It should have been the perfect summer day as we enjoyed the sunshine in the conservatory, but something wasn't right. My husband. Nick*, had gone quiet and was staring out across the garden. I tried to get him to open up. Was he ill? Worried about work? Finally he turned to face me and said he didn't love me any more. I felt numb, as if the ground beneath my feet had fallen away. It was 2017, I was 58 and we had been married for 27 years. He was my world, my best friend and a fabulous father to our sons. He was also the man I had forgiven for a series of affairs, but this time he was leaving me for good.
We met when I was 29 and HIDE A I fell headlong in love. Nick moved into my tiny rented cottage, and we married two years later. His young son, Jeremy*, often stayed with us, and when our son, Peter*, was born in 1991, our family was complete. I worked part time as a teacher, while Nick built up our business.
BREAKING THE TRUST
After years of scrimping, we could afford nice cars and clothes, foreign holidays and our own home. We were so happy. But there was a cloud over my happiness.
When Peter was five, Nick started 'working late' and his phone bill had lots of calls to one number. I turned into Miss Marple and the clues only pointed one way.
When I confronted him, he admitted seeing a woman at work. I wanted to know more about her - why he'd wanted her and not me - but he wouldn't discuss it and got angry if I raised it. He promised to end it and I forgave him - I didn't want our family to fall apart. However, when Peter was 12, the nightmare started again. He met this one on a work trip. I found her number on the flip side of a business card. Another showdown, another patch on our marriage.
Denne historien er fra October 30, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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 October 30, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?
