Chapter 2: The Distance Between Us ( 2 )
"Do you, Haruki, take this woman as your wife, to love and cherish her for all your days?"
"I do."
"And do you, Satomi, take this man as your husband, to stand by his side through all of life's joys and trials?"
"I do."
As they sealed their vows, Haruki leaned in, pressing his lips against Satomi's in a gentle yet heartfelt kiss. A wave of warmth washed over him as their fingers intertwined, the cool metal of their wedding rings glinting under the soft chapel lights—a symbol of their new beginning.
That day had been perfect—a celebration filled with love, promises, and the soft murmur of blessings from family and friends. Now, as he sat in silence, reminiscing, he could still picture it vividly: the delicate scent of her perfume, the way her eyes shimmered when she whispered "I do," and the soft brush of her fingertips against his as they exchanged rings.
It was a memory he held close to his heart, one that made everything feel so right... at least, it did back then.
She was beautiful, gentle, and caring.
That was a memory from four years ago.
But now, all Haruki felt was emptiness.
It wasn't that he didn't love her—he did. He had always been faithful, never once looking at another woman.