"That girl really has no shame."
Ratna was complaining to Sarah over the phone.
"Calm down, Na. Khayra would never do something disgraceful like that," Sarah replied from the other end.
"You're still defending her? I caught them myself—hugging each other on the bed. Do you think I'm lying?" Ratna said emotionally.
"Alright, alright. But you still need to meet and talk to Khayra. Where is she now?" Sarah asked.
"How should I know? Go ask her new boyfriend," Ratna scoffed. "I'm certain she's doing all this to get revenge because Ziya took Yuda away from her. Yuda is like a gold mine to that girl—coming from a wealthy family, with a law firm where he works."
Sarah stayed silent. She knew Khayra well and refused to believe she was capable of such a thing.
"Alright, I'll hang up now. I'll try to contact Khayra myself," Sarah said.
"Hmph, you always take her side," Ratna muttered irritably before ending the call.
"Come on, don't be mad anymore, babe. Forgive me," Andi coaxed.
"You're just like that slut. You even let yourself be tempted by her. Am I not enough for you in bed?" Ratna asked bitterly.
"Of course you are—the best. I'm sorry. But you know, as a man, sometimes I can't control myself when someone tempts me," Andi said, still trying to soothe her.
"Forget it. I'll call Ziya and check on her at the mansion," Ratna said, rising from her seat.
Khayra sat in her room, hugging her knees, lost in thought. Her phone rang, and "Aunt Sarah" appeared on the screen.
She picked it up. "Aunt Sarah?" The moment she heard the familiar voice, she could no longer hold back her tears. She cried openly.
"I know you're a strong woman," Sarah said gently. "And I believe those accusations aren't true. You would never seduce Andi."
"For God's sake, I never seduced him. Aunt Ratna kicked me out that day, so I decided to leave. But then Uncle Andi suddenly came into my room and attacked me. He almost… violated me," Khayra sobbed.
"My God… that vile man—after trying to harm you, he twists the story against you," Sarah said in shock.
"Aunt, is it true that I'm my mother Vena's stepdaughter?" Khayra asked.
There was silence on the other end. Sarah was taken aback by the question.
"Aunt?" Khayra called again.
"It's true, Khayra. You are Vena's stepdaughter. Your late father, Feri, brought you with him when they married. You were three years old then, and Vena loved you deeply. Sadly, during their marriage, Vena could never conceive until the accident happened. But whether you're her stepdaughter or biological daughter, Vena loved you, Khayra. You were her beloved child," Sarah said, making Khayra sob harder.
"Where are you now, dear? Come home to my place. You know my home will always be open to you," Sarah added.
"Yes, Aunt," Khayra replied, wiping her tears. "I'm at a friend's house right now. When I have a day off, I'll visit you. There's something I want to tell you too," she said.
"How are you feeling now? Don't stay sad and keep crying. You're not alone—Aunt Sarah and Uncle Iwan love you," Sarah reassured her.
"Thank you, Aunt. I'm… I'm okay," Khayra replied.
When the call ended, Khayra wiped her tears and hugged herself. For some reason, she felt unbearably lonely.
Kaivan walked into his quiet house, setting his jacket on the sofa before searching for Khayra.
"Khayr?" he called, but there was no answer.
He finally went to her room, finding the door unlocked. Inside, she was curled up on the bed like a child, clutching a photo frame tightly to her chest. Traces of tears lingered in the corners of her eyes.
Kaivan approached quietly, sitting beside her and gently brushing his hand over her hair.
"You shouldn't be like a slow turtle. Show them that even turtles can run and win ahead of everyone—so they'll stop belittling you and taking advantage of your kindness," he murmured.
Khayra blinked several times before her eyes opened fully.
"Mr. Kaivan?" she said softly.
"How are you feeling? Your voice is hoarse—have you been crying all this time?" he asked. She didn't answer.
"Go wash your face. Then come out—I'll make something for you," Kaivan instructed.
He left the room, and Khayra quickly got up to wash her face and tidy herself. She felt embarrassed knowing he'd seen her like that.
When she stepped out, she saw Kaivan in the kitchen, still in his work clothes, sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
From behind, his tall, broad-shouldered figure looked perfect. If only he weren't so cold and strict, he'd probably be every woman's crush at the office, she thought as she approached.
"Um, can I help with anything?" she asked, seeing how busy he was.
"No need. I don't like people interfering when I cook," Kaivan replied. "Sit."
She obeyed, and soon he brought over a mug filled with a dark brown liquid.
"Drink this—it'll soothe your hoarse throat," he said.
"Thank you," Khayra replied, taking a sip—only to cough, grimacing. Kaivan chuckled.
"What is this? It's spicy and bitter," she complained.
"It's a herbal remedy to warm your body and ease your throat," Kaivan explained, still amused as he handed her a glass of water.
"Ah… my throat hurts," she murmured.
"It'll pass. Finish it," he said firmly.
Khayra could only obey.
Kaivan took his coffee and sat across from her.
"Feeling better now?" he asked.
"Um… a bit," she replied.
"Good. Tomorrow, we're going to meet my parents and grandfather."
Thud.
***