My Last And My Only

Chapter 188: Back to Reality

The first rays of morning filtered through the living room windows, bathing the quiet house in a soft golden glow.

Ivy stepped out of her room, still fastening the strap of her watch as she made her way toward the kitchen.

She stopped.

Someone was asleep on the couch.

Curled beneath a neatly folded throw blanket was Khae, one arm draped over her eyes.

Ivy blinked in surprise.

Khae?

She hadn't expected to find her there.

For a brief moment, she simply watched the young woman sleeping peacefully.

Then she remembered.

Last night.

Aiah had come home much later than expected.

So...

Khae had driven her home.

Despite the late hour, she hadn't let Aiah travel alone.

A small smile tugged at Ivy's lips.

She was still concerned about how late they had been out, but she couldn't deny how responsible that decision had been.

She approached quietly.

"Khae."

No response.

"Khae."

This time, Khae stirred, blinking sleepily before immediately sitting upright.

"Tita Ivy."

Realizing where she was, she straightened almost instinctively.

"Good morning."

"Good morning," Ivy greeted with a gentle smile.

"Did you sleep well? You should've stayed in Aiah's room."

Khae nodded.

"I did. Thank you for letting me stay."

Ivy took the armchair across from her.

"I was wondering..."

Khae already knew what was coming.

"What time did you and Aiah get back?"

She rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly.

"...Quite late."

Ivy raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm"

Khae let out an embarrassed laugh.

"I'm sorry, Tita."

"What happened?"

Khae looked down for a moment before answering honestly.

"We... lost track of time."

It was the truth.

Just not the entire story.

"Our anniversary dinner went longer than we expected, and by the time we realized how late it was..." she sighed softly. "It was already past midnight."

Ivy studied her expression.

Khae met her gaze without hesitation.

"I know I should've brought Aiah home earlier."

There was genuine remorse in her voice.

"I take full responsibility."

After a quiet pause, Ivy sighed.