Akiko heads briskly to a local park to officially introduce herself to her stepdaughter-to-be — but the girl takes an immediate disliking toward her.

Ryoichi, Akiko and Miyuki begin their life together as a family. But the more Akiko tries to be a good mother, the more Miyuki seems to resent her.

Akiko takes her new position as a mother and homemaker very seriously, but even she isn't prepared for what she encounters at the PTA meeting.

Starting to suspect that her father and Akiko are in a fake marriage, Miyuki asks them how they first met — a question neither is able to answer.

With Ryoichi incapacitated and in the hospital, Akiko steps in for him at his job. Wanting to be of help, Miyuki makes a suggestion.

Now a senior in high school, Miyuki must start thinking about her future. To set a good example for her, Akiko considers returning to work.

With her stepmother's fierce support, Miyuki goes to take her entrance exam. Akiko ends up in the hospital, giving Miyuki a fright.