†††
HE USED to be a sweet and caring husband.
He used to love hanging out with his loved ones.
He used to love meeting people.
But lately, something had changed.
He no longer want to leave the house. He grew cold, withdrawn. He didn't want to talk to anyone—even with his wife.
Jia had begged him to seek help. He refused, again and again.
Until one day, she gave him an ultimatum: get therapy or get a divorce.
He chose therapy.
Every week, he went. But nothing changed.
---
JIA GREETED Daikhiro with a kiss as he walked through the door. He barely met her gaze, handing her a paper bag.
"You bought dinner?" she asked, trying to sound cheerful.
He only nodded before heading silently upstairs.
She let out a deep sigh and turned toward the kitchen, quietly unpacking their meal.
---
DINNER WAS silent, the clink of utensils the only sound between them until Daikhiro broke the silence.
"Let's go out tomorrow."
Jia froze, her spoon clattering against the plate.
He didn't even flinch. He kept eating, eyes dull and unreadable.
"Where are we going?" she asked, excitement is visible in her voice.
"I'm taking you out on a date."
Tears brimmed in her eyes. It was the first time in months he'd said something like that.
"I've been planning it for two weeks now," he added.
A smile slowly formed on her lips.
"Wear your fanciest dress," he said. "Make sure you look your best." he then stood up and left the dining room.
---
THE NEXT evening, Jia stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress one final time. Her heart swelled with anticipation. Maybe this was it—maybe things would finally turn around.
They spent the day together—strolling the city, shopping, watching a movie.
But something felt off.
Daikhiro never smiled. Not even once. instead, he looked… annoyed.
As if he was simply enduring the day, waiting for it to end.
She was disheartened but still, Jia clung to hope. She reminded herself that healing took time.
She looked out of the car window and noticed where he was taking her.
She saw the sun was dipping low on the endless horizon as he pulled into a secluded port.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"I rented a private yacht," he replied.
Her heart fluttered again. Despite everything, he'd planned this. A romantic dinner on the water.
---
THE YACHT cruised into the open sea, carrying only Jia, Daikhiro, and the silent boatman.
They watched the sunset side by side, then sat down for dinner beneath string lights that flickered above the deck.
"Should we make a toast?" Daikiro asked, voice flat.
Jia nodded eagerly, retrieving the bottle of wine they'd bought earlier.
She handed it to him, and he poured two glasses.
"To rekindling our love," he said.
"I promise… you'll be happier tomorrow." he continued with a small smile on his face.
She raised her glass and clinked it to his.
She brought the wineglass to her lips and was about to take a sip when a loud sound startled them both.
Another yacht was approaching— loud music, laughter echoing across the waves. A group of drunk men partied on the deck.
---
THE NEXT MORNING
News broadcast
"Authorities were alerted early this morning when a fisherman found a drifting yacht near Palawan's west coast. The vessel appeared abandoned, having been moored in the same spot since last night. Inside, police discovered signs of foul play.
Upon investigation, authorities were called to the scene. Detective Vespera and her team responded immediately."
The television crackled as the anchor continued.
"We have received early reports. Two victims were found on the yacht. Succinylcholine was found on the first body, this compound can cause paralysis while preserving full consciousness. The victim was then tied with a chain by the ankles and dropped on the ocean, left dangling upside down to drown slowly while still fully conscious."
"The second victim is missing their body, their decapitated head was mutilated beyond recognition. Investigators suspect the remains may have been fed to shark or disposed of elsewhere. Forensic experts believe the victim was struck multiple times in the face with a blunt, heavy object—possibly a steel anchor."
---
SOMEWHERE ELSE
A PERSON sat curled on a sofa, gently stirring their coffee.
They sipped slowly, expression unreadable as the news anchor's voice droned on.
The person placed the mug on the table, eyes glinting.
"You were right, Daiki," she whispered, a slow, cruel smirk forming on her lips.
"I was happier when the date ended."
†††
THAT NIGHT
JIA BROUGHT the wineglass to her lips and was about to take a sip when a loud sound startled them both.
Another yacht was approaching— loud music, laughter echoing across the waves. A group of drunk men partied on the deck.
Jia and Daiki took a quick glance outside before looking back at each other, they just cackled as they hear the sound of the other yacht disappear. It turns out they just passed by them.
Daiki sighed and proceeded to drink wine from his glass while Jia just stared at him as he swallow every single drop.
"Why?" Daiki looked at her with a confused look.
Jia shook her head "nothing."
"Honey, do you still want a divorce? I really want to fix us this time. I lov—" The sound of the glass shattering in the floor echoed, Daiki suddenly fell back to his chair.
"Honey, what's wrong?" Jia asked with a concerned look in her face.
He opened his mouth, wanting to speak. But all that's coming out from his mouth is moan and groan like he's having a hard time speaking.
Suddenly, a sweet mischievous smile formed in Jia's lips. "that's fast. It already took effect?"
Daiki looked at her in horror. His eyes widened as he glanced at the wine in front of him.
"Don't bother fighting. It's no use, it will only take about 3 minutes before your body completely falls into paralysis"
Jia stood from her seat and went on Daiki's side. She pushed him to fall from his chair, Daiki groaned. completely helpless.
She took the chain in the side of the yacht and secured it on Daiki's feet. She dragged him to the side of the yacht till she finally managed to throw him overboard. To let him there drown helplessly.
Jia glanced at the location of the boatman, she'll have to attack him from behind. She will not let a possible witness go free.
For the last time, she looked at the spot where she threw her husband.
"No, Daikhiro, I don't want a divorce...
I just want you dead."
† END †