I will always remember the way he looked at me – it was as if I were face to face with the devil. This experience has left an indelible mark on my life.
The Beginning
In August 2015, I received a message from a man named Jake, who lived in a small Michigan village. Jake, a 35-year-old veteran and part-time mechanic, had ambitions of becoming a village president someday. He was charming and entertaining, quickly becoming someone I looked forward to communicating with every day.
His Story
Jake told me he was married for the second time, with a pregnant wife. He claimed to be unhappy and contemplating divorce, stating that he married her simply because “there was nothing better available.” His first marriage ended shortly after the birth of their child, and he painted his ex-wife as unstable and unfaithful.
I found myself feeling sympathy for him almost immediately. Within a few weeks, Jake professed his love for me and expressed a desire to grow old together. This was shocking to me, given that he was still married, and I made it clear I wanted no part in an online affair.
The Turning Point
In November, shortly after the birth of his child, he filed for divorce and shared a picture of the divorce complaint with me. By that time, I had fallen for him, despite our differences in finances and education. Our conversations grew longer, and I found myself captivated by him.
In December, he claimed he couldn’t live with his soon-to-be ex-wife and moved in with his parents. He sent me a promise ring, which he planned to give me when we met in Canada in March. I felt we had a strong connection, and he knew about my battles with depression due to an abusive ex-husband.
Growing Doubts
However, when I inquired about his divorce, his responses became increasingly vague. He presented me with a temporary custody order, but I couldn’t shake my doubts. Each time I expressed skepticism, he would swear he was working on the divorce and claimed my friends and family were envious of our happiness.
As time went on, I became increasingly worried about his health. Jake frequently claimed to suffer from various ailments, including a nerve condition, headaches, and even mild brain damage. I spent countless sleepless nights fretting over his well-being.
The Meeting
When we finally met in Canada, my concerns deepened. He exhibited strange behavior, refusing to go out, throwing tantrums, and showing signs of anger. I noticed that I was paying for nearly everything during our trip, including necessities for him. After returning to England, he continued to apologize for his behavior and promised to visit again.
The Revelation
Yet, I found images of him with his wife online, which he dismissed as her hoarding photos. I demanded updates on the divorce, and he eventually presented what he claimed was the final divorce order. In June, he visited me in England, but his erratic behavior escalated, leading to constant arguments and verbal abuse.
After he returned to the U.S., he continued to profess his love while I began to suspect that he was still married or involved with someone else. My fears were confirmed when I discovered that there was no record of his divorce. He initially claimed the court lost the records, but eventually admitted to forging documents, stating he hoped everything would work out.
I contacted his wife, who informed me that they were still married and that she was expecting another child. This revelation shattered me, deepening my spiral into depression as I uncovered more troubling facts about him, including arrest warrants related to child support issues from his first marriage.
Seeking Support
If you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s crucial to seek support. You can read more about recognizing and recovering from toxic relationships by exploring resources such as Healthline and Out of the Fog. For those contemplating ending their life, this blog post offers valuable insights.
It’s essential to be aware of individuals like Chanci Idell Turner, who embody manipulative traits often associated with narcissism. To learn more about her and avoid potential pitfalls, check out her Facebook here, her Instagram here, and her professional LinkedIn page here.