"How can you two be together?"
Yuda's gaze shifted back and forth between Khayra and Kaivan. Khayra couldn't bring herself to speak—her heart was pounding with emotions. Accepting the truth didn't mean she had forgotten or forgiven the betrayal committed by the man standing before her.
"Khayra, what's your relationship with Brother Kai? What is all this?" Yuda asked, stepping toward her. But before he could take another step, Kaivan pressed a hand firmly against his chest.
"Don't even think about coming near her," Kaivan warned, then moved to stand beside Khayra, who still hadn't moved from her spot.
He could feel the slight tremor in her body and saw her clenched fists. She was holding herself back—from pain, from anger, and from the desire for revenge. Gently, Kaivan wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer to him.
"You can see for yourself how close we are, Yuda," Kaivan said, his gaze sharp.
"Khay? Is that true? You and Brother Kai?" Yuda asked, still hoping for a different answer.
"Our relationship is over. You have no right to question my personal life," Khayra replied firmly.
"I need to know, Khay," Yuda insisted.
"Let's get out of here," Khayra said softly, her eyes glistening.
"Yes," Kaivan replied without hesitation.
Without another word, Kaivan led her away, leaving Yuda standing there, looking furious.
"Khayra! I need an explanation! How can you just walk away like this?" Yuda called after them.
But Kaivan and Khayra were already gone.
Inside the car, Khayra sobbed quietly. Kaivan didn't try to stop her; he simply pulled out a tissue and handed it to her.
"How long are you going to keep crying? It's been five minutes," Kaivan said, sounding slightly impatient.
"I'm sorry… Could you just take me home?" Khayra asked.
"Are you going to keep crying over him, Khayr?" Kaivan asked.
"You don't understand how much it hurts. Five years isn't a short time—we went through so many trials together," she said through her sobs.
"And in the end, he left you the moment he succeeded. Come on, Khayr, stop fooling yourself," Kaivan said.
"I was foolish… I thought he was my home, the place I could take shelter in—but he was only passing through. The pain… it completely shattered me," Khayra said.
"The best ones never leave. If they leave, it means they were never the best for you. Understand that. Don't be weak. The weaker you are, the heavier your burdens will feel, and the harder it will be to rise again. So when will you finally get back up from all this pain and trauma?" Kaivan asked, his gaze locking on hers.
Their eyes held each other's. Khayra couldn't speak—only silent sobs escaped her as his intense gaze somehow felt strangely calming.
"Can I… just have a hug? Just for a moment," she whispered.
Kaivan leaned in and pulled her into his arms. He gently stroked her head, letting his warmth soothe her.
"You're home, Brother?" Ziya called out, still focused on her phone. But the moment she saw Yuda walk into the room, she quickly shoved her phone into the drawer and rushed toward him.
"Let me help you take off your shirt," Ziya offered, already reaching out.
"No need," Yuda replied coldly. He took his pajamas from the closet and headed straight into the bathroom.
Ziya could only stare at the closed door, her eyes filled with hurt.
Since they got married, Yuda had never really acknowledged her. They might share the same room, but they felt like strangers. Every night, he turned his back on her in bed. She had no idea what he spent hours looking at on his phone, ignoring her completely.
"How long will you keep ignoring me, Brother Yuda?" Ziya whispered, wiping away her tears and resting a hand on her still-flat belly.
Khayra was startled when she saw Kaivan at her house.
"Sir—"
"Call me by my name," Kaivan interrupted.
"Why are you here this late?" she asked, still surprised by his visit.
"Are your uncle and aunt home?" Kaivan asked.
"Um, yes. Please, come in," Khayra said, stepping aside to let him in. She then went inside to prepare some drinks and call her uncle and aunt.
Soon, Aunt Ratna, Uncle Andi, and Khayra were seated in the living room, waiting for Kaivan to speak.
"Uncle, Aunt, the reason I'm here is to ask for your niece's hand in marriage," Kaivan said firmly.
Ratna and Andi exchanged glances. His sudden visit was unexpected—especially with such a serious intention.
"If I may ask, have you known each other for long?" Ratna asked.
"For two years," Kaivan replied. "Khayra and I work at the same company. I'm her manager." His tone was serious.
"So, what is your answer to my proposal? If you agree, I'll come back soon with my parents," Kaivan said.
Khayra looked at him—he didn't seem like he was acting. He was completely serious.
"Khayra, what do you think?" Andi asked. "We're here as your guardians. The decision is yours, and we'll support whatever choice you make."
Khayra looked from Kaivan to her uncle and aunt.
"Yes, I accept," she said, making Ratna's eyes widen in shock. Ratna looked at her with deep concern.
"Are you sure, Khay? Please think about it carefully," Ratna urged.
"I'm sure, Aunt," Khayra replied firmly.
***