It was my first day at work and I sat nervously across the training room. He walked in and glanced at me and I knew I instantly fell for his charm. For the next 4 weeks we were working together and developed a close relationship. He asked me out and I went for a date with him. It didn’t bother me a bit that he was my boss. I used to wake up early and look my best to please him. Even before I knew it, I was in love with him.

After 5 months, I confessed to him and he said he loved me too. We have now been in a relationship for 3 years. I rented an apartment few meters away from his house and would wait for him to sneak into mine as he walked his dog.

He was married and I always knew it. Right in the middle of our kiss, his wife would call. He would get away from me the next second and walk back home to his wife. I felt angry, empty and dissatisfied. I wanted to make him mine.

When I asked him to choose between his wife and me, he said he loved us both and that he cannot leave his wife. She has no idea I exist, yet I know her favourite colour. The irony has stopped affecting me.

I was heartbroken but couldn’t fall out of love for him. This was my new normal I thought. I would make plans with him so he can sneak out of his house and make love to me. His physical presence made me feel loved. How surprising is it that I don’t want to leave him though he’s still with his wife?

My best friend says I don’t respect myself but I believe you find love only once and I don’t want to lose him, even though he’s married and will never be mine.

How long will I do this? As long as I love him and that’s forever and my new normal! I have refused to give an ear when people gossip and call me the other woman. After all, it’s impossible to find someone who keeps your soul happy.

Regards,

A content ‘other woman’