"Have you been waiting long?" Kaivan asked when he met Khayra at a restaurant not far from his office.
"No, sir."
"Have you ordered yet?" Kaivan asked.
"Before we eat, I'd like to discuss my conditions," Khayra said, pulling an envelope from her bag and handing it to him.
Kaivan opened the envelope and read the contents of the contract.
"The conditions from the second party are as follows: First, respect each other's decisions and private lives. Second, the second party will not perform the duties of a wife in serving her husband. Third, once the second party becomes pregnant, the first party has no right to touch her. Fourth, the second party will not quit her job at the company. Fifth, remain faithful as long as the marriage lasts. Sixth, file for divorce immediately after the baby is born. Seventh, the child will remain with the second party until at least the age of five."
"I don't agree," Kaivan said after reading the list.
"Which part do you disagree with?" Khayra asked.
"Points three, six, and seven. I'm the one making the offer, so I'll be the one to decide when this marriage ends," Kaivan replied.
"Why? I don't want that."
"Khai, this marriage is legally valid in the eyes of the State and religion, so I want us to still act like a married couple until the divorce is finalized," Kaivan said.
"I will provide for all your needs—whether you choose to work or not, I won't interfere. I'll even help you get revenge on Yuda and Ziya. In return, do as I ask," Kaivan added.
"So when do you want our marriage to end?" Khayra asked.
"Only after the child I want is born, I will be the one to raise them," Kaivan said firmly.
Khayra exhaled. "Fine."
"Tomorrow, we'll meet my lawyer and amend the contract," Kaivan said.
Khayra had no other choice but to agree. She had already accepted his offer and couldn't back out now. At the very least, her heartbreak would soon be avenged.
Khayra stood between two graves surrounded by green grass. The names of her parents were engraved on the tombstones.
"Mom, Dad, I'm here," Khayra said. "At first, I didn't know what I would do next. I lost my sense of purpose. Even the people I trusted most betrayed and lied to me without hesitation. Honestly, I no longer have the courage to live with another man because of this trauma. But after thinking it through, I realized I need to avenge the pain caused by those who hurt and destroyed my life."
"Mom, Dad, you once told me to forgive others' mistakes, to be a good person so I'd receive good karma. But look at me now; my kindness has been taken advantage of, my goodwill belittled." Tears welled in Khayra's eyes as she remembered how her aunt and uncle never pressured her to cancel the wedding, nor did they demand anything from Yuda. Instead, they shamelessly used all the preparations she had made for her wedding to Yuda. The makeup artist she had already paid a deposit to, the decorations, everything she had prepared—only the bride had changed. It was no longer her.
Yes, that was how cruel they were—these people who claimed to love her, who said they were grateful for her, who had provided her food and shelter every day.
"For this once, Mom and Dad, let me take my revenge. Let me repay this pain, even if it's wrong. Maybe then, I won't feel this stabbing hurt every time I see them," Khayra murmured.
Khayra and Kaivan went to meet their lawyer. There, they finalized the contract terms and signed it.
"Alright, I'll keep the original, and you each can take a copy," Budi said, handing them the papers.
After handling the contract, they stepped out of Budi's office.
"Have you eaten?" Kaivan asked.
"Not yet. I came straight here," Khayra replied.
"Then let's eat first," Kaivan said, extending his hand toward her.
Khayra frowned. "W-what?" she asked innocently.
"You're my fiancée now. Am I not allowed to hold my fiancée's hand?" Kaivan teased.
Khayra finally took his hand.
"With me, you'll never feel heartbreak again. I'll treat you very well… especially in bed," Kaivan whispered, making Khayra's eyes widen in shock.
Kaivan chuckled at her adorable expression.
They walked toward the parking lot, and Kaivan opened the passenger door for her—something that genuinely surprised her.
"I didn't expect you to give acts of service. I thought all you could do was scold people," Khayra teased.
"I told you—you don't know me yet. You'll be happy with me. I'll treat you well, even if our marriage is just a contract," Kaivan said, making Khayra fall silent.
Not long after, they arrived at a restaurant and ordered their meals.
"Don't you have plans for the weekend?" Kaivan asked.
"I do," Khayra replied.
"Oh? With whom?" Kaivan asked.
"With my grumpy boss," Khayra said. "Aren't we out together right now? Because of you, my day off can't be used for resting."
"You really are different from the others, Turtle," Kaivan said.
"Oh, really? What's so different about me?" Khayra asked curiously.
"You're unique," he replied, making her chuckle. "And you're much chattier than I thought."
"Of course. I can talk for hours if I'm with someone who listens well," she said, making herself laugh again.
They chatted and enjoyed their food, occasionally bursting into laughter. One thing Khayra realized—Kaivan seemed to have two personalities: one for the office and another completely different one outside of it.
"Is the food good?" Kaivan asked.
"Yeah, it's pretty good," Khayra replied.
"Do women really like eating messily just so a man will wipe their lips for them?" Kaivan asked, making her frown in confusion—until he reached over and gently wiped a smudge of food from the corner of her lips.
"This is what I meant," Kaivan said, leaving Khayra momentarily stunned. Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly pushed the thought away.
"Thank you," Khayra said, returning her focus to her food. "If you don't mind me asking, what's your next plan?" she asked, changing the subject.
"My plan? Well, of course, to propose to you. Then introduce you to my family, and prepare the wedding. The sooner the better, right?" Kaivan said casually.
"Um… yeah, I guess so," Khayra replied.
"Khayra?" a voice called out, making her turn toward it. A man stood beside their table.
"Yuda?" Khayra murmured.
Kaivan turned to look at Yuda, who was equally shocked.
"Brother Kai?" Yuda blurted out, clearly stunned to see Kaivan there.
***