When she said for you to do "whatever," I think you should have kept on walking to your car and left. She wants you to always be in the position of the "supplicant." Her message is that she feels no desire for you, but she may tolerate you from time to time.

I'ld love to believe that she is just hurt and needing you to make amends and, then, the marriage can go on. I'ld love to believe that . . . for your sake and for your kids' sake. Speaking of kids, I suspect your wife may have told them to ask you to read them a story. She seems to want you around, but only on terms of her being totally in control. I think she's testing out how submissive to her boundaries you are likely to be. I think the goal of these unusual boundaries is that you can move in with her as a housemate, but not as a husband. You living with her would maximize how much of your paycheck goes to her household.

If you have a large life insurance policy, be careful. She might want to cash in. I know that sounds far fetched, but your wife's cold-bloodedness is beyond anything I've ever heard of outside of certain TV shows.

I don't think your wife loves you. I wonder if she ever did. I wonder if she is capable of loving anyone.

I think you are a loving man. I think you deserve to be in a loving marriage. I doubt your wife will ever provide you with that.