The Shape of Happiness: A Family Crumbling Due to the Mother's Infidelity, a Wounded Middle School Daughter, and a Struggling Father Finding a New Form of Happiness. - Episode 11

“Can you stop talking about that? It’s making me uncomfortable.”

Behind the break room door, I could hear voices mocking me, calling me a woman who would easily sleep with anyone. As I stood frozen with regret over my careless past, it was Shinichi who spoke up to defend me.

“Oh, Takagi, you disappeared somewhere with Nagata after last week’s welcome party, didn’t you?”
“Did you have a good time with her, Takagi? Was it worth it?”

Hearing them laugh at Shinichi because of me filled me with anger and frustration.

“I’m telling you to stop,” Shinichi said firmly. “And stop talking about Nagata-san like that.”
“Come on, being friendly with her naturally makes people think you’re just after her body.”
“Your assumptions are disgusting.”
“But her reputation makes it believable, doesn’t it?”
“Even if those rumors were true, if she regrets her past and has moved on, isn’t that what matters?”
“Regret her past…?”
“What if she’s thinking, ‘I wish I hadn’t done that,’ or ‘I was so foolish,’ and is genuinely trying to start fresh?”

Silence fell on the break room.

“Maybe she’s trying to change her life after entering the workforce. And yet, you’re throwing stones at her, calling her names, and spreading rumors? Do you want to burn her at the stake like some witch trial?”
“Alright, alright. I’ll stop. Geez, you’re so uptight…”
“If I hear about this spreading in the office, I’ll suggest that Nagata-san pursue legal action for defamation.”
“W-wait a minute…”
“What you’re doing is harassment, plain and simple. If it escalates to court, your families will be dragged into it. It could ruin your child’s future or hurt your parents’ careers. Think carefully before making foolish choices that bring misery to yourselves and those around you.”
“Fine, whatever. Let’s go.”

Click.

As the break room door opened, the two men who had been mocking me froze in shock when they saw me standing there. They quickly averted their eyes and walked away, clearly uncomfortable.

I stepped inside the room. Shinichi, who had been sitting alone, noticed me.

“Oh, Nagata-san! You’re here for a break?”

Seeing his kind smile, I couldn’t hold back my tears.

“Nagata-san, are you okay?”

I lowered my head, trying to suppress my sobs.

“I… I’m so sorry… I’ve done such stupid things…”
“Nagata-san, how about we go out for drinks again tonight?”
“But… I…”
“The bartender told me they’ve come up with a new non-alcoholic cocktail. They specifically asked me to invite you to try it.”
“Do you… really want to go with me?”

Shinichi leaned closer, looking directly into my eyes.

“I want to go with you.”

At those words, I couldn’t stop myself from throwing my arms around him.

Shinichi accepted me entirely, despite the cruel nickname people whispered about me. The warmth in his embrace filled my heart. For the first time, I knew what love truly felt like.

After that incident, rumors about me didn’t spread further within the company.

I stopped my reckless behavior entirely and naturally began a sincere relationship with Shinichi.

When we finally became intimate, it was unlike anything I had experienced before. It wasn’t rough or selfish; every action was careful, gentle, and filled with love. Shinichi made sure I felt comfortable and cherished. For the first time, I understood how fulfilling and beautiful such moments could be.

Eventually…

“I think I’m pregnant.”

It was Shinichi’s child—the one I had secretly hoped for. Though I feared it was too soon and worried about the timing, Shinichi’s reaction was nothing but joy.

“Let me take responsibility for both of you. I’ll make you happy.”

Tears of happiness flowed as I heard his heartfelt words. With no family opposition—Shinichi’s parents had passed away, and my mother was overjoyed—we got married. Although we couldn’t afford a big wedding, we celebrated with a small, lavish dinner and took wedding photos. I even got to wear a beautiful wedding dress, fulfilling a dream I thought I’d never achieve.

Soon after, I left my job to focus on the pregnancy. With my mother’s support, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. We named her Misaki, hoping she would grow into a beautiful and strong woman.

Life in our small apartment revolved around housework and childcare. Raising a child was tough, but Shinichi actively helped with everything, from chores to handling late-night cries. We laughed through it all.

Though we struggled financially, our small family life was full of joy. This was the happiness I had finally found—the shape of my true happiness.

Until that day—