Calculated True-Life
I thought I’d met a caring new man – but it wasn’t long until his mask slipped...
Kim Sadler, 33, from Derby
Scrolling through social media, I often interacted with the posts on my feed. And when I came across a mutual friend’s selfie, my finger hovered over the like button back in 2018.
Posting a snap of himself flexing in the gym, I left a funny comment on the post.
I wish that I had the motivation to go to the gym, I typed, jokingly.
I’d known Robert, 35, for about five or six years – he worked with my ex-partner.
Having him on social media, I knew him well enough to say ‘hi’ if we ever passed each other in the street.
I had typed the comment innocently – I would have said the same on anyone else’s post – but Robert messaged me privately soon after.
It’s a small world, he said. Starting a conversation, catching up with each other, my phone was soon pinging with his messages.
And I was a little flattered by Robert’s attention.
He was nice, charming and really liked me.
I’d never seen him in a romantic light before, but it wasn’t long until he was confessing strong feelings for me.
I thought he was afamily man...
I wasn’t sure that I felt as intensely as he did – although I did like him – and after three weeks of talking online, we decided to go on a date.
Coming round to mine for some drinks, Robert soon wanted to see me all the time.
He was asking to come round to mine constantly.
And seeing him more frequently, my feelings did grow stronger.
We were very quickly in a relationship, but I didn’t mind at first.
And after three months of dating, he approached me with a problem.
‘I’m in debt and I’m struggling to pay my rent,’ he told me. ‘Do you think I could move in?’
And I didn’t mind – I felt sympathetic to his situation and our relationship was going well – living together could be fun.
With two children from a previous relationship, I thought Robert would be a family man.
And he made me feel like he wanted to give me the world.
Despite having only been together a few months, my loved ones were supportive of my choice.
And moving in together, we quickly found a routine.
I worked full-time with Robert working four days on and four days off, going to the gym whenever he wasn�
