Chapter 58

Rudolf's POV
As we discussed the steps, I felt that this was a very important meeting. The work had to go on, and we couldn’t let this issue interfere with the company’s performance.
After some time talking about the steps to be taken, we agreed to meet again once all the arrangements were made. I was determined to get this all out of the way so I could focus on finding Mikayla again.
“Thank you for the discussion. Let’s do our best to keep this company strong,” I said as I left the meeting room.
With slightly renewed energy, I returned to my desk. But in the corner of my mind, the worry about Mikayla was still buzzing, waiting for the answers I needed to find soon. Even though I tried to listen attentively, my mind kept getting distracted by my worries and unease about Mikayla.
“Rudolf, are you listening?” the finance manager asked, looking at me anxiously.
“Oh, sorry. Yes, I am. What else do we need to do?” I replied, trying to refocus.
We continued our discussion, discussing proactive steps that could be taken to resolve this issue. “We need to meet with the legal team and come up with a clear plan to address all the discrepancies that were discovered earlier,” he explained.
“Okay, let’s schedule a meeting with all parties involved. We can’t afford to delay any longer,” I said, determined to act quickly.
After the meeting, I walked out of the room with a more organized mind than before. Even though I had a lot of responsibilities at work, the feeling of anxiety about Mikayla couldn’t completely disappear.
I knew I had to balance work and the search for my wife. Love and worry were the driving forces in me, and I was determined to solve the problem here so I could focus on finding Mikayla again.
The night went on like yesterday. There was still no news of Mikayla, and the worry in my heart grew deeper. The children kept asking when their mother would come home, and the question haunted every moment I went through. I was almost running out of reasons to explain to them.
“Dad, when will Mommy come home?” Emma asked, her eyes shining with hope, while Daniel sat beside her, looking impatiently waiting for an answer.
The pain in my heart deepened seeing them ask such longing questions.
“I… I don’t know, honey. Dad is trying his best to find the answer,” I answered, trying to keep my voice calm.
Daniel frowned. “But Mom said she’ll be back soon. Why isn’t she home yet?” Their small voices expressed the same uncertainty and sadness that I felt.
I felt a heavy burden in answering the question. “Well, sometimes things don’t go as we hope. And Daddy promises, we will find Mommy,” I said, trying to reassure them even though my own heart doubted it.
“When can we see her? Is she safe?” Emma asked again, holding Daniel’s hand as if seeking comfort.
Seeing them anxious and full of hope, my heart broke.
“ Daddy will do his best to find your mother, and we will continue to pray that she will be okay. Your mother is very strong, and she will want to come home to us,” I said, trying to spread some encouragement even though my despair was deepening.
After a little chat, I decided to do something to distract them. “How about we draw a picture for Your mother? Daniel, you can draw something you want. Emma, we can make a card for her,” I tried to distract them.
Hearing my offer, their faces brightened a little and they immediately agreed. “Yes! I want to draw a sun and a rainbow!” Daniel exclaimed excitedly. Emma was also excited, “I want to draw the three of us with Mommy!”
Quickly, we grabbed paper and drawing tools to start this activity. The moment brought a little happiness in this dark situation, and I was so grateful to be able to spend time with my children.
Their smiles, even though small, were the best medicine right now. We all channeled our love and hope for Mikayla through these drawings and cards, hoping that one day she would see how much we loved and missed her.
The next day, the news I had been waiting for finally came. My phone vibrated and when I saw the number from the police, my heart pounded. After answering the phone, they told me that Mikayla had been found. Without wasting any time, I immediately rushed to the hospital to confirm all the news.
Upon arriving at the hospital, I felt a mixture of hope and anxiety. This was the moment, but what was thrilling was the uncertainty of Mikayla’s condition. “Where is the ICU, please?” I asked the officer at the reception desk, gripping her hand unconsciously.
“The ICU is on the second floor, turn right after taking the elevator,” she answered quickly.
Rushing to the elevator, I waited impatiently, feeling like every second passed like an hour. When the elevator doors opened, I ran straight to the ICU. One thing was for sure—I wasn’t going to just wait around doing nothing.
When I arrived at the ICU door, I paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. I asked the nurse on duty about Mikayla’s condition. “She’s still in intensive care. The doctors are currently examining her, and visitors are not allowed yet,” the nurse replied in a soft tone.
Even so, I couldn’t help but feel anxious. “Please, I have to make sure she’s okay. She’s my wife,” I pleaded softly, hoping for a chance to see her.
The nurse looked at me with empathy and tried to reassure me. “We’ll take good care of her. Right now, all you can do is wait. The doctors will let you know as soon as they’re done.”
Deep down, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. But I was determined to wait, even as anxiety and worry raged inside me. I took a seat on the long bench provided, put my hands together and prayed for Mikayla.
As I waited, my mind was filled with fond memories of Mikayla, how she smiled and hugged me with affection. I wanted to see her again, to remind me that we were still together and that we would get through this.