Eyes glued to the big screen, I reached into the cardboard bucket on the armrest next to me. Grabbing a handful of popcorn, my hand brushed my date's as he did the same, and I felt a tingle of excitement.
Kevin* and I were on a first date after meeting through friends, and sitting next to him in the dark of the cinema, I knew I wanted to see him again. After the film, our conversation flowed easily. Kevin was a successful businessman, seemed dependable and sensible, and after a few more dates, I introduced him to my two children.
They got along well and things between Kevin and I were amazing. So much so, that after just a few months of dating, I asked the kids if they'd be OK with Kevin moving in.
It was fast, but we were both in our 40s and we'd completely fallen for each other.
'As long as you're happy, Mum,' my eldest shrugged, and I truly was.
So happy in fact, that when Kevin proposed soon after, I said yes.
DATING SITES
After we married, life became a whirlwind of working, raising the children, and taking care of our dog. Then after a few years of marriage, I discovered something on Kevin's laptop.
I was using it to do some shopping and found dating sites in the search history.
I felt my heart rate quicken as it dawned on me what my husband had been up to.
'Explain yourself!" I seethed when he got home from work.
He'd never given me any sign he was unhappy in our marriage or interested in other women, and I'd never felt so hurt or betrayed. We were the kind of couple who held hands on the street and always made sure to kiss each other good night. It didn't make sense.
'It doesn't mean anything," he said to me. 'I was bored.
Nothing happened. I'm sorry." Of course I was still upset, but what would you do? This was the man I loved, the man I had a life with.
Denne historien er fra March 18, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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Denne historien er fra March 18, 2024-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.
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MUM'S LEGACY WILL LIVE ON
For Victoria Hislop, her mum’s festive spirit is the best gift she could have hoped for
HOW THE OTHER HALF DO CHRISTMAS
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on posh Christmases, bums and jumpers
HE TOOK MY TWIN FROM ME
For Nicole Rawlings, 31, the new year only brings painful memories
Get the GOSS!
Your round-up of this week's biggest showbiz stories
I MADE MY HUSBAND CHOOSE ME OR HIS PARENTS
Amanda*, 46, gave her husband a seemingly impossible ultimatum
SWAPPED AT BIRTH
After 55 years, two women discovered they'd been living a life that had never been meant for them
CLEVER COCKTAIL SWAPS
Christmas is just around the corner, which for many of us means a drink or two to celebrate.
Happy New Year!
From hitting the town to a cosy night in, say hello to 2005 ina suitably stylish look
'MARRIAGE ISN'T IMPORTANT TO ME'
Emmerdale's Lisa Riley on her relationship and why she won't leave the soap again
ALISON TO REPLACE CAT?
It seems there's trouble at This Morning as Cat Deeley is said to feel 'overlooked' by bosses