Chapter 9

Mikayla's POV
We started preparing all the ingredients for the dish. Rudolf showed me how to cut the vegetables properly, and even though I was a little awkward, he was patient. Every piece of vegetable I made felt like a small step towards my own confidence in the kitchen.
It was so much fun together. With laughter and small talk, we made this cooking activity a spirited collaboration. Rudolf showed me basic techniques, and as time went on I began to feel my confidence growing inside me.
As the pasta began to cook on the stove, a mouth-watering aroma filled the room. “See? You can actually do it, Mikayla,” Rudolf said, praising our work.
“Yeah, maybe I can,” I said with a smile, feeling proud of our efforts. In this simple moment of cooking, I felt a beautiful sense of togetherness, which I had previously found hard to find. It proves that even though my life feels full of challenges, I can find happiness in it.
This was the first time I felt complimented, and it felt so good. During my relationship with Ethan, I was always getting insults and criticism. I don't know what made me trapped in that painful relationship. I kept trying to survive, even though something was clearly wrong.
Maybe I put too much hope in the relationship, believing that one day everything would be okay. However, the real affair in front of me made me finally realize that I couldn't continue to be trapped in neglect. The anger that burned inside me couldn't be contained either.
"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Rudolf asked, raising his eyebrows as if to make sure I was okay.
I snapped out of my reverie and took a deep breath. "Sorry, I... I was just thinking about the past," I replied, feeling the need to explain. "All this time, I've always been reminded that everything I do is wrong in Ethan's eyes. I never felt appreciated or cared for. And now, when I get sincere praise from you, I feel confused—as if there's a decision to make."
Rudolf nodded, listening intently. “That’s natural, Mikayla. When we’re used to being treated badly, it’s hard to accept kindness and attention from others. But remember, you deserve to be treated well and appreciated for who you are,” he said in a knowing tone.
I looked at him, moved by his words. “I know that. But somehow, I feel like I’m still trapped in the shadow of an alternative life I can’t live,” I said, feeling the anger and hurt that had once clouded my vision of possible happiness.
“True love shouldn’t hurt, Mikayla. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my life, it’s that genuine love creates support and appreciation, not pain. Don’t let the past cloud your future,” Rudolf replied, his voice reassuring.
I looked down for a moment, trying to think about his words. There was something so reassuring about the way he looked at me. Maybe this was the first time I was beginning to realize that there was a choice to live a better life despite past bitter experiences.
“Thank you, Rudolf. I’m trying to see things in a more positive light,” I said, feeling a little relieved with every word.
“Don’t hesitate to share your feelings or thoughts. I’m here to support you, no matter what,” he added, and I knew that on this journey, I wasn’t alone anymore.
I felt happy to be by Rudolf’s side. Even though he was still a stranger to me, the way he acted and acted made me feel comfortable. Every conversation we had and the series of laughs that built between us made my days a little more colorful.
However, in the afternoon, Rudolf excused himself to go to work at the bar. “Don’t worry, Mikayla. I’ll be back tomorrow morning. If you need anything, just leave a message,” he said, encouraging me before he walked away.
After the door closed, I felt a little lonely in the house. Even though we had spent time together earlier, now these small walls felt suffocating without his presence. But rather than get caught up in that empty feeling, I decided to open an app on my phone and search for people who needed food delivery services.
When I opened the app, I was surprised to find several orders available. “This might distract me,” I muttered with a smile.
I immediately accepted one of the incoming orders and prepared to leave. With quick steps, I took my motorbike and rushed to the address listed. The feeling of enthusiasm that emerged made me feel more functional as if there was a goal to pursue.
Upon arrival, I met the customers who had ordered food. They seemed friendly and grateful when I handed over the order. A brief conversation ensued, and although the hustle and bustle was not entirely comfortable, I felt a certain satisfaction from being able to contribute.
“Thank you very much! This food is highly anticipated,” said one of them, which made me feel appreciated amidst all the uncertainty I had previously experienced.
“No problem! Glad to help!” I replied with a smile, feeling happy to have done something positive.
After finishing delivering the order, I returned home with renewed enthusiasm. This activity was like rekindling some parts of me that had previously been lost when dealing with problems that caused high stress.
When night fell, Rudolf had not yet returned home. I was already feeling sleepy and tried to distract myself by walking around the house, just cleaning the places I could. However, there was nothing strange or suspicious around, so I felt a little relieved.
But suddenly, while I was tidying up, I heard the sound of a wolf howling from afar. The sound was so echoing, it made my hair stand on end. I glanced at the clock on the wall; it was already midnight.