Chapter 80

Mikayla's POV
With my chest pounding, I tried to stay calm. “I cherish all the memories we have, Ethan. However, right now I am focused on the future and the family I have, especially Rudolf and the kids.”
Ethan’s gaze was a mixture of confusion and understanding. He might not have fully accepted it, but I knew it had to be said.
“If that’s what you want, I can’t force you,” he said quietly, his eyes full of pain but also understanding.
“Thank you for understanding,” I replied, relieved to have expressed my feelings. I didn’t want any hard feelings between us; I wanted to move on with my life.
After a few moments of silence, we looked at each other. “Once again, I hope you can find true happiness,” he continued, then walked away.
Watching him go left me feeling a little empty, but I knew it was the right decision. There was nothing more precious than the love and happiness I had now.
After that unexpected meeting, I continued my shopping. Ethan came back into my mind out of nowhere, and I hoped he would find a woman to accompany him so he wouldn’t bother me anymore. I wanted to focus on my life now—where Rudolf and the kids were everything to me.
After walking around and shopping for my kitchen needs, I felt tired. As I walked through the food court, the aroma of various foods tempted my appetite. Finally, I decided to stop for a moment and enjoy a snack.
There was a cake that looked delicious for me to taste, decorated with cream on top. My eyes immediately caught it, and I felt like I couldn’t resist the temptation. After ordering it, I sat at a table, waiting for the cake to arrive.
When the cake finally arrived, I saw the delicious cream and fresh pieces of fruit inviting my appetite. I smiled widely and started to taste it, and the sweet sensation immediately filled my mouth.
“Oh, this is so delicious!” I said to myself, lost in the deliciousness. While enjoying the cake, I could feel all the burdens and fatigue disappear, as if this was a small gift in the midst of my daily activities.
However, even though I really enjoyed this moment, Ethan's shadow occasionally appeared in my mind. I just hoped that, along with the past, he could find happiness and the right partner for him.
Rudolf's POV
I arrived at the office with a feeling of anxiety that continued to bother my mind.
Hannah, my ex, had not been found, and it was a heavy burden on my mind. She had to be held accountable for her actions.
Even though I had tried to move on and focus on my life now with Mikayla and the children, this problem seemed to haunt me.
After sitting at the table, I immediately ordered my men to look for Hannah in Canada. "No matter what the reason, she must be found," I said firmly, reminding them that this was not only a personal matter, but also related to a greater responsibility.
"Do a thorough search. Check all the routes and contact the networks we have. If she appears anywhere, we must know." My commanding voice was confident, but deep inside, there was a gnawing doubt. Why did this have to happen again?
I remembered the uncomfortable encounter that Hannah had had with me before—it had shaken my entire equilibrium. On one hand, I wanted what was best for Mikayla and my family, but on the other, there was sadness and responsibility.
My men nodded in agreement and went about their business. Meanwhile, I sat with my mind wandering, trying to make room for another encounter with Mikayla and the children. They were a new source of strength for me, giving me love and encouragement I had never imagined before.
But there was no denying that my anxiety about Hannah was still gnawing at me. She had an explanation to give for everything that had happened. She had brought up deep feelings of guilt, and I wanted to close this chapter of my life completely—so that nothing would interfere with my and Mikayla’s happiness anymore.
With mixed feelings, I turned my attention to work. The tasks that needed to be completed at work would help take my mind off my worries, at least for a while.
Clara, my secretary, approached me and reminded me to have lunch. “Want to have lunch, sir? It’s about time,” she said cheerfully. I didn’t realize it was lunchtime, caught up in my own burdened thoughts.
My steps paused for a moment, and I nodded, feeling the need to release some tension. We headed to a cafe near the office, and after sitting down, Clara looked at me with sharp, attentive eyes.
“You look like you have a lot on your mind, sir,” Clara said, making me feel a little trapped. Sometimes I forget how intuitive she can be.
I took a deep breath, deciding to share. “Actually, there are some things going on outside of work. It’s about my family, especially about a past that hasn’t completely gone away,” I began, expressing my feelings.
“I’m looking for Hannah, my ex-girlfriend who hasn’t been found yet. There are some complicated situations involving her and it’s making me anxious,” I continued, delivering my words firmly and honestly. Frustration and worry flowed through my words.
Clara listened attentively, nodding in understanding. “That must be hard, sir. Dealing with the past is never easy, especially when it involves someone you know and have an emotional connection to."
"That's right," I replied, "I just want to protect my life right now. Mikayla and the kids are the most important thing to me, and I'm afraid that everything could be shaken up if Hannah reappears.”
Clara looked at me with her deep eyes, then said, “Most importantly, focus on what’s in front of you. Try not to let the past ruin the happiness you’ve built. Mikayla and your family are your top priority.”
Her words touched my heart with warmth. Maybe she was right. I should keep trying to control this situation. With all the roads that have been passed and creating a better future with Mikayla is what I should focus on.
“Thank you, Clara. Your advice means a lot,” I said, feeling a little lighter after sharing my story. “Let’s enjoy this lunch and deal with the problems later.”
We spent our time more relaxedly, enjoying the food that was served.