"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.

That place marked the pivotal shift in my fate.

"Honey, would you like to take a break? The service area is just ahead," I inquired cautiously.

"You're such a failure. Complaining of fatigue after such a short drive. No wonder you can't earn a penny."

"I'm merely concerned about your and our son's comfort."

"Fine, let's stop for a breather." Cathy seemed somewhat reluctant. After all, she yearned to reach her parents' home swiftly and feared I might waver in my decision.

Upon reaching the service area, I stepped out to fetch food for Paul and also procured an array of beverages for Cathy, allowing her to select her preference.

"Benjamin, are you out of your mind? Buying so many drinks. What if I need to use the restroom on the journey?" Cathy pointed and berated me, drawing amused glances from onlookers.

"My oversight. I apologize, dear."

"You're from a destitute background, devoid of intellect, just like your worthless parents!"

"Cathy, have you vented enough? It's one thing if you lash out at me, but why persist in insulting my parents? What do you seek?"

The stark contrast between my deference on the way and my sudden outburst left Cathy momentarily stunned.

"Why are you so harsh to my mother? Your parents are good for nothing!" Paul approached and shoved me.

"Paul, I've made it clear that you can no longer speak ill of your elders!" I glared at Paul, my anger palpable.

The truth was, I was genuinely enraged.

"Benjamin, are you insane?"

"You're insane, too!"

Cathy slapped me.

I climbed back into the car and locked the doors, having no intention of waiting for them.

Cathy called out to me several times, but I remained unresponsive. It wasn't until I had passed two highway junctions that I turned around to retrieve them.

"I'm sorry, dear. I shouldn't have abandoned you. Are you cold?" I removed my coat and draped it over Cathy.

"Well, what disputes between a couple can't resolve? It's inconsiderate to leave someone behind during the festive season. Don't repeat this next time."

The policeman lectured me and turned to Cathy. "Can't you temper your outbursts? It's Christmas. Why not discuss matters amicably?"

It was only after Cathy reentered the car that I learned she had called the police. Upon their arrival, the police questioned those nearby and almost pieced together the entire story. Just as they were about to contact me, they spotted me turning around from the surveillance camera.

"I'm sorry."

"Just drive." Cathy was likely wary that I might abandon her and Paul again, so she was unusually subdued for the remainder of the journey.

By the time we reached Cathy's parents' house, dusk had fallen.

"Why are you so late?" Cathy's mother, Judy Bruce, took the items from my hands with displeasure.

"Ask him, and you'll find out." Cathy retorted sarcastically as she changed her shoes.

"It's alright. We encountered a minor issue on the way."

Cathy shot me a glare and retreated to the bedroom.

Judy followed her in.

Half an hour later, Cathy emerged with teary eyes, trailed by Judy, whose face was a mask of anger.

"Benjamin, we entrusted Cathy to you, seeing how well you treated her. How could you commit such an act?" Judy served water to Cathy and Paul, launching into a lecture before even allowing us to dine.

"What's wrong?" Jack Bruce, Cathy's father, handed Cathy a peeled apple. Though unaware of the specifics, he cast a hostile gaze at me.

Cathy recounted the events on the road, omitting the insults she had hurled at my parents.

"Benjamin, you are going too far!" Jack slammed the cup heavily onto the table.

"I concede my actions were wrong, but Cathy has relentlessly insulted my parents throughout the journey. I confess that I am somewhat incensed."

"But you can't simply abandon her and the child at the service area. What if something befalls them? Moreover, what harm is there in her uttering a few words? Your parents won't wither away from it." Jack's anger escalated with each word, his intent clear to rise and strike me.

No wonder Cathy had turned out this way; her parents were equally disdainful.

I looked down as my fury was simmering.

"Are you displeased after I've spoken my piece? We are your elders; what fault is there in offering a few words?" Upon glimpsing my expression, Judy joined in the scolding.

I thought, "A clan of scoundrels."

"I apologize. Cathy, it won't happen again." I lifted my head, meeting their gaze with eyes reddened by rage.

They likely presumed I had acknowledged my error so much that I was on the verge of weeping in remorse, so they regarded me with contempt before arranging for our Christmas Eve feast.

This would be my final meal with them, so I consumed it as if nothing untoward had transpired.

After the feast, I shut off the video recording; I had secured all I needed.

While Jack and I watched television, Judy mysteriously ushered Cathy into the bedroom.

It was a given; Judy was discreetly handing Cathy more money once again.

Jack proceeded to the bathroom, and Paul was engrossed in his cell phone. For some reason, I trailed Cathy and Judy there.

"Cathy, do you wish to teach that lad a lesson?"

As I approached the door, I caught Judy's voice.

The old house boasted average soundproofing, so I pressed my ear against the door and activated the recording.

"Mom, what do you mean?" Cathy's voice betrayed confusion.

"He dared to desert you and Paul this time; next, he might dare to cheat on you. You must take action to frighten him."

I was confused.

I could not figure out the logic between my abandoning Cathy and betrayal.

"I've already reprimanded him. Besides, he wouldn't dare. Otherwise, how could he have remained oblivious until now..."

I thought, "Oblivious of what?"