Chapter 20 My Wife's Family

My Wife’s Family

“Brother-in-law, welcome.”

“Sorry for the intrusion.”

The day after I requested a lawyer, Tokudou Kanae, I was invited by Hana-chan to visit her family home.

Of course, since it was Rina’s family home as well, I had visited it many times before we got married.

However, I had visited it less often since we got married, so I was a little nervous this time.

After all, it was Rina and Hana-chan’s parents who had called me. In other words, my in-laws.

The reason must be the divorce with Rina.

That’s right, when we got married, I swore to both of them that I would make Rina happy.

Since that was broken, it’s no wonder they’re angry.

“Ugh… This is so heavy.”

Imagining what would happen, I felt so heavy that I wanted to go home right away and sighed involuntarily.

But since I had come, I couldn’t go back now.

“Brother-in-law, you don’t have to worry so much.”

“Oh, ahaha… thank you.”

Hana-chan says that, but I don’t feel like it’s any consolation.

In a depressed mood, I was led into the living room by Hana-chan.

Rina and Hana-chan’s parents were waiting there.

“Hello Makoto-kun, it’s been a while.”

Kuroda Ryohei (黒田良平), the father.

An employee of a big company. He looks strict at first glance, but he is not really like that on the inside.

He is a good person who loves his two daughters very much.

“Long time no see, Makoto-kun.”

Kuroda Mana (黒田愛菜), the mother.

A full-time housewife who does all the housework perfectly. She is so beautiful that you wouldn’t think she has children, and I heard that she is often hit on.

She is gentle and kind and is loved by her daughters.

“Long time no see. Father-in-law, mother-in-law.”

I bowed politely, and Ryohei-san asked me to sit down, so I shyly sat down next to Hana-chan.

The atmosphere in front of them became heavy.

I was nervous about what would be said to me, whether it would be a scolding or something else. After a short silence, both of them suddenly stood up and knelt down on the floor.

“Makoto-kun, we’re sorry!”

“Makoto-kun, I’m sorry!”

“Eh?!”

I couldn’t believe my eyes at their sudden prostration.

While I was stunned by the unexpected situation, Hana-chan, who was sitting next to me, also stood up and bowed her head.

“Brother-in-law, I also apologize. I’m sorry.”

“N-no, no! Why are you all apologizing?!”

It was I who broke the promise I made to make her happy, so it is I who should apologize.

“You all are not to blame; please raise your heads!”

“No, it can’t be like that. Hana told us everything. Our foolish daughter did something very rude. The responsibility for hurting you lies entirely with us parents. We’re truly sorry.”

Ryohei-san apologized, rubbing his head on the floor.

Of course, a child’s actions can also be attributed to the parent’s responsibility, but that only applies to minors.

Rina is already an adult. If she doesn’t take responsibility, it means nothing.

So these people are really not to blame.

“Everyone, please raise your heads. You have been so kind to me; there is no need to apologize. Actually, I’m the one who should apologize. I promised to make your daughter happy, but I couldn’t keep my promise, so I’m sorry.”

I also bowed my head, and the two of them finally raised their heads.

But their faces were smiling softly as if filled with love.

“It’s okay, Makoto-kun. You really worked hard.”

“Yes, Makoto-kun, we are truly grateful to you. Thank you for loving such a foolish daughter.”

“Father-in-law, mother-in-law….”

These people are really good.

I was angry with Rina for betraying such people, and I was also angry with myself.

Now I regret that I wanted these people to be my parents until the end, but it’s too late.

“Will you still divorce Rina?”

“…Yes, I’m sorry. I don’t seem to have any affection for Rina in my heart anymore. And I think that if we stay together like this, neither of us will be happy.”

When I expressed my honest feelings, the two of them nodded deeply in agreement.

“I see… That’s right. If I were you, I would definitely do the same. I’m sorry to hear such painful things.”

“No….”

If I were to divorce Rina, I would no longer be family to these people. I would become a complete stranger. That’s my only regret.

While I was desperately trying to suppress my sad feelings, Mana-san opened her mouth to me with a gentle expression.

“Makoto-kun, thank you for supporting Rina so far. But even if you divorce her, you are still our son.”

“Eh…?”

Hearing those unexpected words left me stunned.

Before I could ask what she meant, Ryohei-san nodded and said.

“That’s right. You will sever all ties with Rina, who treated you so cruelly. But we will always be your family. We swore that at your wedding.”

“Yes, brother-in-law. We are family, now and in the future.”

Hana-chan, who was sitting next to me, gently held my hand and agreed as if she loved me.

Is it okay? Can someone like me be part of a family of such kind people?

Ryohei-san and Mana-san approached me and hugged me as if to dispel such fears.

“We will always be your family. Don’t forget that.”

“Yes, please let us know if you need any help.”

It’s warm. Not just the temperature. My heart is warm because of the kindness of these people.

For me, who never had a family, I was reminded once again how wonderful a family can be.

“That’s right, I thought of something good. How about divorcing Rina and taking Hana instead?”

“Eh…?!”

“Wait, Father!”

Both Hana-chan and I were surprised by the sudden suggestion.

Hana-chan’s face turned bright red, and she looked confused. When Mana-san heard this, she smiled like a blooming flower.

“That’s a great idea, dear! This way we can all stay as a family, and Hana will be happy too, right?”

“M-Mom too…?!”

Hana-chan’s face turned even redder at Mana-san’s words.

I just smiled wryly, not knowing if she was serious or joking.