Returned home early, saw my wife embracing another man

“Haah…” I heaved a long sigh.

Stretched my arms and took a moment to calm my nerves.

Looking at my face on the blank monitor, I couldn’t help but feel I was staring at a guy in his thirties…but actually, I am just twenty-four.

“You are already done?” Asked my neighbor, Takeshi-san.

I smiled, “Yup~I didn’t take any extra work today so I am free now.” I packed the papers in my bag. I don’t intend on working at home, but I am keeping the papers just in case.

Takeshi-san sighed, “Well, it’s good that you have understood the side effects of taking the extra load. Someone who has recently gotten married, you sure were neglecting your wife a lot.”

I chuckled wryly, “In a month, we will be celebrating our second anniversary. Last year, I couldn’t give her anything good. So I am taking some extra work for a bonus.”

I married my wife two years ago, and the most expensive gift I gave her was the ring which she always wears wherever she goes.

And even that gold ring cost fifteen thousand yen. So yes, this year I am planning on giving her something expensive and memorable.

That’s why, the extra work.

“How about we walk to the station?” Asked my senior as he also finished his work.

Naturally, I nodded, “Sure.”

…

We soon left the office building and started walking towards the station which was only ten minutes walk from where we work.

Generally, when I leave only one or two people remain in the building. So, seeing so many people on the street, going to hang out or celebrate was a refreshing sight.

“Tell me, Yuto. How is your married life going?” My senior suddenly asked.

I blinked in surprise but then told him, “It’s going good. Asuka is very understanding and supportive. She takes good care of me.” I always say that I don’t deserve such a loving and beautiful woman as Asuka as my wife.

Not only is she good at whatever she does, but she is also quite mature.

Despite my low earnings, she somehow manages the money expenses well and even saves something every month.

She barely demands anything and also loves me dearly.

I love her as well. But still, sometimes I feel I don’t deserve such a wonderful woman.

“While I know you are working extra hard because of a reason, is it not becoming a problem in your personal life?” He asked something unexpected.

“What do you mean to say?” I asked in confusion. As far as I could remember, everything seemed fine between us.

Takeshi-san sighed, “Look son, I am older than you and have more experience in this. I used to be like you back in the day, but despite my good intentions, it was not well appreciated by my wife. Slowly, we began to become distant. We barely spent any time and we often quarreled when we actually did.”

With a weary sigh, he added, “In the end, she found someone better and left me.”

I was left speechless.

I didn’t know that Takeshi-san had such a tragic experience.

I stared at the ground and thought about my own life.

Not even once I saw displeasure on Asuka’s face when I returned home. While she showed concern she didn’t seem upset or argue with me.

As I mentioned earlier, she is very understanding.

“How is your nightlife these days?”

I was flustered and stopped mid-track, “T-Takeshi-san?” I never saw that question coming and in such a bold fashion.

He shrugged, “I apologize if I am crossing my boundaries here but I just wanted to let you know things. Take it coming from your guardian.”

I calmed myself down and resumed walking.

In a quieter voice, he said, “Six months before our divorce, we had stopped sleeping on the same bed. I barely had energy left even though she wanted it. And it was one of the major reasons why we grew so distant.”

With a sigh, he added, “Spending time in bed with your partner is very essential for a healthy relationship. That’s why I was curious if you are doing well there.”

I felt my heart growing heavily at those words….truth be told, in the past three months, we have done only twice. Once we began, but I fell asleep mid-way… I was too tired at that time.

Although Asuka says it was fine and that I shouldn’t overburden myself, I also feel sometimes that I have been neglecting her.

“Your silence tells me you are on the same path as me,” Takeshi-san said as we both came to a pause before the station.

He rested his hand on my shoulder and told me, “If you truly love your wife, you need to make things up. You still have time so go for it, son.”

I gave him a firm nod; holding the certainty in my eyes to improve things between me and my wife.

….

I rode the train, and on my way back home I picked her favorite pudding from the shop.

I also wanted to buy flowers but the shop was closed.

I wasn’t tired today, so I had planned on watching a movie with her, and then, I will lead her to bed today.

“That’s right. I still have time, and I don’t want to part ways with my Asuka.” Pumping my fists I approached my house …only to pause upon seeing a car parked before the apartment where I live.

It was an expensive car one could tell with just a single glance.

However, it wasn’t the black car that made me pause…it was two people hugging each other beside the car.

I couldn’t see the man’s face since his back was facing me…but over his shoulder, I saw a face that I could identify even from a crowd.

My wife…was currently being hugged by an unknown man.

I remained standing at the turning of the street with my mind blank.

…who was he…and why was she clinging to him so closely?

I was about to step forward and ask her when suddenly the man opened the door of the car for her, and without a question, Asuka stepped inside.

My lips parted in shock as I saw the car being driven away.

….what just happened?

******

A/N:- Thanks for reading.