Chapter 15

Rudolf's POV
When lunchtime arrived, I decided to meet Hannah. I knew this was a difficult step, but I also realized that I needed to talk to her in person before moving on with my life.
When I arrived at our usual meeting place, Hannah was already waiting with a confident expression. “I knew you would look for me because you needed me,” She said in a challenging tone.
I met her for something much more important than just asking for her help or financial support. “Hannah, we need to talk,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm even as I felt the tension building inside me.
“Talk? About what? Money again? Of course, I can help you find a solution!” she replied, still defensive.
“It’s not about money. I want to talk about our relationship,” I said firmly, trying to convey the importance of this conversation.
Her expression changed. “What do you mean? Is this about us?” she asked, confused. As she watched me more closely, I could see the growing concern in her eyes, though it was clouded with skepticism.
“I feel like we need to be honest with each other. This relationship isn’t healthy, and I can’t keep trying when we’re not on the same page,” I said, trying to avoid a long argument.
She paused, seeming to consider my words. “But… we can fix things! I just want to feel cared for,” she said, beginning to show vulnerability.
“I know, and I care about you, but love shouldn’t be based on material things. Our relationship is too much about money, and that’s not a good thing. We should be supporting each other, not just asking each other,” I explained.
A heavy feeling filled the room, and every notion I had of our relationship was shattered. Every word that came out of me was a step toward the closure I needed.
“I don’t want to lose you, but I also can’t keep living a lie,” I continued, trying hard to keep my words sincere.
Her voice suddenly became quiet, with a tinge of anxiety. “So… does this mean we have to end things?” she asked, hearing the decision, and I knew it wasn’t an easy one for either of us.
“I think it’s for the best. For both of us,” I said, feeling my heart quiver with a mix of emotions. Finally, I felt relieved that I had said what I really wanted.
We were both silent for a moment, taking in everything that had just been said. It was so hard to end something that had been a part of my life, but I knew that holding it in would keep me stuck in an unhealthy cycle.
“No, I can’t! You just broke up with me like this, Rudolf. Didn’t you promise to marry me?” I don’t want to break up with you,” Hannah refused in a helpless voice, tears starting to flow down her cheeks.
Actually, I don’t like seeing women cry. There’s something that touches my heart every time I see sadness on their faces, and it makes me want to protect or comfort them. Without thinking, I reached out and hugged her, trying to comfort her.
However, as I hugged Hannah, something unexpected happened. Suddenly, I saw Mikayla appear at the door of the restaurant, her eyes glancing at us, the expression on her face showing confusion and sadness. When I saw her, my heart trembled; I knew that this situation was very unpleasant.
Mikayla seemed silent for a moment, and without a word, she turned and left the place. Instantly, I felt a sense of anxiety and guilt wash over me. This wasn’t how I wanted to show my relationship with Hannah.
“I… I can’t break up with you crying like this,” I said, trying to find a way out. Deep down, I felt pressured. I didn’t want to hurt Hannah, but I also didn’t want to lose Mikayla.
“I love you, Rudolf,” Hannah said, her voice full of hope. “We can fix everything. This is just a temporary thing!”
But at that moment, all I could think about was Mikayla. I couldn’t let this situation drag on. “Hannah, I need some time to think. I never thought it would turn out like this,” I said, trying to pull away from her embrace and keep my emotions in check.
Mikayla was gone, and the look of disappointment on her face made my heart ache. Being stuck in this situation was excruciating—on one hand, I felt guilty, and on the other, I knew I had to make this decision to avoid leaving a void in our relationship.
I tried to come back to reality, but when Hannah spoke again, everything felt chaotic. “Rudolf, I don’t want to lose you. Give me a chance to fix this,” she said in a shaky voice as if she was fighting to keep our relationship together.
But deep down, I had already made up my mind. With each passing second, the weight on my shoulders grew heavier, and it wasn’t just about Hannah, it was about myself. Our relationship had turned into something unhealthy, stuck in the same problem with no solution.
“Hannah, I cherish all the memories we have, but I feel like we’re stuck in this cycle. We both need to change the way we interact and right now, I can’t continue like this,” I replied, my voice firm but gentle.
“So, do you want us to break up?” She asked, her voice filled with doubt and sadness. I could tell she was fighting back tears, and it made me feel even more devastated.
“It’s not just about the breakup. It’s about the health of both of us in this relationship. I don’t want you to continue assuming that everything will be okay, while we continue to face the same problems just because we can’t talk openly,” I said, trying to communicate my concern.
She paused, then lowered her head, as if contemplating my words. “Maybe you’re right. I don’t want to rely on this. But I also want to fix our relationship. I still love you, Rudolf,” She said, tears starting to flow again.