They were a couple who lived more than 5,500 miles apart and only able to communicate via message or video call, but their romance got very serious, very quickly.
William Hargrove lived in Albany, Oregon, while Anna Repkina was in Moscow, Russia. They’d never met in person but a few months after connecting online, William and Anna were talking about taking a leap of faith at Christmas and starting a future together.
After splitting from her boyfriend of seven years, caring Anna had been looking for love when she met William on a Russian social networking site. They seemed to have lots in common, including a love of music and live gigs, and William loved her affectionate nature and sense of humour. Anna worked hard in her office job, but she also dreamed of settling down, getting married and having a family. William seemed to be offering her everything she had ever wanted.
It was 2016, and William, then 26, a bouncer and mechanic, convinced Anna, 27, to fly to the US with talk about magical days they could spend together in the snow, snuggling up in front of roaring fires and enjoying a magical Christmas. They could find out whether their feelings were real.
Anna fell for it hook, line and sinker. She agreed to travel to the US to spend the festive season with him, bravely booking flights and taking a chance on love. Anna was looking forward to finding out more about her new boyfriend – not knowing he was hiding a pretty huge secret. William was already in a relationship with someone else.
Michelle Chavez was married with two kids when she met William, but her marriage was on the rocks. She started an affair with William and, bizarrely, let him move into the family home by renting him the spare room.
Denne historien er fra January 04, 2021-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 04, 2021-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over
'The win changed our lives for the better'
While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral
Struggling in silence
With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son