After Rebirth, My Husband Became My Stalker

The door wasn’t fully closed. Mia didn’t mean to notice it. She had only been walking past, her steps light, her mind somewhere else—until the sound reached her. A soft laugh. Low. Intimate. Her fingers stilled against the wall. For a moment, she told herself to keep walking. To ignore it like she always did. To pretend she hadn’t heard anything. But something inside her… wouldn’t let her. Slowly, almost mechanically, she pushed the door open. And there he was. Jack. Her husband. The man she had given everything to. And another woman beneath him. Mia didn’t scream. Didn’t question. Didn’t even breathe. She just stood there, staring, her eyes wide as the scene burned itself into her mind. It wasn’t new. It had never been new. But it still hurt. It always hurt. Jack turned his head, irritation flashing across his face for a brief second before it disappeared completely. Like nothing had happened. Like she didn’t matter. Mia’s lips parted slightly, but no sound came out. Her throat felt tight, suffocating, as something heavy settled in her chest. Then, quietly— She closed the door. And walked away. By the time she reached her room, her vision had blurred completely. The moment the door shut behind her, her strength shattered. A broken sob escaped her lips as she staggered forward, her knees giving out before she could reach the bed. She collapsed onto the floor, her hands clutching at her chest as if she could hold herself together. But she couldn’t. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably, her shoulders shaking violently as everything she had buried for so long came crashing down. “I gave you everything…” she whispered through sobs. Her voice sounded unfamiliar to her own ears—fragile, hollow. Her mind dragged her back through the years. The dreams she had abandoned. The career she had walked away from. The life she had chosen… all for him. Because she had loved him. Because she had believed love was enough. Another sob tore through her, harsher this time, as she pressed her face into her hands. “How did it become like this…?” There was no answer. There never was. That night, Mia cried until there were no tears left—until her chest ached and her head throbbed and even breathing felt exhausting. But morning still came. It always did. At breakfast, everything was normal. Too normal. Jack sat across from her, composed, elegant, as if the night before had never happened. He didn’t look guilty. He didn’t look ashamed. He looked… bored. Mia kept her head lowered, her hands trembling slightly as she held her cup. “Why did you open that door last night?” Her fingers froze. His tone was calm. Too calm. “I… I was just—” The slap came suddenly. Sharp. Her head snapped to the side as pain exploded across her cheek. She gasped, her hand flying up instinctively, her entire body going rigid. “I told you before,” Jack said coldly, setting his utensils down. “You don’t enter my space without permission.” Mia said nothing. She couldn’t. Her ears rang, her vision blurring again—but this time, she forced the tears back. Not here. Not in front of him. “There’s a party tonight,” he continued as if nothing had happened. “High-level. Important people. You’ll come with me.” Like always. Like nothing was wrong. That night, Mia stood beside him in a sea of wealth and elegance. Crystal lights shimmered above, laughter filled the air, and expensive suits and gowns moved gracefully across the room. And Jack— Jack held her like she was the most important person in his life. His arm rested around her waist, his fingers brushing her skin in what looked like affection. To everyone else, they were perfect. Mia forced a smile, her body stiff beneath his touch. Every time his fingers moved, she flinched—just slightly, almost unnoticeable. Almost. “You really have a good relationship with your wife.” The voice was calm. Cold. Mia’s breath hitched. Jack laughed lightly. “Of course. We understand each other well.” Mia slowly turned her head. And met a familiar pair of eyes. Edel. He stood before them, composed, unreadable—his presence alone drawing quiet attention from those nearby. A powerful figure. Someone everyone wanted something from. But his gaze wasn’t on Jack. It was on her. Sharp. Observing. Mia quickly looked away. After a few more exchanges, the conversation ended—but the weight of his gaze lingered. After the party, Mia stepped outside, desperate for air. “Mia.” She froze. Edel approached slowly, his expression unchanged—but there was something in his eyes. Something searching. “Are you alright?” he asked. Such a simple question. Yet it felt unbearable. “I’m fine,” she said quickly, forcing a smile. He didn’t believe her. It was obvious in the silence that followed. “You don’t look fine.” Her fingers tightened. For a moment, she almost said something. Almost. But— “Mia.” Jack’s voice cut in. Cold. Sharp. The moment shattered. The ride home was silent. Heavy. The moment the door closed behind them— Jack snapped. “Were you enjoying that?” he demanded, his voice low and dangerous. “Talking to him like that?” Mia shook her head quickly. “No, I—” He grabbed her arm. Hard. “You think I didn’t see the way you looked at him?” “I didn’t—” The impact came before she could finish. Again. And again. Mia’s world spun as she stumbled back, pain blooming through her body. She didn’t fight back. She couldn’t. Her vision blurred. Her breath came in broken gasps. But this time— Something was different. Through the haze, her eyes flickered toward the small, hidden camera in the room. And for the first time— She didn’t stay silent. “This time…” her voice trembled, barely holding together, “I won’t let you hide it anymore.” Jack froze. For a split second— Something dark flashed in his eyes. Then— Rage. “What did you do?” Mia didn’t answer. She didn’t need to. His gaze followed hers. And he understood. The vase was already in his hand before she could react. “Jack—” Everything went black.