Chapter 6

Mikayla's POV
I felt my heart clench. All the pain and uncertainty I had been carrying was getting weaker. “No, Ethan. It’s not what you think. I… I just wanted to find out if this is where I really belong. I just needed the strength to come back here,” I said in a shaky voice, trying to maintain my composure amidst the increasingly confusing situation.
“What are you here to find out? If this is about our relationship, we’re done. Why are you still insisting on dealing with me?” he asked, his voice loud and full of mixed emotions.
Rudolf listened quietly beside me, giving me space to speak. “Mikayla, if this has nothing to do with you, we can leave. There’s no point in getting caught up in this drama,” he said, his voice calm, trying to help.
I felt nauseous, caught between two feelings—between the past and Rudolf’s reassuring presence. “Ethan, I’m not kidding. I don’t want drama. I just want to know the truth. Please, calm down,” I said, hoping to explain things before the situation got out of hand.
But right now, it was clear that Ethan wasn’t listening to me. He was caught up in the emotions and prejudices that were making everything even more complicated. I had to find a way to deal with this disappointment and pain, and this moment could be the turning point that led me in a better direction—even if it meant going through some hardship first.
Ethan standing in front of me, accusing me of nothing, made me even more upset and angry. He was clearly guilty of cheating, but he didn’t seem to want to take responsibility for his actions. The pain and anger boiled over inside me.
“So now you’re going to blame me? Pretend to be innocent?” I asked in a sharp tone, unable to hold back the tears that began to well up. “You betrayed my trust, right in front of my eyes!”
Ethan was silent for a moment, but then he easily defended himself. “You always ignore me! Look at the level of stress you bring me. We should have talked about this, not run into someone else’s arms!”
My feelings grew hotter hearing the accusation. I wasn’t the one who left this relationship—it all started with your actions, Ethan.
Well, this apartment is our home. I rented it because I couldn’t afford a better place, but when we first got together, I really hoped that I would find happiness here. Now, all the good memories have been tainted by betrayal.
Rudolf, who saw the tension between us growing, stepped forward. “Mikayla, we have to go. There’s no point in being stuck here and letting all this continue,” he said firmly.
I felt a sense of relief when I heard Rudolf’s words. Without any more confusion, I nodded and replied, “Okay, let’s go.”
Every second that passed in that apartment made me feel more trapped in pain and confusion. Dealing with Ethan, who didn't want to take responsibility, would only weigh on my mind more like an endless reproach.
We walked out the apartment door, Rudolf beside me, holding me in his arms quietly. As we walked away, I felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Maybe it's time to let go of all that hurts and move on, even though the process won't be easy.
The tears that had fallen now began to subside. With steady steps, I tried to look forward. We passed through the dark hallway that had previously felt suffocating, and for the first time tonight, new hope began to grow in my heart. Maybe there is a better life out there, far from the shadows of the past.
"I don't know where I should live," I whispered, this voice sounding so desperate as I looked at Rudolf. Confusion and uncertainty spread through my heart, continuing to shake my soul.
"Why did you lie, Mikayla? Why did you say your mother was in the apartment if you don't have parents anymore?" Rudolf asked, his eyes looking at me full of questions.
I could feel the warmth in his voice, but I also knew that he was just trying to find the truth. The only reason I said that was because of the fear that enveloped me. "I... I'm just scared, Rudolf," I answered in a trembling voice, looking weak. “Fear of being alone in the world, and I don’t know where to go. If there’s someone who can help me, I hope I can find a way out.”
Rudolf took a deep breath. “Mikayla, there’s no reason to feel alone. I’m here for you,” he said sincerely. “We can find a better place. You don’t have to face this alone.”
I studied his face, feeling the sincerity in every word. He was clearly trying to be supportive, and for a moment, the fear that had been weighing me down felt lighter. “But where are we supposed to go? I don’t have much money, and I can barely afford rent anywhere,” I said, my voice tinged with deep panic.
“We can think two steps ahead. First, let’s see if there are any shelters or other alternatives where you can stay temporarily,” he replied, his common sense comforting. “Maybe there’s a program that can help you, or we can find friends who can help.”
Hearing that hope began to rise inside me. “You’re right. Maybe there is a way,” I said, trying to take a deep breath. “I just need some time. Just to feel a little safer and less trapped in this position.”
This time, Rudolf nodded. “We’ll figure this out together. Remember, there’s no shortcut that you have to take alone.”
One thing changed inside me: I realized that I didn’t have to be responsible for everything forever. There was hope for a better future—even if it seemed vague now. And there was Rudolf beside me, someone who was willing to help me.
It was unlikely, but I hoped it was a new beginning.
Rudolf led me to a small, unassuming house. “Why are we here?” I asked, confused by his sudden change.