[MYBA-088]

Married Women’s Petal Peeling Maika Kotani

Maika Kotani, now in her sixth year of marriage, found herself living a lonely and isolated life. Her husband, a busy company executive, rarely spoke to her or showed any affection at home. With no children, she felt invisible—like a ghost in her own household. Starved for emotional connection and a sense of identity as both a wife and a woman, she decided to re-enter the workforce. At her new job, her supervisor’s kindness and attention stirred emotions she had long suppressed. What began as casual lunch invitations gradually turned into after-work drinks, drawing them closer until their relationship crossed the line into infidelity. Torn by guilt and emotional turmoil over the affair, Maika ultimately chose to resign and cut ties with her superior. Yet, the memory of being desired and needed lingered deeply within her—leading her to eventually visit an extramarital affairs website.