In the early days of her new relationship, Natalie Murray was floored by news from her previous partner. Brent offered her comfort when she needed it most

Find more stories from The moment I knew series

“T

here’s something I need to tell you,” said my new boyfriend, Brent. We were sitting on his leafy balcony in Sydney. His expression was grave, his skin pale – nothing like his usual relaxed, smiley self. He’d been hiding something from me and he’d finally decided to confess.

My thoughts raced. He’s married. He has a kid. He’s moving to a small island in the South Pacific.