CH - 31

The sound of birds chirping gently seeped in through the window, waking Ling from her restless sleep. She blinked a few times, trying to gather her half-conscious mind. Lazily, she shifted into a sitting position and stretched her stiff muscles, sore from spending the night on the narrow sofa.

It had been three days since the cold tension between her and Orm began, and there was no sign of Orm softening. Orm's rule forbidding her from sleeping in their bedroom forced Ling to continue sleeping on the sofa every night. The atmosphere between them was tense; Orm spoke only when necessary, saying just the words that needed to be said—without a trace of warmth.

Ling rubbed her face, hoping the gesture would chase away the lingering drowsiness. Taking a deep breath, she got up from the sofa and carefully walked toward the bedroom. The watch on her wrist showed it was already eight in the morning. Reaching the door, she slowly turned the handle and peeked inside. There, she saw Orm just stepping out of the bathroom, her damp hair cascading down her back.

Clearing her throat, Ling felt awkward in front of Orm, who barely spoke to her these days. "I... I just came to grab some clothes," she said hesitantly. Orm only responded with a slight nod, not even looking directly at Ling. Her gaze was deliberately diverted elsewhere, as if Ling’s presence meant nothing.

Ling slowly opened her wardrobe, grabbing a pair of pants and a t-shirt to wear. But before leaving, she gathered the courage to glance at Orm and ask softly, “How long do you plan to stay mad at me?”

Orm briefly turned her head and, with a cold tone, asked back, "Who's mad?"

Ling let out a quiet sigh, feeling like she had just hit an invisible wall. "No one," she answered awkwardly, feeling even more cornered. Without another word, she hurried into the bathroom, leaving behind the lingering silence between them.

After spending a few minutes freshening up, Ling stepped out of the bathroom, now dressed and feeling somewhat more awake. She walked to the kitchen, hoping the atmosphere there would be a little more welcoming. To her surprise, Orm was already setting the table, preparing breakfast.

"Hmm... The fried rice looks really good," Ling said, attempting to lighten the mood with a compliment. "I can't wait to try it," she added, taking a seat at the dining table with a forced bright expression.

Orm remained distant, glancing at Ling briefly without a word. However, she still sat across from Ling and, without much effort in conversation, scooped some fried rice onto Ling's plate.

Ling smiled faintly, though her smile felt more bittersweet than joyful. "Thank you," she murmured softly yet sincerely, even though she knew Orm probably wouldn’t respond. At the very least, Orm’s actions were a small sign of care that Ling could still cling to in the middle of this cold war.

She took slow bites of her food, occasionally stealing glances at Orm, who sat across from her. Unlike Ling, who was trapped in silence, Orm seemed to be enjoying her morning with a lighthearted air. A faint smile graced her lips, making her look peaceful and absorbed—especially as her fingers kept busy typing on her phone screen.

Orm was completely engrossed, barely acknowledging Ling's presence. That smile remained on her face, occasionally turning into a quiet chuckle, as if whatever she was looking at was amusing or delightful. Ling, who had been watching her all this time, grew more curious.

"Who could be making her smile so early in the morning?" Ling wondered, trying to suppress the growing curiosity. Her gaze lingered on Orm, searching for any clue in her expression that could provide an answer.

Biting her lower lip, Ling debated whether she should ask or just stay quiet. But each time she was about to speak, hesitation held her back, fearing she might only make things worse.

"Uhmm..." Ling cleared her throat softly, hoping to at least catch Orm’s attention. However, Orm merely raised an eyebrow briefly, glanced at Ling, then returned to her own world. Ling resumed eating, trying to focus on her meal, but it was hard to shake off the thoughts circling in her mind.

After breakfast, Orm stood up and started clearing the table, gathering the dirty dishes and bringing them to the sink. Meanwhile, Ling, now dressed for work, stepped into the kitchen and stood there silently, watching Orm wash the dishes. She simply observed, taking in the sight of Orm moving so calmly and efficiently, as if the simple task gave her a sense of peace.

The silence between them was broken by the sudden cheerful voice of Best, Ling's assistant, calling out from the kitchen entrance. “Good morning~!” Best's bright greeting filled the space, bringing a little life into the air.

“Good morning, P'Best.” Orm responded with a warm smile before returning her focus to the dishes.

Best approached, offering Ling a professional yet friendly smile. “Today's schedule only includes a few photoshoots for brand endorsements. Orm, do you want to accompany Ling to work today?” she asked casually after summarizing Ling’s agenda for the day.

After finishing the dishes, Orm grabbed a towel to dry her hands before stepping closer to them. “No, Phi. I haven't been feeling well since yesterday,” Orm replied softly with a faint smile.

Ling’s expression immediately turned worried. She stepped closer, her gaze filled with concern as she lifted a hand to check Orm’s forehead. “Are you feeling sick?” she asked gently.

But Orm subtly moved Ling’s hand away and shook her head. “I'm fine… Maybe just tired because of the pregnancy,” she reassured, trying to ease Ling’s concern.

Best, who had been observing them closely, started to piece things together. Smiling slightly, she said, “Pregnancy does make the body tire more easily. But sometimes, a short outing can help refresh you, Orm.” Then, turning to Ling, she playfully added, “As a good partner, you should spend more time with your pregnant wife.”

Ling looked at Best for a moment, as if an idea had sparked in her mind. “Can we reschedule all of today’s appointments, Phi? I want to take Orm out for a walk together,” she suggested.

Best hesitated slightly but nodded. “It’s possible, but the brand might see you as unprofessional for canceling at the last minute,” she replied cautiously.

“That’s fine. Let’s move everything to tomorrow,” Ling reaffirmed, her tone decisive.

But before Best could respond, Orm quickly cut in. “Don’t,” she said firmly. Her eyes met Ling’s with a sharp gaze. “Phi, you should just go to work. After all, as a PROFESSIONAL actress, you can't just cancel or reschedule work commitments for personal reasons, can you?” Her voice was soft yet laced with a subtle sting.

Ling looked taken aback by Orm’s words. “B-but…” she tried to argue, struggling to find the right words that wouldn’t sound too pushy.

Orm sighed, then spoke with a firmer tone, “Just go to work, P’Ling.”

Ling hesitated for a moment, then nodded with a small smile. “Alright,” she said, accepting Orm’s decision. “I’ll go to work and come home as soon as possible.” Gently, she leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Orm’s forehead before stepping away.

Best and Ling exited the house, heading toward the car parked outside. Silence accompanied their steps until Best finally broke it. “Are you still fighting with Orm?” she asked carefully, watching Ling’s weary expression.

Ling let out a long sigh, her face heavy with emotions. “Yeah, she’s still upset about the GL film I accepted,” she admitted quietly. She paused for a moment, as if weighing something serious in her mind. “Should I cancel the film to fix things with Orm?”

Best furrowed her brows and looked at Ling with understanding. “If Orm is acting this way, it means she really doesn’t like it,” she said in a calm but firm tone. “Sometimes, in life, we have to make choices. We can't have everything we want without considering how it affects others. Someone will always get hurt if we only think about ourselves.”

Ling fell silent, letting Best’s words sink in. She stared at the empty road ahead, searching for answers that refused to come. Her heart felt heavier than ever.

Seeing Ling’s hesitation, Best tried to offer some advice. “Why don’t you ask Khun Dew for advice before deciding to cancel the film? Maybe she can talk to Orm. At the very least, she can help explain why you want to be involved in this GL film project,” Best said, her voice gentle but full of conviction.

Ling nodded slowly, though uncertainty still clouded her heart. “Alright… I’ll talk to Khun Dew later,” she replied weakly. Once again, a deep sigh escaped her lips—she had lost count of how many times she had sighed that morning.

Best gave her a small smile and patted her shoulder lightly, offering encouragement to the friend he already considered a little sister. “Come on, let’s go now. Don’t let this weigh on your mind all day,” she said, nodding toward the car.

The two of them got into the car, and Best started the engine. The vehicle slowly pulled away from Ling’s house, carrying them toward a day packed with work. Inside, both of them fell into a quiet silence, lost in their own thoughts. Best, who occasionally glanced at Ling in the passenger seat, knew all too well that his friend was struggling to balance her dreams with her relationship with Orm.

After a few minutes, Best broke the silence. “Ling,” she called softly, prompting her to turn to her. “No matter what happens, remember that your choices reflect what matters most to you. If your decision comes from a sincere heart, I believe Orm will eventually understand,” she continued, trying to reassure her.

Ling only nodded slowly, but behind her seemingly composed expression, there was an undeniable worry she couldn’t hide. Though she tried to accept that life was about making choices, she knew that this time, her decision could have a significant impact on the relationship she had nurtured with love and care with Orm.

•••••

After spending the entire day in multiple photoshoots for various brands, Ling could finally breathe a sigh of relief. The shoot was over, and she could finally enjoy the rest she had been longing for. She sat down on a chair, closed her eyes for a moment, then reached out to Best for her phone, hoping to call Orm and hear her soothing voice.

However, just as she unlocked the screen, a notification from Instagram immediately caught her attention. Ling had always kept notifications on for Orm’s account, and she noticed that Orm was currently doing a live broadcast.

“Huh?” Ling murmured, furrowing her brows in curiosity.

As she started watching the live stream, her expression shifted from curiosity to irritation. Orm was at a café with Ying, smiling and joking around. Ling felt a wave of annoyance. Orm hadn’t mentioned going out today, let alone meeting Ying alone.

She kept watching the live stream, not even caring that she was viewing it from her personal account. The comment section was flooded with messages from fans, many of whom said Orm and Ying looked good together. Some even praised how attentive Ying was toward Orm. But what made Ling feel even more uncomfortable was when Orm read one of the comments and responded, “P’Ling is busy with work, so I went out with P’Ying.”

Feeling her emotions surge, Ling exited the live stream and immediately tried calling Orm. However, her calls were repeatedly declined. Her frustration grew, and she began leaving comments on Orm’s live stream, asking where she was. But none of her comments were acknowledged.

“Khun Best,” Ling’s voice was flat, barely concealing her irritation. “Let’s go home now.”

Best glanced at her, sensing something was wrong. “Do you really want to go home now, Khun Ling?” she asked, confirming her decision.

“Yes, and let’s pick up Orm on the way,” Ling replied as she stood up and walked off. Best followed without further questions, respectfully adjusting his pace to match hers.

On their way to the café where Orm was, Ling continued watching the live stream, determined not to miss anything. Luckily, one of the viewers mentioned the name of the café, and Ling immediately asked Best to speed up, making sure they wouldn’t be too late to confront Orm.

When they finally arrived and parked outside the café, Ling quickly got out of the car. She spotted Orm stepping out with Ying, who still had a playful smile on her face.

“P’Ling,” Orm looked slightly surprised to see Ling suddenly appear before her.

“Sawadeekha, Khun Ling,” Ying greeted Ling with a mischievous tone, her smile playful.

But Ling ignored Ying’s greeting, her eyes locked onto Orm. “Why are you two meeting alone?” she asked, her voice cold and sharp.

Orm seemed caught off guard, but before she could respond, Ying casually stepped in. “Orm said she was bored, so we decided to meet up. It’s been a while since I last saw my little sister,” Ying replied, smiling as she playfully pinched Orm’s cheek.

The sight made Ling even more uncomfortable. She immediately brushed Ying’s hand away from Orm’s face. “Could you not touch my wife? Show some manners,” Ling said, her gaze sharp.

“Oh? So you’re jealous just because I touched her?” Ying responded calmly. “Can you imagine how Orm felt when you touched other women? Especially the actress who’s going to be your co-star in that film?”

Ying’s words echoed in Ling’s mind, leaving her momentarily speechless.

“You do realize that I have Prikhing, and Orm has you, right? So what exactly are you afraid of when it comes to our friendship?” Ying continued, questioning Ling’s jealousy.

Just then, a voice called out from behind them, drawing Ling’s attention. “Oh… Sawadeekha, P’Ling.”

View, Prikhing, and Milk were approaching them.

Ling politely returned their greeting despite the storm brewing inside her.

Ying spoke again, “We weren’t alone, Ling. I wouldn’t meet up with someone’s wife one-on-one.” Her tone was calm, as if explaining something obvious.

Sensing the tension in the air, Orm gently grabbed Ling’s hand, trying to ease the situation. “Well then, I’ll head home now. Thanks for keeping me company today,” she said to Ying and their friends. Then, turning to Ling, she held her hand more firmly. “P’Ling, let’s go home.”

Ling nodded and followed Orm to the car. Though Orm had to tug her along slightly, Ling eventually gave in, and they got into the car, leaving Best to drive separately.

The ride home was silent, both lost in thought. Ling stared straight ahead, but after a while, she finally spoke. “Why didn’t you tell me you were going out?” she asked softly, trying to contain her emotions.

Orm looked out the window, avoiding Ling’s gaze. “Why should I? You made the decision to join the GL film without telling me,” she responded coldly.

Ling let out a heavy sigh, guilt creeping into her heart. This topic had resurfaced—the very thing that had sparked their silent war.

Silence filled the car again until Ling finally said, “I’ll cancel my contract for the GL film.”

Orm turned to her, slightly surprised. “Why? I already told you that I’m fine with it because it’s something you want.”

Ling remained quiet, replaying Ying’s words in her mind. “Ying was right…” she murmured. “Just seeing you with Ying, who already has a partner, makes me jealous. Imagine if I were in your shoes, watching me with another woman every day, even if it was just for work. I’d feel even more jealous.”

Orm didn’t respond immediately, but her gaze softened.

Ling continued, “Being part of a love team in a GL film means I’d have to act romantic on screen for a long time. And I don’t think I can handle that.”

She exhaled slowly, letting the tense atmosphere between them gradually settle. Holding Orm’s hand gently, she made it clear that her words came from a place of sincerity. This wasn’t an easy decision, but for the sake of Orm’s peace of mind and their relationship’s future, she was willing to step back from such a huge opportunity.

“But isn’t starring in a GL film something you wanted to do to expand your career?” Orm asked, her voice soft, laced with concern. Her clear eyes searched Ling’s, as if trying to read her true feelings.

Ling slowed the car down and turned to Orm, momentarily disregarding the road ahead. “It is, but… I don’t mind sacrificing that. Losing this opportunity is better than losing you in the future,” she said with heartfelt sincerity.

Hearing this, Orm lowered her gaze for a moment, touched by Ling’s words. “You’ll never lose me, unless death separates us,” she replied, her voice firm yet gentle.

“I know,” Ling nodded. “But after thinking it through, I believe rejecting this contract is the right choice. I don’t want our relationship to keep facing conflicts like this.” She reached out, holding Orm’s hand tightly, reinforcing her decision. “I’m sorry for making the decision alone before talking to you. I promise I won’t do it again, and I’ll call Khun Dew soon to discuss it.”

Orm squeezed Ling’s hand in return, their eyes locking in a moment of deep understanding. Guilt flickered in Orm’s expression, but she tried to brush it away with a genuine smile. “Are you really sure about canceling? I don’t want to be the reason you’re holding back in your career, P’Ling.”

Ling smiled softly before placing a gentle kiss on the back of Orm’s hand, conveying the depth of her affection. “I’m sure, love. Don’t feel guilty. This isn’t your fault.” She added playfully, “There are plenty of ways to grow in this industry. Besides, I’m already considered a senior actress. There are many other opportunities ahead that won’t require me to sacrifice our happiness.”

Orm smiled, nodding slowly. Relief washed over her face. With eyes filled with warmth, she softly said, “Thank you for everything, P’Ling. I really appreciate what you’re doing for us.”

Ling simply nodded in return, her warm smile speaking volumes. Their journey home continued, wrapped in a newfound sense of peace and understanding.

•••••

Orm woke up in the middle of the night. With her eyes still half-open, she turned to look at Ling, who was peacefully asleep beside her. Ling's face appeared calm and serene in her slumber. A small smile formed on Orm's lips as warmth filled her heart, just as it always did whenever she saw Ling by her side.

Slowly, she reached for her phone on the bedside table and shifted her position, leaning against the headboard. The clock showed one in the morning. She unlocked her phone and opened TikTok, hoping to find something entertaining to lull her back to sleep. She kept the volume as low as possible so it wouldn't disturb Ling’s sleep.

As she scrolled through the videos on her feed, a soft rumble came from her stomach, reminding her of an unfulfilled hunger. She swallowed, realizing how easily she could be tempted after seeing a food video. Pregnancy had heightened her sensitivity to cravings, and tonight, her mind was filled with the thought of something spicy and flavorful. "At a time like this… a hot and spicy seafood tom yum would be perfect," she murmured to herself, absentmindedly rubbing her belly.

At first, Orm tried to ignore the craving, but the thought of the rich, tangy, and spicy broth kept lingering in her mind. The desire grew stronger until she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep without satisfying it.

In a soft voice, Orm tried to wake Ling. She knew it was a bit troublesome, but the hunger was too distracting to ignore. "P’Ling… baby…" she called gently, making sure her voice was just loud enough for Ling to hear.

Ling stirred slightly, her heavy eyelids fluttering open before turning to Orm. Her drowsy eyes looked confused for a moment as she tried to grasp why Orm had woken her up in the middle of the night. "What is it, love?" she asked in a husky voice, still thick with sleep.

Orm bit her lip, feeling a little guilty, but she smiled apologetically. "Sorry, P’Ling… I just… really, really want seafood tom yum right now," she said softly, her voice filled with hope.

Ling blinked, processing the request. She glanced at Orm, who was looking at her with pleading eyes, her expression full of innocent longing. A quiet chuckle escaped Ling's lips before she sat up and rubbed her face to shake off the sleepiness. "Seafood tom yum? At this hour?" she teased, though she knew very well that this wasn’t just a random craving—Orm’s pregnancy often led to sudden and unpredictable food desires.

Orm nodded slowly, her eyes still sparkling with anticipation. "Yes… I saw it on TikTok earlier… I'm sorry for bothering you, but I really, really want it right now," she admitted, her voice sweet yet firm in expressing her craving.

Ling smiled and reached for Orm’s hand, gently rubbing it. "Alright, then. I’ll find some for you. Anything for you and our little one," she said before getting out of bed, grabbing a warm jacket, and picking up her car keys.

Orm beamed with happiness, her face glowing with gratitude. "Thank you, P’Ling. I promise I won’t bother you again after this," she said playfully.

Ling nodded with a small smile. "I’ll be back soon," she reassured before heading out, determined to fulfill this simple yet meaningful request.

Outside, the cool night air greeted her, but the thought of making Orm happy kept her warm. She drove around, searching for a place that was still open and serving seafood tom yum.

After a while, she finally found a small eatery that was still operating. Without hesitation, she placed an order, making sure the dish was just right—hot, flavorful, and packed with the perfect balance of tangy and spicy. Satisfied, she headed home, excited to bring Orm exactly what she had been craving.

Ling walked quickly to the kitchen as soon as she arrived home. She carefully poured the steaming tom yum into a bowl, the rich aroma filling the air. She inhaled the scent, imagining how delighted Orm would be. Holding the bowl with care, she made her way back to their bedroom, eager to see Orm’s reaction.

As she gently pushed the door open, she smiled. "Baby~ I got your—" Her words trailed off when she saw Orm sound asleep on the bed. Her phone was still on, playing the video she had been watching before drifting off.

Ling let out a quiet chuckle, warmth spreading through her chest. "She said she was starving, but now she's fast asleep," she murmured to herself, shaking her head fondly. "Pregnancy moods sure are unpredictable."

She set the bowl of tom yum on the bedside table, making sure not to make any noise. Carefully, she took Orm’s phone from her hands and turned off the screen before placing it next to the food.

Ling then adjusted the blanket over Orm, ensuring she was warm and comfortable. She ran her fingers gently through Orm’s hair, watching her peaceful expression as she slept.

After making sure Orm was cozy, Ling left the room with the tom yum, bringing it to the dining table. She sat down, still smiling as she took a sip of the flavorful broth. Though things hadn’t gone exactly as planned, she still felt happy knowing she could take care of Orm—even if, in the end, she was the one enjoying the meal instead.