Reiko discovered that her husband had secretly used money meant for pachinko. Upon learning this, her stepson, Taiyo, sincerely apologized to her. Reiko understood his feelings and smiled gently, saying, "Taiyo, you don't need to apologize." More than blood ties, she sensed his emotions as a woman. She was certain he knew exactly how she felt. Their relationship gradually advanced into forbidden territory, as if walking down a secret path no one else could ever know.