I’m Mariko, in my 40s, living with my husband, Takayoshi (also in his 40s), and our daughter, Sally (in 8th grade). Both our families live nearby. I thought Sally’s harsh language and attitude were just part of her rebellious phase, but it seems she’s being influenced by my mother-in-law, Sanae (in her 70s). My husband wants to remarry his affair partner, Misato Fukuhara (in her late 30s), who is currently pregnant, and my mother-in-law seems to be pushing for it, hoping to get her hands on Misato’s money. I believe they both manipulated our dog and our own daughter just to drive me out and finalize the divorce.
I decided it was time to end the marriage and told my parents everything. I’m now fully prepared to bring in a lawyer to push the divorce through, but my biggest concern is still Sally. When I sat down to talk with her at my parents’ house, she coldly chose to move forward with a “new life” alongside her father, his mistress, and my mother-in-law, before bluntly shoving the divorce papers my husband had tasked her with into my hands. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me—the heartbreak of her pushing me away, mixed with a strange sense of relief to be finally freed from the chaos she’s become. I’m haunted by the regret of wondering if I could have done more for her as a mother, but I have to stay focused now. It’s time to move forward with the divorce.