Emily Tan and her husband had just registered their marriage when her ex-boyfriend came back into her life. When things happened and her husband found out, he was so angry he tore up their marriage certificate.
However, that was all in the past.Writes Emily of how their 17-year-long marriage started:
"He was a sales supervisor with an airline. She was a receptionist in an air cargo agency. He was the sales person in charge of her company’s account.
"He would visit her office every once or twice weekly. She was always looking forward to it. To her, he was charming, friendly and sociable.
"She decided to find out more about him. Since the industry was so small, she managed to get the first shocking news! He was a married man! (Of course, it turned out to be just a rumour)
"‘He’ is my husband of 17 years now and I was the receptionist then. We went into courtship like how many couples did. We shopped, travelled, watched movies and we fought over tiny issues too.
"Two years later, we decided to register for marriage. However, someone came into the picture just after one month! I met my ex-boyfriend during a walk with my then newly-registered husband. He was the one I thought I loved most before meeting my husband. After we reached home, I cried! Yes, I cried in front of my husband! Gosh!
"I just realised I had not totally forgotten my ex-boyfriend and why this had to happen after I had just registered? My husband consoled me. He did not even make any fuss nor was he angry at me. He has a big heart!
"My ex-boyfriend and I continued in seeing each other after that day, without my husband’s knowledge.
Things happened and my husband came to know about it. He was so mad to the extent that he tore up our marriage certificate. He was like a fiery tiger then!"Overnight, my husband was a changed man. From a non-smoker to a smoker, and a smart man to a shabby one who didn’t shave his beard at all. I was wrong! I was so wrong that I believed no other man could have given his woman a chance. Yet he forgave me!
"It was from this incident that I realised how much we really loved and meant so much to each other. He was the right man for me!
"After we patched things back, he tried to put in more effort in building up a stronger relationship. He promised he would never rake up this ‘past’ in future in the event that we quarrel one day. Till now, he has never mentioned about it. He is a man who keeps his promises!
"17 years down the road, now he is a bank manager and I am a company director. We have three beautiful children. He takes care of small things from marketing and cooking his specialities; to important matters like making our household income grow. He is our chef and financial advisor!
"For me, I take care of the welfare of the family. I can be the kids’ tutor, discipline master and the family’s chauffeur. Hence the only time the two of us have is during our bed time.
"I cannot imagine living my life without him. He is my pillar, my advisor, my partner and there was once he said… My punching bag
."I am keeping this entry from him as I hope to give him a surprise which I have wished to do so for the longest time but hardly have had time to plan for! Both of us deserve to spend some quality time by ourselves, and hopefully in M Hotel!
"Happy Valentine’s Day, my dear! It is through these years that I have come to realise, these three words (I love you) can be easily said than done. But you have shown and proven them in actions to me. Thank you, dear.
"I LOVE YOU, I really do!"
