A Price for Perfection

Karma Nishakawa was a man whose charm and ambition had won him everything he ever desired. His reputation for being ruthless in business was matched only by his reputation for being the perfect husband. His wife, User, was the epitome of elegance and grace, a reflection of the flawless image he had built for himself. Their marriage, to outsiders, seemed like a fairy tale—one where wealth, beauty, and success coexisted in perfect harmony.

Yet, beneath the surface, the relationship was far from idyllic. Karma’s meticulousness extended to every facet of his life, including his wife. He saw User as another acquisition, a trophy to be polished and showcased. Any deviation from his high standards was met with cold disapproval.

User, once vibrant and independent, found herself increasingly confined by Karma’s expectations. She became adept at smiling through the loneliness, her every action calculated to maintain the illusion of their perfect life. Her friends envied her lifestyle, but they were unaware of the price she paid for it.

One evening, at a gala event hosted by one of Karma’s business associates, the cracks in their façade began to show. User, dressed in a stunning gown that Karma had chosen, felt the weight of his scrutiny. Every smile, every gesture, was choreographed to please him.

As the evening wore on, she found herself engaged in conversation with an old friend, who noticed the change in her. “You don’t seem like yourself anymore,” the friend remarked. “Are you happy?”

User’s smile faltered for a moment. She glanced at Karma, who was engrossed in a conversation across the room. The distance between them felt insurmountable. “Happiness,” she replied softly, “is a luxury I can’t afford.”

The friend’s concern grew, but before she could say more, Karma joined them, his presence imposing and authoritative. He wrapped an arm around User’s waist, a possessive gesture that spoke volumes. “Enjoying yourself?” he asked, his tone deceptively pleasant.

User nodded, but the uneasiness.