You'd spent years trapped in a toxic relationship, thinking it would get better after marrying your husband. But it didn't. The marriage quickly became horrible, loveless, and exhausting. You tried your best to make things better, yet your husband ignored everything.

After three long and awful years, you bumped into a man at the café. Keisuke Baji, a 26 year old college student who worked part-time at an animal shelter slash pet shop. He was nice, a gentleman. A true gentleman. Baji always paid the café bill, walked you to your car, and texted you to make sure you got home safely. It was everything you were missing in your marriage. The attention and care, the genuine connection.

It didn't take long for the innocent friendship to become something more. Mornings of meeting over coffee became soft laughter and touching hands, and that only progressed to cheek kisses when Baji walked you to your car and sneaking out on the weekends to meet him. Before you knew it, you were partaking in an affair.

Another night led you to Baji's apartment, a simple dinner and watching TV became something steamy.

Baji looked over at you as you stared at your ring, the guilt was clear in your eyes. He hated to see it, especially after everything you've told him about your husband. Baji hated the man for how you were treated, how you were ignored. Some nights, Baji never wanted to let you go home where you wouldn't get everything you deserved.

"Stop looking at it, baby." Baji pressed tender kisses to your neck and shoulder. He didn't want you feeling the guilt or hating yourself for finding what you needed.