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 32
Shinichi had invited five men to his home. They were the husbands of women, other than Akiko, whom Atsushi had been having affairs with.
“The second half of this file is not directly related to your request. Consider it a free service from us to you, Mr. Takagi. How you use it is up to you.”
The investigation report from the detective agency revealed that Atsushi had been involved with five married women besides Akiko. Shinichi contacted these five husbands, introduced them to the detective agency, and encouraged them to gather solid evidence. The time taken to confront Atsushi was due to this careful preparation.
That time was not wasted. The five husbands collected undeniable proof. With Ryoko’s help, they took action against their wives and decided to divorce. And today, they would finally punish Atsushi.
One by one, the five men placed their evidence photos on the low table. Atsushi’s face turned pale as he saw them. Next to him, Akiko stood in shock, her mouth wide open.
“Atsushi! You said I was the only one! That you only loved me!”
“Akiko, please be quiet for a moment.”
“But… but!”
“Just be quiet.”
Akiko had no idea about this. She wanted to argue, but Shinichi stopped her.
“Mr. Matsunaga, is there any mistake in these photos?”
“……”
“From left to right: Mr. Koyanagi, Mr. Okubo, Mr. Ichinose, Mr. Suzuki, and Mr. Nakagawa. Is that correct?”
“……”
Atsushi remained silent, sweat dripping down his forehead.
“Silence means you admit it. This is your last chance to deny it. Is there any mistake?”
Atsushi hung his head and said nothing.
Shinichi gathered the photos from the table and returned them to the five husbands. Just as before, they each placed documents on the table.
Shinichi spoke in a calm, steady voice, like a judge delivering a death sentence.
“Mr. Matsunaga, please review these documents carefully.”
Claims from the Husbands Against Atsushi
Mr. Koyanagi’s Claim
Compensation: 3 million yen
No contact or approach towards his ex-wife. Violation: 1 million yen per offense.
Signed as a notarized document.
Mr. Okubo’s Claim
Compensation: 3 million yen
No contact or approach towards his ex-wife. Violation: 1 million yen per offense.
Signed as a notarized document.
Mr. Ichinose’s Claim
Compensation: 2 million yen
No contact or approach towards his ex-wife. Violation: 1 million yen per offense.
Signed as a notarized document.
Mr. Suzuki’s Claim
Compensation: 2 million yen
No contact or approach towards his ex-wife. Violation: 1 million yen per offense.
Signed as a notarized document.
Mr. Nakagawa’s Claim
Compensation: 30 million yen
No contact or approach towards his ex-wife. Violation: 10 million yen per offense.
Signed as a notarized document.
“W-What is this?!”
Atsushi, checking each document, suddenly shouted at the last one.
“The amount is ridiculous! Why 30 million?!”
Among the five men, the one standing on the far right smirked. He was a middle-aged man with slicked-back black hair, wearing a plain black suit without a tie. Instead of looking at Atsushi, he turned his gaze toward Atsushi’s parents, who stood trembling in the corner of the room.
“Hello there, Mr. Matsunaga.”
Atsushi’s parents flinched.
“I told you before, didn’t I? Take good care of my sister. So… what is this about?”
The man shifted his gaze to Atsushi, who still couldn’t grasp the situation.
“Hello, Manager. I’m Sakuma, Nakagawa Yuri’s older brother. I’m here today on behalf of my former brother-in-law. So, how was my sister’s body? Did she feel good?”
“W-Wait, you… 30 million yen is insane!”
“Ah, I forgot to introduce myself properly. I’m the president of a company called ‘Yokoyama Industries.'”
“…That’s…”
Atsushi knew. ‘Yokoyama Industries’ was a front company for ‘Yokoyama Group,’ a local criminal organization. Though Super Matsunaga had no direct business with them, his family’s small shop had connections dating back to his grandparents’ time. Currently, the company paid ‘Yokoyama Industries’ regular advisory fees.
“My sister wanted work experience, so I thought your store would be safe for her. But she fell for your sweet words. You told her, ‘I only love you, Yuri,’ and ‘I want to make you happier,’ didn’t you? Thanks to you, her marriage ended in divorce.”
“……”
“You humiliated me by making me apologize to my former brother-in-law. Do you think you can just walk away from this?”
“……”
Atsushi trembled, speechless.
“So, what are you going to do? You can take this to court if you want. But…”
“But…?”
“My men are very upset that I had to bow my head and apologize. I’m worried they might act on their own.”
“!”
Atsushi had not only ruined a woman’s life but also humiliated a high-ranking member of the underworld. In that world, reputation was everything. A crime like this would never go unpunished.
“…I’ll pay.”
“Good, good. I’m glad you understand. But can you afford it? Adding up all the compensation payments, it’s over 50 million yen.”
“……”
Atsushi hung his head. The amount was too unreal to process. Sakuma grinned at him.
“I know a great place that can help you.”
“A place…?”
“‘Yokoyama Finance.’ It’s a loan company.”
“!”
“Don’t worry! They already agreed to lend you everything you need.”
“……”
Tears finally fell from Atsushi’s eyes, realizing he was now drowning in debt.
“Now, Shinichi, Ryoko, and everyone else—this will be a full upfront payment. No worries about getting your money.”
“Mr. Sakuma, I appreciate it. But won’t this put you at risk alone?”
Shinichi looked concerned. Sakuma smiled.
“Shinichi, you’re a good man. Even to someone like me, you show concern. But don’t worry. ‘Yokoyama Finance’ ensures full repayment. Enjoy, Manager.”
As Ryoko watched with an emotionless gaze, Atsushi sobbed in regret.
Thus, the judgment was carried out.
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