OFFICE DATE II

After dressing up, Kaye went down to join them for breakfast. She looked stunning despite the simple clothes she's wearing since she's born with a beautiful face and a slender legs. She was even scouted to become a model when she was in college but she didn't pursue such opportunity due to the scars she has.

Ivan looked at her with unblinking eyes which made Kaye blush even though she had prepared herself from being eyed. Well, she didn't prepare herself from Ivan's intense gaze.

"You're as beautiful as ever. Have a seat." Ivan pulled a chair beside him for Kaye to sit. He was more like a host instead of her.

"Kaye, learn from Ivan as much as possible. Even though we have a small company you still have to manage it." Robert reminded her daughter, but as much as possible, he wanted his daughter to be happy with Ivan.

"I understand Dad. No worries, I'll make sure to learn as much as I can." Kaye responded as she glided to the offered chair. She smiled at Ivan before putting foods on her plates.

Ivan was used to Kaye's appetite despite her small physique. She really eats a lot but she didn't get fat at all. Her metabolism works so fast so she never worry about getting fat.

"Should I bring my own car?" Kaye asked Ivan who was sitting beside her. She shoved a spoonful of food on her mouth while waiting for an answer.

"You don't have to. I'll send you home after work." Ivan answered as he pulled a tissue from the far side of the table and wiped the corner of Kaye's lips which got some gravy stain.

Kaye didn't shy away from his actions. This small gesture was so familiar to her since Ivan used to do this when she was young.

"I remember, you used to wipe my face while eating before. Still the same habit?" Kaye joked while eating. She place some shrimps on Ivan's plate as well. "Eat more."

"This habit just come up whenever you eat. Until now, you'd still get some gravy or whatever food on your face." Ivan responded to her with a faint laughter.

Kaye just smiled at him without saying anything. She didn't look at her parents too. She was afraid that they would see the emotions swirling in her eyes for the man in front of her.

After an hour, Ivan and Kaye set off towards Ivan's company. Chadwick and Yvonne went home as well since they still have to go to work in the afternoon.

"Ivan, I have a question. It's kinda personal, so it's fine if you won't answer." Kaye uttered suddenly while facing the window, looking at the scenery they passed by.

"Go ahead. I'll answer whatever question you have." Ivan responded before giving her a glance. Time to time, he would check on her to make sure she isn't bored with him.

Kaye turned her body to face him. She leaned her side on the back of her seat and stared at him. "Why did you call auntie Yve, 'mom'? Isn't your mother auntie Grace?" Kaye's voice was low, almost a whisper in Ivan's ear.

Ivan glanced at her before giving her an answer. "It's rather complicated. A day won't be enough to tell you about it." Ivan heaved a long sigh before continuing, "My real mother is Yvonne. Grace is my auntie. Due to some circumstances in the past, my mother needs to leave and give up her rights as my mom, else my life would be in danger. I was raised by Grace as her real son. I found out about this when I was young. When I decided to confront them, Yvonne left already. We just reunited recently."

Ivan's summary cause Kaye to tear up. She felt his pain and she felt sad with what happened to him. "I'm glad you found each other." Kaye said while blinking her eyes to stop her tears from falling.

"I'm glad too. I've been looking for her and for you all these years. I kept this thought that I would find you once I find her. I never imagined to find you first before finding her." Ivan retorted with a smile. "Fate really destined us to meet once again."

Kaye was stunned with his last statement. Her blush started to creep from her neck to her face, making her look like a ripe tomato.

"Do you really have to flirt whenever you get the chance?" Kaye glared at him which Ivan laughed at.

"I will only flirt with you." Ivan responded with a mischievous smirk.

"Shut up you monkey!" Kaye punched his arm lightly.

"Can I ask you a question too? This is rather sensitive." Ivan said which made Kaye panic a little. She held her breath before nodding her head. "What happened to your scars?"

Kaye had prepared herself for this question. She knew that Ivan would really ask her about what happened that cause her such hideous scars.

Kaye looked down at her palms before raising her head to look at him. "I burned the house." She paused to see Ivan's reaction and judgement but there was only worry in his eyes.

"You didn't do it on purpose." Ivan's retort was firm like it was his belief and it wouldn't change.

"I was supposed to cook our lunch that time. I turned on the gas range already when they came home with so much anger. They were yelling with each other. The woman was so angry when she saw me at the kitchen. She pulled me to the living room hastily. The man went to the kitchen to light his cigarette. And the fire happened. I was trapped. If Tomo and auntie Yvonne didn't come, I would've died." Telling Ivan what happened didn't elicit any emotion from her. She was talking like it happened to a different person instead of herself.

Ivan pulled off the car on the roadside and stopped the engine. He took Kaye's arms and pulled her closer to him in a tight embrace.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there. I'm sorry I wasn't able to protect you. I'm sorry I let you down." Ivan was so heart broken hearing from her own mouth the incident that caused her trauma.

Listening to Ivan's shaky voice, Kaye couldn't help but sob in his arms. "I was scared. It was scary. I was really scared. I was even more scared when you left. I thought I wouldn't see you ever again." Kaye burst into tears in his arms. She didn't care about her looks anymore. She just want to let Ivan know how much she needed him that time. How much she missed him.

"I'm sorry."