“I’m a Bride-to-Be Who Can’t Help Cheating on My Fiancé – Here’s Why I Do It”

* A 38-year-old bride-to-be has been leading a steamy double life after joining the extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com just four months ago.

* Her fiancé, due to marry her next year, is oblivious to her infidelity as he lives and works in a different town.

* She claims the thrill of infidelity is “freeing” and sees it as part of who she truly is.

In a shocking revelation, a seemingly ordinary 38-year-old woman, due to be married next September, has been leading a double life. Engaged and outwardly committed, Chloe* plunged into the depths of extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com just four months ago, and since then, her love life has become anything but ordinary – whilst her fiancé remains entirely in the dark.

It all started with a casual scroll through her news feed. “I never thought I’d be the type to do this,” she confesses. “I joined IllicitEncounters on a whim one Thursday night after seeing an article in my news feed. By midnight, I was hooked. By Saturday, I’d already met someone.”

Her date? A married man from her area, “He told me it was his birthday, his wife was away at a hen do, and he’d rather see me than his friends,” she recalls. Their evening began with flirtation over drinks and ended in the backseat of his wife’s brand-new white Range Rover. “It was electric,” she admits. 

Despite being engaged, she’s unapologetic about her motives. “I have a very high sex drive, my fiancé works away, and I crave the thrill of it all,” she explains. “For me, variety really is the spice of life.”

When her fiancé is out of town during the week, she fills the void with discreet meetups. Since joining IllicitEncounters.com four months ago, she’s been with at least four men, each encounter offering something new and exciting – one lover being a well-known circuit racing driver who regularly features on TV.

Her fiancé is blissfully unaware of her secret escapades, though this isn’t her first brush with infidelity. “Years ago, I used a similar site before we got together, and he knows about this,” she admits. “But he doesn’t know that I’m having an affair now.”

Despite this hidden part of her life, she confesses, “I love my fiancé, but there’s a part of me that can’t give up this lifestyle. It’s thrilling, it’s freeing, and honestly, it feels like me.”

* Name has been changed

Inflation Fuels Affairs: Data Reveals Link Between Rising Prices and Infidelity

* Rising inflation is creating tension in relationships, pushing people to seek emotional or romantic escapes.

* A 22% surge in membership for extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com followed the latest inflation hike announcement – a trend which was also seen when inflation rose in August.

* 65% of new members who joined within 48 hours of the inflation increase cited financial pressure as their main reason for joining.

* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

Could rising inflation be driving people to cheat? A leading affairs website has revealed a startling correlation between rising inflation rates and increased membership on their platform. 

Following the latest inflation announcement on Wednesday, IllicitEncounters.com saw a 22% jump in sign-ups in just 48 hours, and this isn’t the first time the platform has experienced such a trend – when inflation rose in August of this year, the website saw a 19% rise in new members.

65% of new members who joined within 48 hours of this week’s news that inflation had risen to 2.3% cited “financial stress” as their primary reason for joining.

“We’ve come across a clear pattern: each time inflation rises, our membership numbers boom,” says Jessica Leoni, spokesperson for the affairs site. “It’s fascinating to see how economic factors can influence people’s personal relationships. When financial stress increases, it can put a strain on marriages and partnerships, leading some to seek solace or excitement elsewhere.”

Leoni also confirmed that the extramarital dating site has no plans to raise its prices, even as inflation drives up costs elsewhere. “Our members are looking for relief, not more stress. We’ll keep our platform accessible, no matter the economic climate,” she said.

For Emma*, a 34-year-old member of IllicitEncounters.com who joined this week, the most recent inflation report was the final straw. “We’ve been arguing constantly about money,” she admitted. “The bills keep piling up, and we just don’t connect anymore.”

Emma* signed up for the affairs site just hours after hearing about the latest interest rate hike. “I know it’s not the solution, but I needed something that was just for me. Somewhere I could feel alive again without the constant stress,” she said, adding that she’s already begun chatting with several potential matches.

* Name has been changed

Cheltenham crowned the UK’s new adultery capital as the Cotswolds town sees incredible jump in affairs due to the “Rivals effect” –  while Swindon is declared the most faithful place to live

* The quaint town in the Cotswolds has topped the charts in the UK’s most popular places for extramarital affairs, with 6.98% of the town’s population straying in 2024.

* Swindon has been revealed as the UK’s most faithful town, with only 0.35% of its residents involved in affairs.

* Nationwide infidelity is on the rise, with UK affairs up 8% since the start of the year – the highest annual rise in 20 years.

* Figures are taken from the annual Infidelity Index data provided by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading affairs site.

The picturesque town of Cheltenham has become the UK’s surprising new hotbed for infidelity, topping the nation’s rankings with 6.98% of its population reportedly involved in affairs. 

The spike in extramarital activity in Cheltenham – now known as the UK’s adultery capital – has been attributed to what experts are dubbing the “Rivals effect,” after the recent television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel, Rivals, which has sparked intrigue among locals in the Cotswolds.

The annual Infidelity Index statistics released by extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com shows the UK’s cheating hotspots, also revealed that since the release of the Disney+ series in October, sign-ups across the Cotswolds have risen by a whopping 47%. 

Hot on Cheltenham’s heels is the leafy town of Farnham in Surrey, where 5.99% of residents are engaging in affairs, followed by Motherwell in Lanarkshire with a rate of 5.63%. While these towns might appear quaint, it seems behind the scenes, passion is heating up.

Meanwhile, Swindon in Wiltshire is celebrating a very different title: the UK’s most faithful town, with only 0.35% of the population reportedly straying. Close behind are Bracknell (Berkshire) and Dewsbury (West Yorkshire), with just 0.36% and 0.39% of residents involved in extramarital affairs. 

This year’s poll also reveals a national rise in infidelity, with affairs up 8% across the UK since the start of the year – the highest annual rise in the 20 years since the affairs site was founded.

Commenting on this year’s Infidelity Index results, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, Jessica Leoni said, “While picturesque towns like Cheltenham may seem serene on the surface, data suggests that love lives here are anything but tranquil.”

Leoni also acknowledges that the latest Disney+ show Rivals might be fueling some extra curiosity this year. “A show like Rivals doesn’t directly cause an affair,” she clarifies, “but its mix of forbidden love and glamorous Cotswold settings adds a layer of fantasy that can influence people’s perspectives on relationships, especially in places like Cheltenham where the show feels close to home.”

Most affairs in 2024

  1. Cheltenham (Gloucestershire) 6.98% of town population
  2. Farnham (Surrey) 5.99%
  3. Motherwell (Lanarkshire) 5.63%
  4. Warwick (Warwickshire) 5.61%
  5. Braintree (Essex) 5.55%
  6. Rhyl (Denhbigshire) 5.36%
  7. Borehamwood (Hertfordshire) 5.35%
  8. Newbury (Berkshire) 5.23%
  9. Frome (Somerset) 5.18%
  10. Wilmslow (Cheshire) 5.12%

Most faithful in 2024

  1. Swindon (Wiltshire) 0.35%  of town population
  2. Bracknell (Berkshire) 0.36%
  3. Dewsbury (West Yorkshire) 0.39%
  4. Castlereagh (Castlereagh) 0.44%
  5. Rotherham (South Yorkshire) 0.58%

Office scandals on the rise as workplace affairs hit record high, study reveals

* 38% of people admit to having an affair with a coworker

* People working within finance, law and healthcare are more likely to have workplace affairs due to long hours, high stress, and after-hours bonding which can blur boundaries.

* 45% of affairs in the workplace started as casual flirting, whilst 27% began during business trips.

* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

Could your co-worker’s extra-long coffee break be more scandalous than it seems? A new survey conducted by IllicitEncounters.com has found that 38% of 1,800 people polled  admitted to having an affair with a coworker.

The survey revealed that high-pressure environments are breeding grounds for office flings. The finance sector topped the list, with 33% of respondents in the industry admitting to affairs, citing long hours, intense demands, and after-work events as triggers. 

Law wasn’t far behind, with 27% of legal professionals owning up to romantic dalliances. Healthcare followed at 18%, where emotionally charged environments and marathon shifts foster close bonds among medical professionals.

Interestingly, the survey found that 45% of workplace affairs started with casual flirting that escalated, while 27% began during work-related travel.

Investment banker, Ryan*, who took part in the survey described how his affair with a junior associate began: “My job demands 12 to 14-hour days, and you naturally form strong connections with colleagues,” he explained. “We started sharing personal details over late dinners, and one night, the chemistry just took over. I wasn’t looking to cheat, but it felt inevitable.”

Ryan* said he knows the risks involved, but the thrill of secrecy is hard to resist. “There’s a rush in sneaking around the office,” he admitted. “But I also know how catastrophic it could be if anyone found out.”

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, says workplace affairs have always existed but are becoming more prevalent for several reasons.

“Workplaces naturally create opportunities for intimacy,” Leoni explained. “Spending extended hours together, sharing challenges, and having a mutual understanding of work pressures builds a unique bond that can easily blur boundaries.”

She also noted that professional hierarchies often add an element of excitement. “The dynamics of power and authority in the workplace can amplify the allure of an affair,” she said.

*Names have been changed

Top 5 industries where workplace affairs occur:

Finance 33%
Law 27%
Healthcare 18%
Hospitality & Tourism 9%
Media & Entertainment 6%

REVEALED: 1 in 4 Brits Have Suffered a Sex Injury – But Which Ones Are Most Common?

* New research has revealed that a quarter of Brits have suffered injuries during intimate moments, with 8% needing a trip to A&E.

* Top injuries include pulled muscles (41%), bruises (37%), and carpet burns (31%).

* Women are more likely to suffer from sex-related injuries (36%), compared to men (32%).

* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

They say love hurts, but for many Brits, that phrase holds a literal – and sometimes painful – truth. 

According to a recent survey of 1,200 people conducted by extra-marital dating site IllicitEncounters.com, one in four Brits has experienced an injury during intimate moments, and for an unlucky 8% of participants, a trip to A&E was needed after a bedroom mishap went too far. 

Pulled muscles topped the list of most common injuries during a passionate romp, with 41% saying over-enthusiastic positioning or awkward angles led to more pain than pleasure. 

Bruises (37%) followed closely behind, with many admitting that late-night passion has sent them crashing into furniture, headboards, and even on to the floor. 

Carpet burns were another top offender for 31% of people polled, proving that while the living room floor might seem like a good idea, rugs are not as forgiving as they look. 

For others, black eyes (21%), back injuries (17%) and cuts (14%) were part of the price of experimentation, often pushing bodies to their limits in the heat of the moment, while an unlucky 7% of people admitted to suffering after having a foreign object stuck in an unfortunate area.

Interestingly, women appear to be more prone to sex injuries than men, with 36% of ladies admitting to having suffered in the name of pleasure, compared to 32% of men.

One anonymous woman who took part in the survey shared, “My partner and I decided to take things to the living room, and let’s just say we didn’t think it through. I ended up with carpet burns so bad on my knees that everyone at work asked why I was walking funny, and I was desperately trying not to blush. Lesson learned: next time, a blanket is a must!”

Jessica Leoni, resident sexpert at IllicitEncounters.com, commented on the results of the study saying, “Sex can be adventurous without ending up in A&E. Sometimes, it’s the spontaneous spots – kitchen counters, floors, or staircases – that add a bit of excitement, but a little preparation can go a long way. Grab a pillow or some blanket if you’re venturing off the bed, and don’t be afraid to take breaks! Nothing kills the mood like an injury.”

Leoni also reminds everyone that confidence is key: “Sex injuries often happen when you’re overreaching – literally. Stick to what feels comfortable and enjoy the fun without the fuss. Remember, it’s not just about the moves; it’s about enjoying the moment!”

Results

Most common sex injuries

Pulled muscle 41%

Bruises 37%

Carpet burn 31%

Black eye 21%

Back injury 17%

Cuts 14%

Twisted/sprained ankle 10%

A stuck foreign object 7%

Other 12%

Cheaters are using the ‘bell pepper code’ in supermarkets to find potential lovers

* A shocking proposal was made in an online forum, suggesting people in unhappy relationships who are looking to have an affair should use the ‘bell pepper code’ to signal their availability.
* The forum post suggests people should place two bell peppers in their basket or trolley to grab the attention of potential lovers.

* The discussion has received a flurry of positive responses which is causing concern for couples, as one user points out they’ve “Never seen so much traffic on a forum topic!”

* The post on the IllicitEncounters.com ‘Flirt Forum’ is just one of many unconventional topics discussed.

In a bizarre new twist on food shopping, a growing number of people looking for extramarital fun are reportedly using bell peppers as a secret code to signal their availability in supermarkets.

The controversial discussion took place on extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com’s ‘Flirt Forum’, where one user came up with an outrageous idea to discreetly meet potential lovers in the most unlikely of places. “What if we start a secret code in the most mundane place of all – THE SUPERMARKET,” the poster suggested. “It’s perfect! No one would ever suspect that your weekly food shop could lead to something a lot more… sizzling.”

The plan, according to this member, is simple: if you’re looking for a little more excitement than what’s on your shopping list, you just place two bell peppers in your basket or trolley – but with a crucial twist: the stems must be facing downward. 

The idea quickly caught the attention of users on the forum, with one person declaring they had “Never seen so much traffic on a forum topic!”

One particularly practical member suggested that perhaps an additional step was needed: “Maybe we need to choose a specific part in the supermarket to wander off to when you’ve picked up your two peppers because otherwise it’d be too hard. Frozen aisles?”

The forum post gained a shockingly positive response from a flurry of members, with some declaring they’ll be testing the method, “This could make my food shop WAY more interesting. Upside down peppers it is! Definitely going to try this out.” Another user agreed, saying “I’d 100% do this! Would be so funny to see people eyeing up what everyone’s got in their trollies to check if they’re looking for an affair”.

Some people even posted their own suggestions on which vegetables to use. One user teased, “Surely you just need to seductively walk around with an aubergine,” whilst another said “Surely a big cucumber standing upright would be more appropriate?”

Commenting on the discussion which took place on the extramarital dating site, spokesperson for IllicitEncounters.com Jessica Leoni, said “While we normally encourage discretion in these matters, we never thought we’d see the day where people would be checking out each other’s vegetables in the supermarket – and not in the way you’d expect! If this catches on, I suppose we can only hope everyone’s keeping their cool in the frozen food aisle.”

The secret to a happy marriage? Study reveals it’s a ‘sleep divorce’

* 76% of people who admitted to cheating on their partner revealed they still share the same bed with them, suggesting the secret to marital bliss is actually a ‘sleep divorce’.

* Sexpert Jessica Leoni revealed that sleeping in the same bed as your spouse can lead to tension in a relationship, but many fear that staying in separate bedrooms is a sign of failure.

* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

In a shocking new study, it seems the key to a long-lasting and happy marriage may not lie in romantic getaways or date nights, but in something far more unexpected – sleeping apart. 

The poll by IllicitEncounters.com, which surveyed 2,000 people (1,000 men and 1,000 women), has uncovered a growing trend among couples who are saying goodbye to the traditional shared bed and embracing a ‘sleep divorce’.

According to the findings, a staggering 76% of people who admitted to cheating on their partner are still sharing the same bed. In contrast, only 24% of those who cheat sleep in separate bedrooms. The numbers have sparked debate over whether sleeping together could be driving couples apart rather than bringing them closer.

A ‘sleep divorce’ isn’t as dramatic as it sounds. In fact, it’s a growing trend where couples intentionally choose to sleep apart to preserve their relationship. Far from being a sign of trouble, many couples who opt for sleep divorces say it actually strengthens their bond by removing the irritations that come with sharing a bed – like snoring, restless nights, or mismatched sleep patterns.

While the idea might seem unromantic, it’s becoming increasingly popular, even among celebrities. Stars like Bette Midler and Joe Swash have gone public about sleeping separately from their partners, praising the arrangement for the positive impact it’s had on their relationships. Whilst Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty also revealed they sleep in separate bedrooms, prioritising sleep quality and personal space to keep their relationship strong.

Jessica Leoni, a sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, explained that many couples are increasingly realising that sharing a bed might be more of a habit than a necessity. “Many couples feel like they should share a bed because that’s what’s expected,” Leoni says. “But if one partner is tossing and turning or there’s emotional distance between them, it can make things worse. A ‘sleep divorce’ can sometimes reduce that tension, giving couples space to sleep better and reconnect.”

But what about couples who continue to share a bed despite being in an unhappy relationship? The study revealed a significant number of these individuals are cheating on their partners – yet they still choose to sleep in the same bed.

One participant in the poll, Sarah, confessed that even though she’d been unfaithful for over a year, she still shares the same bed with her husband. “It’s complicated,” she admitted. “On the surface, everything looks fine. We’ve got kids, a house, and a routine. But it’s all a facade. The truth is, we’re both miserable, but neither of us wants to admit it. 

Sharing a bed feels like one of the last things we’re holding onto, even though it’s really only for appearances. I’m cheating because I feel emotionally disconnected, but I guess we sleep together because we’re both too afraid of the alternative – it would make it all too real.”

Leoni believes that cases like Sarah’s are more common than people think. “Cheating often happens because one partner feels unfulfilled,” she explains. “But instead of addressing the root issue, many couples stay stuck in old patterns, like sharing a bed, to maintain the image of a ‘normal’ marriage. They’re afraid that sleeping separately will be seen as a sign of failure. But the truth is, a ‘sleep divorce’ could be exactly what’s needed to heal the relationship – or at least start the conversation.”

“I’m Not Sorry for Cheating: It’s a Better Alternative to Antidepressants”

* Georgia, 51 from Maidenhead, claims having an affair saved her from the emotional and physical neglect in her marriage, improving her mental health and confidence.

* A study by the UK’s largest extramarital dating site reveals that 81% of participants found their mental health improved after cheating.

* Sex and relationship expert at IllicitEncounters.com, Jessica Leoni reveals how over the past 20 years, the platform has helped people trapped in unfulfilling marriages find emotional and physical satisfaction.

In a society where loyalty in relationships is considered the highest virtue, Georgia*, 51, has boldly gone against the grain. After over 20 years of marriage and nearly a decade in a sexless relationship, she found a controversial but, in her words, life-saving solution – having an affair. And she’s not apologising for it.

Georgia, a mother of two grown children, says she had endured years of emotional and physical neglect in her marriage. “My husband and I grew apart over the years. He’s much older than me, and we slowly became more like housemates than a couple. We barely talk, and we’ve slept in separate bedrooms for as long as I can remember. This arrangement worked for a while, but after I turned 50, something shifted inside me.”

Feeling desperate and invisible in her own home, Georgia joined IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site where people in unhappy marriages seek connections outside their relationship. At first, she admits she thought she was just looking for physical satisfaction, but she soon realised her needs ran much deeper.

“Being in a sexless relationship for a decade affected my mental health. I was lonely, unseen, and unheard. I thought casual sex would fill the void, but it was emotional intimacy I craved too. When I met my lover through IllicitEncounters, everything changed. He noticed me. He made me feel alive again.”

The affair, Georgia says, was like an emotional life raft. “Having an affair has definitely improved my mental health. I was incredibly depressed before, often turning to alcohol and comfort foods to cope with my loneliness. But now, I feel validated. I have emotional intimacy, affection, and sex – all the things I was missing. I’m more forgiving of myself for acknowledging that I have needs, both physical and emotional.”

The positive impact of the affair on Georgia’s life has extended beyond the bedroom. Since beginning her secret romance, Georgia has cut back on drinking, started making healthier food choices, and even found the motivation to hit the gym. “My body shape has changed, my self-confidence has soared, and I love the way I feel about myself now. I no longer feel like I’m wasting my life.”

Georgia’s story is far from unique. In a recent poll conducted by IllicitEncounters.com involving 2,500 people, a staggering 81% of those who have had affairs said that cheating improved their mental health. For many, stepping outside their marriage wasn’t just about sexual fulfilment – it was about reclaiming a sense of self-worth and escaping the emotional isolation of an unhappy relationship.

Sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, Jessica Leoni, commented on the study and Georgia’s story, “For over 20 years, IllicitEncounters has helped people trapped in unfulfilling marriages find emotional and physical satisfaction. The reality is that many individuals feel suffocated and unseen in their relationships. Having an affair, for some, is a way of seeking happiness and mental clarity. It can be an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and even healing.”

Leoni goes on to explain that many users of the site view their affairs as an essential outlet to maintain their sanity in otherwise bleak circumstances. “The mental health benefits cannot be ignored. For some, having an affair is more effective than therapy or antidepressants in alleviating feelings of loneliness and depression. Not all affairs should be considered bad. In some cases they really are saving lives.”

Georgia doesn’t regret her decision to step outside her marriage. If anything, she’s more self-aware and in control of her own happiness than she’s been in years. “My affair opened my eyes to what I was missing, and it gave me the courage to focus on my well-being. It’s not just about sex – it’s about feeling valued and understood. I’m not sorry for it. In fact, I think more people in my situation should consider it.”

*Name has been changed

“I’m a sex and relationships expert and this is why people are opting for risky sex on public transport”

* A new study has revealed 63% of married people have engaged in sexual encounters while on the move.

* The most popular modes of transport for intimacy include cars (68%), trains (15%), buses (11%), ferries (4%) and planes (2%).

* Sexpert Jessica Leoni explains that the “excitement and adrenaline” that comes with public sex is the reason why it’s become so popular.

* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

Public, high-stakes intimacy seems to be soaring to new heights – literally.  

According to new data from IllicitEncounters.com, 1 in 50 people have joined the notorious Mile High Club.

It’s not just everyday people indulging in these high-flying affairs – celebrities have also been open about their mid-air exploits including pop star Lily Allen who spoke publicly about joining the Mile High Club with Liam Gallagher in 2009 – whilst Gallagher was still married to his wife at the time, Nicole Appleton. 

The survey, which polled 2,000 members, revealed that a staggering 63% have engaged in sexual encounters while on the move.

With 2% of people opting for fun in the clouds, the data shows that the desire for thrills extends across various modes of transport. The most popular spots for illicit intimacy include cars (68%), trains (15%), buses (11%), and even ferries (4%).

Sarah, a frequent flyer and member of IllicitEncounters.com who took part in the survey, revealed how she ended up joining the Mile High Club – but not with her husband. “It was a business trip, and we hit it off at the airport lounge. By the time we boarded, we were already flirting. A couple of drinks later, and before I knew it, we were sneaking off to the bathroom together.”

Despite the obvious risk, Sarah wasn’t fazed. “The whole thing was thrilling – it felt like an escape from reality. I know it’s not something I’d ever do at home, but in the air, everything feels different.”

So, what makes public sex so alluring? According to Jessica Leoni, leading sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, it’s all about the rush.

“People are drawn to public sex for the sheer excitement and adrenaline,” Leoni explains. “The fear of getting caught heightens the experience, making it more thrilling and memorable. For some, the forbidden nature of it adds an extra layer of intensity.”

She adds, “There’s also something about the environment that feels detached from reality. When people are outside their usual routine, especially on holiday or business trips, they’re more likely to act on impulses they might suppress at home.”

While these escapades might sound thrilling, they don’t come without serious risk. Getting caught in public can result in more than just embarrassment – though having sex outdoors isn’t explicitly illegal in all cases, various laws could lead to an arrest. Yet for some, the gamble only adds to the thrill.

“I had a baby with my lover like Dave Grohl and Kyle Walker – it’s always the ‘other woman’ who suffers most’’

* Melissa, 50 from the West Midlands had a relationship with a married man she met on IllicitEncounters.com in 2015 and the following year she discovered she was pregnant with his baby.

* Similar to Dave Grohl and Kyle Walker, her lover decided to stay with his wife, leaving Melissa to bring up their child as a single mother.

* She reveals that she’s still suffering from the emotional scars of the situation after he abandoned her for a comfortable life with his wife.

Celebrities like Dave Grohl and Kyle Walker have made headlines recently for fathering children with their lovers and choosing to stay married. But what about the women left behind – the mistresses who end up raising these secret babies alone?

Melissa*, a single mother, knows this pain all too well. Her story is eerily similar to those of the women tangled up in these celebrity affairs. She’s lived the emotional rollercoaster, faced the heartbreak, and, just like Grohl and Walker’s lovers, was ultimately abandoned.

It all began innocently enough for Melissa In 2015, she joined IllicitEncounters.com a website for people seeking affairs. “I actually wasn’t married, but I didn’t want anything serious. I already had a three-year-old daughter and wasn’t looking for a relationship,” she explains. 

But then she met George* a married man with grown kids, and everything changed. Their affair started hot and heavy, meeting regularly and even getting so comfortable that George began visiting her home. “He became a father figure to my daughter,” Melissa recalls. “It felt like we had something real.”

Then came the bombshell that flipped her world upside down. In December 2016, Melissa was feeling unwell and visited the hospital, only to be told she was 17 weeks pregnant. “I was in total shock – I had a contraceptive implant, so I didn’t think it was even possible!” she says.

At first, Melissa was set on having an abortion, but George insisted they keep the baby. “He turned up on my doorstep, moved in, and told his wife everything,” she reveals. His family was stunned, “They couldn’t believe it,” she adds.

It seemed like George was ready to commit to their new life, but it didn’t last.

Despite the initial excitement, things started falling apart. One day, Melissa came home to find all of George’s things gone. “He’d packed up and went back to his wife. I was devastated,” she says. “He promised he’d support me and the baby, but then had the audacity to ask me to keep being his mistress. I couldn’t believe it.”

George’s daughter even tried to stop him from going to the birth of their child by hiding his car keys. Though he eventually made it to the hospital just in time for the birth, George jetted off on holiday the next day, leaving Melissa alone with their newborn.

After his dramatic exit, Melissa was left to raise their daughter as a single mother. George did show up occasionally, taking their daughter to his family home, but his support came with strings attached. “He still wanted to sleep with me,” Melissa says. “I wasn’t going to be his mistress anymore.”

Like many women in her position, Melissa felt abandoned while George returned to his comfortable life. 

After some time, Melissa finally found happiness again with a man she met on IllicitEncounters.com who wasn’t married. But, George wasn’t happy about her moving on. “He actually took me to court, trying to get full custody of our daughter!” she says. “He didn’t win, thank God, but it was a nightmare.”

These days, Melissa and George are on better terms for the sake of their daughter. “We exchange Christmas presents and try to get along,” she admits. But the emotional scars from the affair still linger. “In the end, it’s always the ‘other woman’ who suffers the most. George went back to his wife, but I was left to pick up the pieces.”

Melissa’s story mirrors the recent headlines surrounding Dave Grohl and Kyle Walker. Both men fathered children with other women, only to return to their wives, leaving their lovers behind. 

Melissa’s experience sheds light on the hidden pain that often goes unnoticed – the emotional wreckage left behind when a man chooses his marriage over the affair, leaving the ‘other woman’ to deal with the fallout, often with a child in her arms.

*Names have been changed