STEPH Watson never thought she’d be “the other woman” – until she fell unexpectedly in love with her personal trainer.
But being a mistress is no bed of roses – especially when she has to “share him” this Valentine’s Day.
Steph found herself being the ‘other woman’ when she fell for her married personal trainer[/caption]
The beautician is now sharing the perils of dating a married man[/caption]
Steph has held on to promises from her lover since they started dating[/caption]
Here, the 29-year-old beautician from Manchester shares her cautionary tale…
PEOPLE believe some women go looking for affairs – as if we see a wedding ring and hone in like hungry hyenas.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m not a bad person, I never planned for this to happen. Ever.
It all began after Christmas 2022.
I had overindulged – mince pies, mulled wine, the lot – and by the time January rolled around, I barely recognised myself in the mirror.
Determined to get back in shape for summer, I signed up for my local gym in April.
But if I’m being honest? For the first month, my membership was nothing more than a direct debit draining my bank account. That was until I met him.
Mark*, one of the personal trainers, turned out to be the motivation I never knew I needed.
He wasn’t my usual type but with a body like his, who cared? Every time I saw him in the gym, he gave me butterflies.
After two weeks of crossing paths and exchanging shy smiles, I took the plunge.
“Hi, I’m Steph, I’m looking for a personal trainer,” I said, approaching him at the water cooler.
“Oh hi Steph,” he replied, with his disarming smile which made me melt. “You look great, but I’m happy to help.”
Was he flirting with me? I hoped so.
I signed up for one-on-one training with him. Twice a week, Mark pushed me harder than I’d ever pushed myself and it wasn’t just my body that was transforming.
We clicked instantly, bantering between sets, exchanging flirty remarks, and lingering eye contact that made my mind go into meltdown.
There was just one problem.
Mark was married.
Consolation prize
Steph says this Valentine’s Day, she feels like she’s getting the consolation prize[/caption]
She is now ‘hopelessly in love’ with Mark, although he is married[/caption]
At first, it was innocent – just a bit of fun, right? A little flirtation to make the gruelling workouts more enjoyable.
But the connection between us was undeniable. I found myself thinking about him outside of the gym, replaying our conversations, wondering if he was thinking about me too.
Then, a year ago, we crossed the line. One heated moment after a particularly intense session turned into a full-blown affair. And now I’m hopelessly in love with him.
For the past twelve months, we’ve been sneaking around, grabbing stolen moments whenever we can. In the beginning, I told myself it was just a fling – a bit of fun.
But the more time we spent together, the deeper I fell. He’s told me over and over again that he’s going to leave his wife, that our love is real, that we are real. And I believe him.
Or at least, I want to.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, reality is hitting hard. While most couples are busy planning romantic dinners and surprise gifts, I’m stuck playing second best.
Mark is spending Friday evening – the BEST part of Valentine’s Day – with her.
I get lunchtime. The consolation prize.
He’s promised me a fancy restaurant in a posh hotel, lots of sexy lingerie and hot sex. But I only get him for a few hours before he has to rush back to his wife and spend the whole evening with her.
He’s told me over and over again that he’s going to leave his wife, that our love is real, that we are real. And I believe him. Or at least, I want to
Steph Watson
He says I can invite a friend to stay in the room with me when he’s gone but I can’t help feeling it all seems a bit depressing.
As much as I try to convince myself it’s enough, deep down, I know the truth.
If he really loved me, wouldn’t he be with me the whole of Valentine’s Day? Wouldn’t he have already left her?
He tells me the timing isn’t right. That her mum is sick, and he doesn’t want to leave while she’s going through such a tough time.
And I get it – I do. But how long do I wait?
How long until another excuse comes up? It’s already been a year. This is my second V-Day alone and I’m dreading next year will be the third.
How to save money on Valentine’s Day
ADELE Cooke, a senior consumer reporter at The Sun, explains how to save money on Valentine’s Day.
If you’re not careful Valentine’s Day can end up hitting your wallet.
I explain how to avoid the traps.
AVOID THE SET MENU
As February 14 falls on a Friday this year, consider going out for a meal on Saturday instead.
This is because many restaurants insist that you must order a set menu on Valentine’s Day, which can be very expensive.
Usually this is not the case on other days.
Some of the set menu items may also be on the regular dinner menu, so you can still order them without paying a premium.
LOVE IS…FINDING A DISCOUNT CODE
If you do want to go out for dinner on Valentine’s Day then look for restaurant deals on The Fork.
This website shows you all the restaurants with special offers and deals in your area.
If you’re eating in this year, you could save money with one of the dine-in-for-two options above.
Check the individual cost of each item in the deal to ensure you’re making the biggest saving.
Keep an eye out for discounts and vouchers in the run up to February 14.
Some companies run special promotions in the lead up to the big day.
Check websites such as Groupon, which offers special dining options or experiences.
DON’T OVERSPEND
It can be easy to fall into the trap of overspending when it comes to spoiling a loved one.
But if you do, you’ll be causing yourself long term financial pain.
I’m sure if you have a chat with your partner and explain what your budget is before February 14th then you can both be on the same page and you’ll avoid disappointing them.
My head is screaming that I’m being played. That I’m nothing more than a side chick, a thrill he doesn’t want to lose but isn’t willing to risk everything for.
But my heart is already his.
So, I’ll take the crumbs of his time and pretend it doesn’t bother me when it eats me up inside.
I’ll hold onto the hope that maybe, just maybe, this time next year, it’ll be me he’s spending Valentine’s Day with.
Even though, deep down, I already know the answer.
*Name has been changed
Steph’s lover has promised her he will leave his wife for her[/caption]
She is now holding out hope that he will spend Valentine’s Day with her next year[/caption]
