Can't say I'm surprised, but I also now wonder if this is going to have a conventional happy ending.
The bigger issue, is just how passive Megumi is. I want to believe she'd stand up and fight for what she wants, but....well, her track record implies she'd regress and roll over and just accept defeat in the face of what's stacked against her (childhood friend promise, overbearing matriarch, her own age). So, not optimistic, haha
I'm kinda of two minds about Marika though, given how kind and bright she is. It's a fantastic contrast to Megumi as opposition, and as a foil to the grandmother who's ...well, I get the societal and generational convention, but I absolutely would sooner quit my job and reject my inheritance than put up with that sort of stifling bullshit. Which is why I'm glad I'm not in his position.
But I can't hate Marika as a character, at least based on this first impression.
I just hope that Megumi doesn't roll over. especially after the Matsui Situation, and how even she has turned to Megumi's side (after a fashion). And speaking of Matsui, I hope she gets her happy ending, after that last chapter where we meet her godawful sister.
Anyway thanks for the TL. Glad this one's still going on, because I'm very invested in finding out where it all goes.