Finally
Orm sat in the dimly lit living room, her jaw clenched as she scrolled through her phone, re-reading the message Junji had sent her earlier that day.
Junji:I asked around. Popor has been lurking at some industry events, talking shit again. She’s got people watching Ling.
Her grip tightened around the phone, a quiet rage bubbling beneath her skin. She thought they were past this. She thought Popor had learned her lesson. But no—she was still trying to claw her way back into their lives, still trying to hurt the one person Orm had sworn to protect.
Orm took a deep breath, running a hand through her hair. Ling was asleep in their bedroom, exhausted from another long day. She didn’t want to wake her, but the thought of Popor still haunting them, still trying to stir up trouble, made her stomach turn.
She couldn’t just sit here and do nothing.
She grabbed her keys and her jacket before pulling up Junji’s contact and hitting call. The phone barely rang before Junji picked up.
“You ready?” Junji’s voice came through, sharp and steady.
Orm nodded, even though Junji couldn’t see her. “Yeah. Let’s do this.”
_________________
A few hours later, Ling sat in the quiet warmth of Mae’s home, her fingers wrapped around a cup of tea. Across from her, Mae watched her carefully, as if sensing there was something on Ling’s mind.
“You’ve been fidgeting,” Mae finally said, tilting her head. “What’s going on?”
Ling exhaled, setting the cup down on the table. Her heart was pounding, and she didn’t know why she was suddenly so nervous.
“I… I want to marry Orm,” she finally said, the words tumbling out before she could second-guess them.
Mae’s eyes widened slightly, but then a warm smile spread across her face. “Well, it’s about time.”
Ling blinked. “Wait—you’re not surprised?”
Mae chuckled, shaking her head. “Surprised? Ling, I’ve known this was coming for a while now. I see the way Orm looks at you. And more importantly, I see the way you look at her. You’re already each other’s home. Marriage is just making it official.”
Ling swallowed past the lump in her throat. She hadn’t expected it to feel so big—this conversation, this step. But hearing Mae say it so naturally made her feel even more certain.
“I want your blessing,” Ling said, voice quieter now. “And Papa Oct’s. It wouldn’t feel right without it.”
Mae reached across the table, squeezing Ling’s hand. “Of course, you have it, Ling. You are the best thing that has ever happened to our daughter. I’ve never seen her this happy, this whole. I couldn’t ask for anyone better for her.”
Ling felt tears prick her eyes, overwhelmed by the love and support. “Thank you, Mae.”
Mae smiled. “Now, have you thought about how you want to do it? The proposal?”
Ling bit her lip, a small smirk forming. “I have a few ideas.”
Mae chuckled. “I’m sure whatever you do, she’ll love it.”
Ling took a deep breath, her heart lighter than before. She was going to marry Orm. And nothing—not Popor, not the past, not even her own fears—was going to stop her.
___________
The dimly lit backroom of the high-end bar was filled with an air of tension so thick it was suffocating. Popor sat with her usual smug arrogance, leaning back against the plush leather seat, a glass of whiskey swirling in her hand. She wasn’t surprised when Orm showed up—she had been expecting it. Each time she provokes Ling, Orm will be in her corner.
What she didn’t expect was Orm storming in with Junji right behind her, eyes blazing with fury.
Popor barely had time to smirk before Orm grabbed her by the collar and slammed her against the wall. The whiskey glass fell to the ground, shattering upon impact, but Popor’s shock barely lasted a second before she started laughing.
“Well, well,” she drawled, her lips curling up in amusement. “Took you long enough.”
Orm’s jaw clenched. Her hands trembled from the sheer force of anger vibrating through her body. The image of Ling’s bruised face flashed in her mind, fueling her rage.
“You think this is funny?” Orm spat, her voice low, dangerous. “You put your hands on Ling.”
Popor raised an eyebrow, her expression unfazed. “I didn’t touch her. But I can’t say the same for the people who work for me.”
That was it. That was the moment Orm lost whatever restraint she had left.
Her fist connected with Popor’s face so fast that even Junji barely had time to react. A sharp crack echoed through the room as Popor stumbled back, clutching her jaw.
Junji moved immediately, grabbing Orm by the arm, pulling her back before she could do more damage. “That’s enough,” she hissed, keeping a firm grip on her friend. “She’s not worth it.”
Popor wiped the corner of her mouth, her smirk returning despite the pain. “Still so easy to provoke, huh?” She let out a dark chuckle, rolling her shoulders. “Tell me, Orm, does hitting me make you feel better? Does it erase the past?”
Orm’s breathing was heavy, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She wanted to do it again. She wanted to hurt her more. But Junji tightened her grip on Orm’s arm, forcing her to step back.
“I don’t need to erase the past,” Orm said, voice calm despite the storm raging inside her. “Because unlike you, I’ve moved on. I have a life—a real one. One that doesn’t revolve around revenge or bitterness.” She straightened her posture, her voice dropping into something colder. “You? You’re still the same pathetic woman clinging to a fight you already lost.”
Junji stepped forward now, her expression unreadable. “This is your final warning, Popor,” she said, her voice like steel. “You come near Ling or Orm again, you won’t just be dealing with us—you’ll be dealing with everyone who loves them. And trust me, that’s a battle you can’t win.”
Popor scoffed, but there was a flicker of something in her gaze. Perhaps it was fear. Or maybe she was just realizing that, in the end, she had truly lost.
Orm exhaled, finally stepping back, letting the adrenaline settle. “Stay the hell away from us bitch.”
Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked out, Junji right beside her.
The fight was over. But for Orm, the battle wasn’t just with Popor—it was still inside her, too.
_______________
The drive back to Orm and Ling’s apartment was quiet at first. Junji watched Orm, sensing the thoughts storming in her head.
“You need to let it go,” Junji finally said. “Popor. The past. You can’t let her control any part of you anymore. I know she gets under your skin, she even gets me but I wasn’t expecting you to throw that punch, even if it was amazing to see”
Orm clenched her jaw, gripping the steering wheel. “I know. I’m sorry. I wanted to talk but just the thought that she asked people to hit Ling makes me want to kill her”
Junji studied her for a moment. “But you still blame yourself, don’t you?”
Orm sighed, finally glancing at Junji before looking back at the road. “How can I not? Ling suffered so much because of what happened back then. Because of me. Because I was too weak to fight for her when it mattered.”
Junji shook her head. “Orm, stop. You’re not weak. You never were. You were hurt, and you were scared. But that doesn’t mean you weren’t strong. And look at you now—you’re fighting for her. Every single day. And she is your girlfriend now!”
Orm’s fingers loosened slightly on the steering wheel. “She deserves everything. I want to give her everything.”
Junji smirked. “Then do it.”
Orm let out a soft chuckle. “You’re right.” She hesitated, then admitted, “I want to marry her.”
Junji’s eyes widened before a huge grin spread across her face. “Oh my god. What? Finally!.”
Orm rolled her eyes, laughing. “Shut up.”
“No, seriously,” Junji teased. “What took you so long? Did you already plan something?”
Orm exhaled, shaking her head. “I was scared. Of messing it up. Of not being enough for her.” She glanced at Junji. “But I love her so much. I want to marry her. I want us to raise our dogs together. Hell, maybe even kids one day. But no I didn’t think of anything yet, I don’t know if she will say yes.”
Junji grinned. “Of course she will Ormie.”
Orm chuckled softly. “Yeah if you say so.”
She parked the car in front of their apartment building, exhaling deeply.
Junji patted her shoulder. “You got this, Orm. And for what it’s worth, I’ve never seen Ling happier than she is with you.”
Orm nodded, the weight in her chest finally lifting. “Thanks, Junji.”
As she stepped out of the car and walked into the apartment, she felt it—certainty.
She was going to marry Ling. And this time, she wasn’t going to run. She was going to fight for her. Always. But this will not be for tonight, she needs to think about it, talk to her parents and ask for Ling’s parents blessings before.
The apartment was quiet when Orm stepped inside. Too quiet.
She closed the door behind her, exhaling heavily, as if the weight of what she had just done hadn’t fully settled yet. The adrenaline from punching Popor still coursed through her veins, making her hands tremble slightly. She flexed her fingers, willing herself to calm down, but her mind was still stuck in that moment—Popor’s smug face, the sharp impact of her fist meeting skin, Junji’s urgent grip pulling her away before she could do more damage.
She should feel satisfied. She should feel relieved. But she didn’t. Instead, the only thing she felt was exhaustion.
Orm tossed her keys on the counter, rubbing a hand over her face. She needed to shower, to wash off the frustration clinging to her skin, but just as she took a step toward the bathroom, a soft voice called out from the living room.
“You’re home.”
Ling.
Orm turned, and there she was, standing by the couch, dressed in one of Orm’s oversized shirts, her damp hair falling over her shoulders. Her presence alone should have soothed Orm’s anger, but instead, it made her chest tighten with something deeper—guilt, maybe. Or longing.
Ling studied her carefully, her sharp eyes immediately picking up on the tension in Orm’s posture. She took a step forward, her bare feet silent against the floor.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Orm shook her head, forcing a small smile. “Nothing. Just a long day.”
Ling didn’t buy it. She crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. “You were with Junji. She told me”
“I was.”
“And you’re upset.”
Orm exhaled, running a hand through her hair. She should’ve known there was no hiding anything from Ling. Not anymore.
“I went to see Popor.”
The room suddenly felt smaller, like the walls were closing in.
Ling’s expression darkened. “Orm…”
“I had to,” Orm interrupted, her voice firmer now. “After what she did to you—after she dared to lay her hands on you—I couldn’t just let it go.”
Ling sighed, stepping closer, closing the distance between them. “And what did you do?”
Orm hesitated before admitting, “I punched her.”
Ling’s breath hitched, her hands instinctively reaching for Orm’s, her fingers ghosting over her knuckles. “Orm…”
“She deserved it,” Orm continued, her voice low, controlled. “And I made it clear—she is never to come near you again.”
Ling’s grip tightened around Orm’s hands. “I know you want to protect me, but fighting her won’t erase what happened. And it won’t stop her from trying again.”
Orm’s jaw clenched. “I couldn’t do nothing, Ling. I can’t just sit back and let her think she can keep hurting you. I hate her so much”
Ling sighed, her thumbs brushing over Orm’s bruised knuckles, her voice softer now. “I know. And I love you for it. But I don’t want you to carry this weight alone.” She cupped Orm’s face, forcing her to meet her gaze. “We’ll handle her together. You and me.”
Orm swallowed hard, the anger inside her unraveling bit by bit under Ling’s touch. She closed her eyes for a moment, leaning into her warmth, breathing her in.
“I just hate that she still has this hold over me,” Orm whispered.
Ling pressed a gentle kiss against Orm’s forehead. “She doesn’t. Not anymore.”
And in that moment, Orm wanted to believe her.
Night had fallen, casting a soft, golden hue over their bedroom. The TV flickered dimly in the background, but neither of them was really watching. The only sound filling the space was the quiet rhythm of their breathing, the unspoken emotions between them settling like dust in the air.
Orm lay on her back, one arm resting behind her head, the other wrapped around Ling, who was nestled against her side. Her fingers traced slow, absentminded patterns along Ling’s back, grounding herself in the steady rise and fall of her breath.
Ling shifted slightly, tilting her head to look up at Orm. “You’re thinking too much.”
Orm let out a soft chuckle. “Can’t help it.”
Ling propped her chin on Orm’s chest, studying her. “This is about Popor, isn’t it?”
Orm hesitated, then shook her head. “No… it’s something else.”
Ling waited patiently, her fingers ghosting over Orm’s collarbone. “Then tell me.”
Orm swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. She hadn’t planned to say this tonight, but the words had been sitting on the edge of her tongue since she saw Ling earlier, since she felt her warmth against her in bed.
“I love you.” The words were steady, but her heart pounded as she continued. “I love you so much that it terrifies me sometimes.”
Ling’s expression softened, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on Orm’s skin. “That’s not terrifying, Orm. That’s beautiful.”
Orm exhaled slowly, her free hand brushing a stray strand of hair from Ling’s face. “I never thought I’d have this. You. Us. After everything, I didn’t think I deserved it.”
Ling frowned, shaking her head as if to dismiss the thought entirely. “Orm—”
“But I want it,” Orm cut in, her voice firmer now. “I want you. Every day, every moment. I want to wake up next to you for the rest of my life. I want us to raise our dogs together, maybe even have kids one day. I want forever with you.”
Ling’s breath hitched. She hadn’t expected this—hadn’t expected Orm to say it first. But it was everything she had been hoping to hear.
She cupped Orm’s face, her thumbs brushing against her cheeks. “Orm…”
But before Orm could keep going, Ling suddenly shifted, pressing a hand to her lips to stop her words.
Orm blinked in surprise. “What—”
“Stop.” Ling’s voice was soft but firm, a small, almost amused smile tugging at her lips. “You’re ruining my surprise.”
Orm frowned. “What?”
Ling sighed dramatically, shaking her head before leaning down to press a slow, teasing kiss to Orm’s lips. “You weren’t supposed to say all that first.”
Orm tilted her head, confused but intrigued. “Why not?”
Ling smirked. “Because I had something planned. I asked Mae and Papa Oct for their blessing.”
Orm’s breath caught in her throat. “You… what?”
Ling smiled, her fingers gently tracing the line of Orm’s jaw. “I was going to ask you, Orm. I had it all planned, and now you’re getting ahead of me.”
Orm stared at her, stunned. Her heartbeat was erratic, her mind struggling to catch up. “Wait—you were going to propose to me?”
Ling nodded, her voice playful but full of sincerity. “I was. And I still am.”
Orm let out a breathless laugh, her arms tightening around Ling’s waist. “Are you serious?”
Ling rolled her eyes but leaned in, their noses brushing as she whispered, “I want to marry you, Orm Kornnaphat.”
Orm swallowed hard, feeling like she might actually lose her mind. “Say it again.”
Ling grinned. “I want to marry you.”
A slow, disbelieving smile spread across Orm’s face before she pulled Ling into a deep, desperate kiss, pouring every ounce of love she had into it.
When they finally pulled apart, breathless and tangled in each other, Orm whispered, “I’ve never wanted anything more.”
Ling smirked, brushing her lips lightly against Orm’s one more time. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me.”
Orm chuckled, flipping them over so that Ling was pinned beneath her. “Forever?”
Ling cupped Orm’s cheek, her voice steady, her heart certain. “Forever.”
And in that moment, every fear, every doubt, every shadow of the past faded into nothing.
Because this was real. This was theirs. And nothing—not even Popor—could take it away from them. After a moment, Ling started laughing on her own and landed a kiss on Orm’s leps before saying:
“I can’t believe you ruined my proposal baby” she kisses her again, smiling in the kiss. Orm grabs the back of Ling’s neck to deepened the kis, they were both lost in each other and Orm steps back a bit, leaning her forehead on Ling’s:
“I don’t regret it for a bit” she answers smoothly before climbing on top of Ling and kissing her passionately.
Later that evening The night was still, but Orm’s mind was anything but. She sat on the couch in their apartment, the glow of her phone screen illuminating her face in the dim room. Ling was still in the shower, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside Orm.
She stared at the message again, fingers tightening around the device.
Unknown Number:
You should see this.
I’d hate for you to be blindsided again.
Attached were several photos. Ling, dressed casually, sitting in a quiet café. Across from her sat a man—someone familiar. Her ex, Win.
Orm’s stomach twisted painfully, even if the photos seemed to be familiar.
The text continued:
Unknown Number:
Funny how history goes, huh? Are you sure she chose you? Maybe you should ask her if she’s truly sure about you.
Orm clenched her jaw, exhaling sharply through her nose. She knew this was Popor. Who else would go this far to get under her skin?
She wanted to delete the message, throw her phone across the room, ignore it—because she knew Ling. She knew her better than anyone.
And yet…
A dark, unwelcome whisper crawled into her mind.
What if you’re not enough for her?
What if she realized she made a mistake?
What if she deserves someone who never hurt her?
Orm shook her head, trying to silence her own thoughts. They were practically engaged from christ sake. No. Ling chose her. They had built something real.
But the ghosts of her past mistakes wouldn’t stop haunting her. She didn’t even realize she was gripping her phone so tightly until Ling’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.
“You’re thinking too much. What’s wrong my love?”
Orm looked up to see Ling leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, hair damp from the shower. She was wearing Orm’s old t-shirt, one far too big for her, falling off one shoulder. Normally, the sight alone would have melted Orm’s heart.
Tonight, it only made her feel guilty.
Ling tilted her head, studying her. “What’s wrong?”
Orm forced a smile. “Nothing. Just tired.”
Ling didn’t buy it. Not for a second.
“You’re lying.” She padded over, standing between Orm’s legs where she sat. Her fingers brushed through Orm’s hair, soothing. “Talk to me.”
Orm hesitated. She hated this. Hated letting Popor win, letting the past creep into what they had built.
“I got a message,” she finally admitted, voice low.
Ling frowned. “From who?”
Orm hesitated before flipping her phone around, showing the photos.
Ling took one glance at the screen before her entire expression shifted.
Her frown deepened. “Where did you get this?”
Orm inhaled sharply. “Popor. Or at least, someone working for her.”
Ling let out a dry laugh, more anger than humor. “Unbelievable. She’s still trying? I swear I don’t know what to do with her anymore. But you know these photos with Win is nothing right? These are frpm months ago”
Orm rubbed her face, exhaling. “That’s why they looked familiar… Ling, I know it’s nothing. I know you love me. But I can’t lie and say it didn’t get to me for a second.”
Ling’s face softened at Orm’s honesty. “You thought I was hiding something?”
Orm didn’t answer right away. She hated this part of herself—the part that still struggled to believe she deserved Ling’s love.
“I don’t know,” she admitted quietly. “I trust you, but a part of me… it still whispers that one day you might realize I’m not enough.”
Ling’s chest ached at the vulnerability in Orm’s voice. She immediately grabbed her phone, unlocking it and calling Win right in front of Orm.
Orm’s eyes widened. “Ling, you don’t have to—”
But the call had already connected.
“Hey, what’s up?” the man’s voice answered casually.
Ling put the phone on speaker. “Quick question,” she said, voice calm but firm. “Have you and I talked about anything other than business in the past five years?”
A confused pause. “Uh… no? Is something wrong?”
Ling continued. “And did I say anything to you recently that would make you think I have doubts about my relationship?”
Another pause, then a chuckle. “Ling, are you joking? You spent half the meeting gushing about Orm.”
Orm’s breath caught.
Ling smirked, shaking her head. “Yeah, thought so. Thanks.” She hung up and tossed the phone aside.
Then she cupped Orm’s face, looking her directly in the eyes.
“I. Chose. You.” Her voice was steady, unwavering. “Not him. Not anyone else.”
Orm swallowed, something heavy lifting from her chest. “I’m sorry I let her get in my head.”
Ling shook her head. “No. You don’t have to apologize for that. Just don’t let her win. She wants to make you doubt us. But, Orm?” She leaned in, pressing their foreheads together. “There is nothing—**nothing—**that could make me stop loving you.”
Orm closed her eyes, exhaling against Ling’s lips. “I love you.”
Ling smiled. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me.”
Orm chuckled softly, pulling her closer, kissing her like a silent apology, a silent promise.
Popor had tried one last time to break them. She failed. Again.
Because this time, Orm wasn’t running. She was staying. With Ling.
Forever.
___________________
The city of Bangkok was alive with excitement. The grand premiere of Orm’s highly anticipated movie was the event of the night, with fans gathering in crowds outside the venue, cameras flashing, and media buzzing with anticipation.
Inside their car, Ling watched Orm with quiet admiration. Dressed in an elegant black suit, perfectly tailored, Orm exuded effortless confidence. But Ling saw beyond the polished exterior—she saw the woman she loved, the one who worked tirelessly for this moment, the one who still got nervous before stepping onto a stage, even if she’d never admit it.
“You ready for this?” Ling asked, reaching over to squeeze Orm’s hand.
Orm glanced at her, her lips curving into a soft smile. “With you by my side? Always.”
Ling chuckled. “Damn right.”
The car pulled up to the red carpet, and the moment the doors opened, the crowd erupted. Fans screamed their names, cameras flashed in a frenzy, and the event hosts were already waiting to welcome them.
Stepping out together, hand in hand, Orm and Ling moved effortlessly, like they were made for this. It wasn’t just about Orm’s film tonight—it was another moment where they showed the world exactly who they were.
The power couple of Thailand.
The premiere unfolded perfectly. Orm’s film was met with applause, critics already buzzing with early praise. Ling sat beside her in the theater, stealing glances at Orm’s face, loving how absorbed she was in her own work, how proud yet humbled she looked as the credits rolled.
When the lights came back on, Orm turned to Ling with an excited yet nervous look. “What did you think?”
Ling smirked, leaning in to whisper, “You were incredible. Sexy, talented, and completely mine.”
Orm laughed, shaking her head. “I was going for ‘great actress,’ but I’ll take that too.”
The after-party was elegant yet buzzing with excitement. Industry giants, fellow actors, and friends surrounded Orm, congratulating her. Ling watched from the sidelines for a moment, sipping her drink, loving how Orm thrived in moments like this.
“You’re staring,” Junji teased, nudging her.
Ling smirked, not looking away. “Let me stare at my fiancée in peace.”
Junji chuckled. “I still can’t believe you two managed to propose to each other at the same time. I was this close to blurt out everything when she talked about marriage in the car”
Ling rolled her eyes playfully. “It’s called being soulmates. Don’t worry I still plan to propose correctly, I didn’t gave the right ring, but it is still an engagement ring”
Junji pretended to gag. “Too sweet Ling, two engagement rings, how rich are you my friend? I need a drink.”
Ling just laughed, eyes locked on Orm, who was already looking back at her. No matter how many people surrounded them, they always found each other.
Soon, they were led to the press area, where cameras and microphones were waiting. Orm took the lead, answering questions about the film, her role, and her experience working on such a massive project.
Then, as expected, the Popor question came up.
A journalist cleared their throat before carefully asking, “Orm, considering the recent legal drama surrounding Popor’s accusations and threats, how do you feel about finally putting that chapter behind you? Did you know she was going on trial for misinformation spreading?”
Orm’s expression didn’t falter. She had been expecting this.
She gave a calm yet firm response. “I don’t care about this woman.That situation is in the past where it belongs. I’m focused on my work, my happiness, and my future. That’s all that matters to me and it is Ling.”
Ling, standing beside her, gave an approving nod.
But just when they thought the conversation was shifting back to the movie, another journalist, sharp-eyed and grinning, caught sight of something on both their hands.
’Orm,” they asked, voice filled with curiosity. “Is that an engagement ring on your finger?”
The room seemed to pause for a second. The cameras zoomed in on their hands—matching, elegant rings, shimmering under the lights.
Orm and Ling glanced at each other, a knowing smirk shared between them.
Ling, ever the tease, held up her hand slightly and answered smoothly, “Maybe. Maybe not.”
Orm played along, her own smirk growing. “Guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”
And just like that, the internet broke again.