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 53

Misaki wanted to create her own “shape of happiness” in a world of madness.

Her plan was not over yet.

Building a four-person family with herself, her father Shinichi, her grandmother Saori, and Ryoko—this was just one milestone on the way to her goal.

Next, Misaki aimed for Shinichi and Ryoko to get married.

Using her position as a daughter and granddaughter, she repeatedly told Shinichi to marry Ryoko soon. To Ryoko, she said that Shinichi was seriously considering marriage. To Saori, she said that the two were a perfect match and that she fully supported their marriage. Misaki made them believe this was the only way to build a “happy family.”

Two years after the four of them became a family, Shinichi and Ryoko finally got married. They were both serious and kind people. Since it was a second marriage for both, they knew the ups and downs of marriage. They would surely become a couple who cared for each other. No, they *had* to become an ideal, happy couple—if not, it would interfere with Misaki’s plan.

Seeing their happiness, Saori blessed them with all her heart, while Misaki smirked in the shadows. Another milestone was crossed.

The biggest obstacle in her plan was Shinichi’s kindness.

Even after being betrayed so badly—even after unknowingly raising another man’s child—he still wanted to forgive Akiko, saying, “She’s still Misaki’s mother.” This kindness was a problem for Misaki.

So her next step was to gain full control over the women.

She made herself irreplaceable to Saori and Ryoko, ensuring that Shinichi had no say in the matter. To Saori, she was a sweet and obedient granddaughter. To Ryoko, she was the kind daughter who supported her marriage.

With time and patience, winning them over was easy.

And so, another milestone was reached.

There were only three left.

The longest phase of her plan was keeping their four-person family happy. To secretly continue her scheme, she had to ensure their happiness herself. Whenever conflicts arose, she stepped in as a peacemaker.

Fortunately, all three of them were kind people, so there were no serious incidents. They lived happily together.

Of course, Misaki never stopped strengthening their trust in her. Over time, she earned complete faith from both Ryoko and Saori.

“Misaki is such a thoughtful granddaughter.”

“She always puts family first. I’m so proud of her.”

With their trust secured, Misaki’s words carried more weight.

Now, as a high school student, she began preparing for the final steps of her plan.

Two milestones remained.

The next phase was the most difficult.

If she mistimed her move, everything she had built would be ruined.

She had to be careful—but bold.

In her senior year of high school, Misaki decided it was time.

She spoke to Ryoko first, when they were alone.

“Ryoko, don’t you want to have a child with Dad?”

She then spoke to Saori, when they were alone.

“Grandma, you really love Dad, don’t you? As a man?”

Then, she told them both:

“I have a great idea.”

—

Akiko still didn’t fully understand Misaki’s intentions.

Some things didn’t make sense.

“I understand that you’re trying to create a new ‘shape of happiness’… but…”

Then, Akiko realized a huge flaw in the plan.

“But… Ryoko can’t have children. You do know that, right?”

Misaki looked at her with a condescending smile.

“Of course I know that.”

“…Oh… then, are you planning to adopt?”

“Hah? What are you talking about?”

“But then…?”

“I know Ryoko can’t have children. That’s just how it is. So, I made a suggestion.”

“A suggestion?”

Misaki smiled. A bright, happy smile.

“I’ll give birth to Dad’s child.”

Akiko was speechless.

Only one milestone remained in Misaki’s plan.