After My Rebirth, I Discovered My Wife's Shocking Secrets

"No money, no joy."

Cathy resumed her phone scrolling, and the car fell into an uncharacteristic silence.

I met Cathy in college, our love spanning five years before culminating in an eight-year marriage. I wouldn't profess the depth of my affection over these ten years, but I held her as precious as life itself.

Since our wedding day, she had never lifted a finger around the house. From wiping down tables to sweeping floors, she had remained aloof. She didn't even know where the cleaning cloths were stashed.

No matter the trials I faced at work, I always greeted Cathy with a smile upon returning home. I absorbed all her moods, showering her with every romantic whim any girl could desire. Even when it came to childbirth, I would diligently research at the hospital after work, ensuring she suffered no undue pain.

So, in my past life, even when she orchestrated online slander against me, I harbored no hatred until my parents' tragic demise.

On Christmas Eve, a dispute erupted over where to celebrate the holiday. On the way, she nagged incessantly, just as she did now, and Paul hurled insults at my parents. In a burst of fury, I abandoned them at a highway rest stop.

Yet, I later doubled back at the next exit to retrieve them.

Subsequently, her parents joined her in a furious online assault. Worried I might act rashly, my parents urged me to take a break and return home for a while.

Later, Cathy claimed Paul missed me and brought Paul to my house. My parents took Paul out to play, giving us space to reconcile and urging me to apologize and console her.

But I never anticipated that my parents' car would be trailed by a vengeful soul who followed them solely because of the provocative video Cathy had posted.

My parents perished in their valiant attempt to shield Paul.

Afterward, Paul still bemoaned bad luck at the funeral, and Cathy maintained a sullen demeanor, feeling clearly embarrassed.

From that moment, I loathed them both.

Yet, I still rationalized that her words were merely her honest feelings, not indicative of her character.

If I hadn't uncovered her secretive purchase of negative comments and her hiring of cyber bullies, I might have forever believed in her innocence.

When I stood on the rooftop, I felt an unprecedented lightness.

Soon, I would reunite with my parents, and I wouldn't have to face Cathy or endlessly justify my innocence.

As I fell from the building, I glimpsed Cathy. Her face was serene as if our lives were utterly disconnected.

As I plunged, it seemed I saw her exhale in relief.

Cathy continued her tirade, but I focused intently. Distraction on the highway could be lethal, and I had no desire to perish alongside her.

"Benjamin, did you hear me speaking to you?" Seeing my lack of response, Cathy grew irritated.

"I heard you, dear. I was merely concentrating on driving."

"Forget it. With your lousy skills and this decrepit car, does it matter if you focus or not? In my view, you should reside in the countryside with your parents. Country folk will always be country folk."

"But didn't you still marry me, a country boy?"

"I had no choice." Cathy snapped angrily.

Her words cut sharply in the confined space.

"What do you mean, 'no choice'?" I sensed something amiss.

Cathy and I had been together since college. Despite her constant troubles, we remained blissful. After graduation, we both secured jobs. I saved diligently and proposed, to which she consented. There was no coercion.

Cathy fell silent for a while, and we approached the service area where I had left them in my previous life.