Chapter 19

Rudolf's POV
When I let go, I saw her eyes sparkling with tears. “Rudolf, you have no idea how hard it is to start everything on your own. I don’t want to burden your life, and I don’t know if I can be a part of your life anymore.”
“No, Mikayla. You are not a burden on my life. Quite the opposite! My life feels empty without you in it and without knowing you exist. If they are my children, I want to be responsible, I want to be by your side,” I said, my feelings deepening.
There was new hope flowing in my heart. This meeting, after a year of searching, left a ray that might bring me back to her. “Please allow me to support you and our children, no matter what,” I added.
Mikayla was silent, and our memories swirled in my mind, showing all the love and vulnerability we had been through. Hopefully, amidst the doubt and pain, there was a chance for us to start again—stronger and more whole.
The hope of making things right began to burn, and I wanted to prove that I could be a good father and a worthy partner for her.
“But you have a partner, Rudolf. I don’t want to bother you,” Mikayla replied, her voice full of doubt. The pain of watching him walk away made my heart ache.
“Partner? I haven’t even had a partner for a year,” I said firmly. I could feel her day full of uncertainty and running away from reality. When I was looking for her, she just left without leaving a trace.
She looked confused. “But I saw you hugging a woman, and after that, I decided to leave,” she said, avoiding my gaze. Every word that came out of her lips cut my heart even more.
“Mikayla, it’s not what you think. That woman, Hannah, is the past that I have ended. When I saw you parting with me, I felt hopeless and looked for a way to move on. However, my heart always wanted you,” I said, trying to convince her. Feelings of regret and sadness began to flow through me, remembering everything that had happened.
Mikayla looked at me with eyes full of emotion. “Rudolf, you know how hard it is for me to reconnect with something that seems to be over. I want to believe, but there is a lot to consider before we can move on. These children…”
“I don’t want you to feel burdened. If you’ll give me a chance, I’ll do my best to support you and our children. I’ll be there for you,” I replied, trying to convince her that this time, I meant it.
“After all the time we’ve lost, I’m just worried. What if I’m wrong?” she said, tears streaming down her cheeks. The pain and vulnerability were so honest, and I felt caught between guilt and deep love.
“We won’t know if we don’t try. I’m done with Hannah and I just want you to know that my heart is always yours,” I said earnestly. Every word came out with a hope that was inseparable from mine.
As her eyes glinted in the moonlight, I knew that this could be a chance to start over. A time when we could both support each other, create a new bond, and build a life together if she was willing to open her heart again.
“Let me support you, Mikayla. We can face this world together,” I offered, taking a slow step toward her, trying to give her the comfort and strength she needed.
Between the worry and the hope, I felt like every step we took could be the beginning of something meaningful. It was time to fight for a love that had been lost for so long, and I hoped Mikayla could feel it.
“I need time,” Mikayla said, her voice soft but firm. I felt every word she said—there was a deep vulnerability, and I knew it wasn’t easy for her.
“Give me a chance to be a father to these children. Who are they?” I asked, trying to steer the conversation in a more positive direction. I looked at the two babies in the stroller, and they were so adorable.
Mikayla hesitated for a moment, but then she smiled softly, her eyes sparkling as she spoke of them. “These are Emma and Daniel,” she said, pointing to each child. “Emma is the older one, she came out two minutes before Daniel.”
My heart melted at the names. Emma, with her big, curious eyes, almost pushed me closer. Daniel, with his chubby face and bright eyes, held up his hand as if wanting attention.
“Wow, they’re amazing,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm even as my emotions grew stronger. “You must have done a great job raising them.”
Mikayla nodded, but couldn’t hide the weariness on her face.
She looked a little thinner than the last time I’d seen her, and I felt guilty for not being there for her, not knowing how much of a burden she had to carry on her own.
“I’m just trying to do my best for them,” she said quietly.
I could feel the uncertainty and vulnerability in her voice.
“It’s hard, but they’re such a cheerleader. I don’t want them to lose a father figure in their lives.”
Instantly, my feelings were complex.
There was a strong desire to be involved, but also a fear of the sudden responsibility. “Mikayla, if you give me the chance, I want to be the father they need. Of course, it’s not just your responsibility, I want us to go through this together,” I offered sincerely.
She looked at me and there was emotion in her eyes. “Are you sure this is what you want, Rudolf? Life is hard, and I don’t want to see you feeling pressured,” she asked, full of concern.
“I choose you and the kids, Mikayla. I love you so much, and now I want to move forward together, no matter how hard it is.” We looked at each other, and in an instant, I knew that this was the time to join forces and build something whole.