I managed to sneak away at least once a week to meet him in hotels – far enough away to avoid suspicion but close enough that I could get home to the children quickly if needed.
We also spoke at least three times daily over the phone, and our morning call quickly became the highlight of my day. Each time we parted it became more difficult. We discussed the possibility of a future together but our lives were so intertwined it seemed impossible.
Meanwhile, I had convinced myself that I was maintaining my façade at home. I was wrong. Neither Joe nor I were as talented as we had thought in the art of deception and both our spouses had become suspicious.
They had both noticed small changes in our behavior and it had been enough for them to have a conversation where they discussed their fears at length. One night after dinner, Liam finally confronted me. My silence spoke volumes and in a fit of rage, he slapped me hard across the face before storming out to confront Joe.
I was stunned. Liam had never been violent towards me before and despite the circumstances, I was petrified of what would happen when he got to Joe. As it transpired, Liam stopped off in a local garage on his way to Joe’s just as Joe pulled into it, having received my emergency text that trouble was coming.
From what I was told, there was one punch and even fewer words before Liam marched out, leaving Joe hanging his head in shame.
The next few weeks were a blur. Before I had an opportunity to sit the children down and explain the situation, Liam blurted out the whole sordid affair, leaving them confused and frightened.
