I HAD AN EMOTIONAL AFFAIR

Lucy Cavendish developed feelings for a married man, but then it all came to a messy end

- LUCY CAVENDISH FABULOUS

I had been with my partner for nine years when one day I looked out of the window and saw an incredibly handsome man walking past. He had a dog, a big stick and lots of shaggy hair. He was physically imposing, but a friendly-looking figure. When he looked up and saw me staring, I'm sure I blushed. Not that he seemed to mind. He just gave me a huge wave and flashed a massive grin. And that was it. My heart lurched and my pulse raced. I just knew that I had to be with him.

My partner and I were living in a small village in the Cotswolds with our two children and although we weren't married, we were completely committed. Everyone called us husband and wife.

I thought I was happy, but looking back, I can't have been – or I wouldn't have fallen in love with someone else. It was extraordinary, because I consider myself a rational person. I also know, in my job as a relationship counsellor, that this sort of 'chemistry' should never be trusted. You know nothing about the other person, so how can you possibly fall in love at first sight? But from that moment on, I was totally smitten.

INTENSE CONNECTION

The object of my affection, Theo*, and his wife Emily* had just moved into our village and, after bumping into them in the pub a few times with my partner, we soon became friends.

We'd go for dinners, take long walks together and have them over. My partner sometimes worked nights in the healthcare industry and Theo would come over and cook for me and my kids, or we'd join him and Emily for dinner. The more I got to know him, the more I felt he was the person I needed to be with.