Daddy's Affair...stole Our Little Girl's Voice

When Sheni Kedem’s partner cheated on her, she wasn’t the only one left feeling broken…

- Amisha Desai

When I first met Ella’s dad, Golan, it was 2010 and I was living abroad, working for an estate agent’s firm in Israel. I’d moved over there after leaving my parents’ home in Teddington, near London, but the last thing I’d expected was to fall in love.

However, Golan worked for the same firm as me and was fun and flirty. Within four months our friendship had grown into love. We moved in together and I fell pregnant. ‘We’re having a baby!’ I gasped to Golan, thrilled. Things were happening so fast, but he was as delighted as me. ‘I can’t wait,’ he laughed, kissing me.

Furtive behaviour

Our daughter Ella was born in April 2011. Golan, then 33, loved being a dad and was so sweet with Ella, but after she celebrated her first birthday, his behaviour changed. My once-attentive partner started staying out late and picking arguments with me. I also noticed that he took his mobile everywhere – even to the bathroom.

When I confronted him about his disappearing acts, he blamed work, but I just knew there was more to it. Then one evening in September 2012, Golan headed off to bed, leaving his phone charging in the living room.

Suddenly, it sprang into life, beeping with a flurry of text messages. My curiosity getting the better of me, I picked it up and read them.

‘I love you,’ one said. ‘You should be with me tonight,’ bleated another. A lump formed in my throat, my worst fears confirmed. Just at that moment, Golan rushed into the living room. He must have realised that he’d left his phone behind…

His eyes widened as he caught sight of the mobile in my hands. ‘You lying cheat!’ I screamed at him furiously. ‘I knew there was someone else. Who is she?!’