glass against Orm's, a smile tugging at her lips. "You're impossible."
"And you love it," Orm said, leaning in to kiss her.
Ling didn't argue.