I Was Helping My Friend When His Wife Cheated On Him, But He Claimed He Would Forgive Her Once, But The Bad Luck Keeps Coming - Episode 11

It’s been six months since I talked to Fuwaki, but nothing has happened since then.

I haven’t been contacted by Tomoya or Sumire-san either, and on the surface, my daily life has returned to normal.

I was curious just once and went to that apartment, but Fuwaki had already moved out. I asked the neighbor where they had gone, but they didn’t know.

I asked the lawyer that Tomoya hired regarding Fuwaki to see if they could ask Fuwaki’s lawyer about Fuwaki, and they said they probably wouldn’t be able to answer due to confidentiality obligations.

If only I could forget, but for some reason, I can’t stop thinking about it…

“Please let me believe in your love,” did that phrase mean… was it just a parting shot?

Sumire-san peeks out from the passenger seat of the car and looks at each of our faces in turn.

“Well then, take care everyone.”

“Ah, it’s not like we’re parting ways for this lifetime, so stop acting so tragic.”

Gou, whose body had completely healed on the outside, responded with his usual lighthearted banter.

“That’s right. If we want to meet, we can do it anytime. Sumire, don’t make that face.”

Akari, who is right next to Tsuyoshi, also exchanges words gently, as if to scold him.

“I know, but I’ve only been causing trouble for everyone, and I can’t even repay my debts…”

“Don’t worry about it, Sumire. The hard part is just beginning. Don’t get distracted by unnecessary things, and put all your effort into what you need to do.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Ayaka is right. What’s important for Sumire-san is from now on.”

The impact of that incident was indeed significant. Not only at Tomoya’s workplace, but also at his home, there were harassments and nuisance calls, making it so terrible that it was difficult to continue living there.

The company tried to retain Tomoya, but the slander and defamation were overwhelming. They considered legal action, but it would have been futile. In the end, Tomoya decided to resign voluntarily.

To someone who doesn’t know the situation, the truth or falsehood doesn’t matter at all.

Tomoya is treated like a dangerous murderer.

Because of the serial killer’s DNA, I had a miscarriage. The child that was supposed to be born was also the child of a serial killer. It’s unbearable to hear such slanderous words.

Has society really gone this far in attacking and cornering people who have made mistakes?

At this rate, Tomoya and Sumire-san will be crushed before they can start over.

The two parents somehow managed to rely on connections and decided to start anew in a faraway land. Even if peace were to come there, their daily lives would still be harsh, including rehabilitation.

Ayaka and Akari, we can’t even casually receive our help or your parents’ support.

The real trial for just Tomoya and Sumire will begin there.

“Tomoya, don’t give up. If things get tough, contact me right away. I’ll come running.”
I lock eyes with Tomoya in the driver’s seat and encourage him.

“Thank you, Koichi. Yeah, I’ll definitely rely on you.”

“Y-yeah, once you calm down, I’ll come over to hang out. Sumire-san, you hang in there too!”

“Yes! Tsuyoshi-kun, thank you very much!”

“Take care, both of you.”

“I’ll definitely come over to hang out, so just wait for me!”

The car carrying the two people is moving away.

It’s not right to show a sad face when a long-time friend is starting anew far away.

So, everyone sent them off with all their might and smiles.

The monthly wild parties we used to have now turned into just the two of us.

The frequency will gradually decrease due to reasons such as both of us being busy with work.

I continue to keep in touch with Tomoya and Sumire-san to maintain our connection, but it seems like the emotional bond weakens with the distance… It feels lonely.

Even so, daily life must go on, and we have to keep living.

The seasons have turned, and a joyful event has come our way, granting Ayaka and me a new life.

“Yes, you are pregnant. Congratulations.”

“Teacher, is it true?”

“Koichi, there’s no way the teacher would lie.”

“Yeah, that’s true, but… I’m so happy it feels unreal.”

“Calm down, Dad. In times like this, it’s usually the wife who gets more anxious.”

“Yes! Ayaka, it’s okay! I’m here for you.”

“Yes, yes, I’m counting on you… Daddy.”

Ayaka’s palm overlaps with my hand placed on her shoulder…

I will protect this warmth.

After Tomoya and his wife left, I think both Ayaka and I were so immersed in happiness that we almost forgot the long-standing feelings of frustration.

At such times, fortune and misfortune are intertwined like a twisted rope.

The words left by people of the past have remained until today because they serve as warnings and reminders, regardless of the era.

And even if you have words as knowledge, you will realize that understanding their true meaning is mostly after you regret being foolish.

With Ayaka’s pregnancy as a trigger, the surroundings gradually became busier.

Ayaka’s only family member is her mother-in-law, who has already passed away.

You were worried about your daughter becoming all alone in the world, but I will never forget the joy on your face when you found out she was going to marry me.

My parents are alive and well, and they spoil Ayaka like their own daughter.

If I ever make Ayaka cry, my mother-in-law said she would hit me with a wooden sword, so don’t worry, she told me.

That mother, perhaps because she was at a loss for what to do with her time, was more than eager to take care of Ayaka until her delivery… Ayaka was wryly smiling but sincerely asking for help.

My father, with a deep sense of emotion, said, “So you’re going to be a parent… well, things will work out. Honestly, men are completely useless in times like this. Just stand firm and take on all of Ayaka’s worries and hardships… it’s from experience,” and he laughed.

For about two months after we found out about the pregnancy, Ayaka was living normally, but around the third month, her morning sickness got worse. Seeing Ayaka, who was always so lively, feeling unwell made me feel anxious too.

Even though I should be the one suffering more, Ayaka is the one comforting me… Men are pathetic.

As the morning sickness subsided and her appetite began to return, Ayaka’s body gradually, really gradually, started to change. Her br3asts grew larger, and the swelling of her belly began to become noticeable.

Akari and Takeshi also made time to come and check on Ayaka. We all laughed as we watched Takeshi nervously touch Ayaka’s belly.

In the 8th month, around 28 weeks, the preparations for childbirth finally come to the forefront.

While waiting for Ayaka to get ready to go to the obstetrics and gynecology clinic together, I was holding a bag with a maternity mark keychain and grinning at the mother-child health handbook. Ayaka and my mom found me and were exasperated, wondering how many times I was going to look at the handbook.

Such happiness, which should be natural and ordinary for everyone―――――

Since Ayaka got pregnant, it has been my job to go get the morning newspaper every day.

One day, an unfamiliar envelope arrived by express delivery, and I thought, “From work?” I thought it might be from work, but when I looked at the sender, it said―――――.

Not even bravery.
Your reckless actions
It’s just leading to this result.