Deception is a common theme. For example, in many such novels, the wife might deceive her husband about her actions, intentions or past. This could be to gain power or control in the relationship.
Another theme is the breakdown of trust. As the wife exhibits abusive behavior, whether it's emotional, psychological or physical (though less common in this genre for the wife to be physically abusive), it shatters the trust that should exist in a relationship. In 'Gone Girl', the wife's actions completely destroy the trust her husband had in her, leading to a very chaotic situation.
Power struggle is also a prevalent theme. The wife may be trying to assert her power over her husband through various means. It could be through blackmail, as in some stories where she has some secret knowledge about her husband and uses it to control him, or by manipulating public perception of him, like in the case of some of the characters in the novels mentioned before.
If you want the clearest chapter reference, go to Chapter 112. Early on, These five people are supposed to be at odds.; later, the chapter leans on When did they become so in sync?] [I'm dying of laughter hahaha why is....
Look to Chapter 111 for the clearest answer. It begins with The main room's door was pushed open just a crack, and the head of the..., keeps building through Miss Jiang, you're still up, that's great., and lands on This time it was in a dream..
A practical answer is Chapter 117, because it turns the idea into a concrete scene. The chapter opens with Fragrant and cloyingly sweet potatoes and corn were out of the pot, and Qi..., adds pressure through Wen Jiaojiao wouldn't be trying to forage for mushrooms to cook for..., and ends on Since.
The best chapter pointer here is Chapter 131, "This Lady is Here to Travel". It opens with Just around mealtime, Director Sun came over pushing his small food cart. and closes on Hungry, they no longer cared about their appearance, quickly washed their....
A practical answer is Chapter 98, because it turns the idea into a concrete scene. The chapter opens with Jiang Li listened to the end and didn't have much of a reaction, only..., adds pressure through Several shirtless men were seen sitting around a table, playing cards and..., and ends on That's.
Look to Chapter 141 for the clearest answer. It begins with It had happened in the afternoon when Aunt Ying's son and daughter heard..., keeps building through They went straight to Jiang Li's door and insisted on thanking her., and lands on Jiang Li couldn't help but laugh and cry..
Chapter 96 is the strongest chapter-level answer because it starts from Jiang Li's words seemed absurd, yet there also seemed to be a trace of... and follows through on Xu Ling couldn't contain her soft sobbing, "How could this happen?.
If you want the clearest chapter reference, go to Chapter 153. Early on, Wisps of smoke gradually rose from the small kitchen.; later, the chapter leans on With the bubbling of the boiler and the crackling of the burning firewood,....
If you want the clearest chapter reference, go to Chapter 118. Early on, At 8 in the morning, several guests appeared on time next to the...; later, the chapter leans on Seeing the five individuals walking together in unison, Director Sun was....
Chapter 146 is the strongest chapter-level answer because it starts from Director Sun: "???" Jiang Li smiled and said, "In the past, the show crew... and follows through on That way, they could maximize the traffic for their live broadcast..