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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

I've hired a private detective - stressed out - need a rant

164 replies

ivmessedup · 01/05/2013 06:34

On and off since August I've suspected my DP has been having an affair with a girl at work. We all work in the same building and have dealings with each other from time to time. In August I saw a text on his phone from her. Are u about?

Now, I've been cheated on before and as far as I'm concerned, this only means one thing. Why does she even have his mobile number??

Anyway, I challenged him on the text and he denied it in the strongest terms. I came upon them a couple of times in the staff cafe in the building after that, and sat with them, DP and I telling her about our DD etc. This threw me off the scent.

Fast fwd to 18th April. DP was out Fri before and lost phone. At work spot DP and suspected OW chatting. She walked off when she saw me coming and he was all smiles as if nothing amiss. However, I could see her through a door hovering as if she would come back when I was gone.

I pretended to walk away and, sure enough, back she came. Unfortunately, I turned back to catch them out but she had 't reached the room he was in yet, saw me, said hello in an awkward fashion and walked off in the opposite direction.

So, radar back on, I insist on taking his iPad when I take DD to soft play, so I can spy on txts (mobile data on). Of course he's not that daft. But I do check the contact page. It's open at her name. Not a list with her on it- her only.

Next I check the new phone which in the first week has only 12 contacts cos numbers are lost. Guess who's one of them, and under a false name too!

Happily DP has bought himself a crap phone he can't work and can't navigate to delete everything. Lots of txts to her, all deleted but unbeknownst to him, still showing on the log as sent.

Now, without concrete proof, he'll just deny it and say I'm a nutter so, I've instructed a detective to track him for 2 weeks. The only opportunity he has to be with OW is during work or immediately after (I always leave first to collect DD from nursery).

The tracking starts on 7th May and meantime, tonight I've found another part of the phone which shows the first line or so of deleted texts. "Work hard princess", "stay strong princess" are the two worst ones, the rest are just "coffee, cafe?"

Anyone reading this would be in no doubt, but I can honestly see DP still denying it. So, I need to wait for the PI report . Hoping they can get some photographic evidence.

Only thing is that's almost three whole weeks till I can challenge him! Need some support that's why I'm posting. Very stressful Sad

OP posts:
ivmessedup · 03/05/2013 11:05

I have taken on board all of your kind (and not so kind!)comments and advice. I have decided to cancel the PI. I have all I need and I now just need the guts to do something about it. Being accused of being a drunk last night was the last straw.

I have drafted an email to him which I will copy to OW to avoid her hearing stories of me being a lying smoking alcoholic like the stories I have heard for years about his ex wife.

Thanks again all

OP posts:
WhiteBirdBlueSky · 03/05/2013 11:14

I think that's the best decision.

I would use the money I would have spent on the PI to do or buy something FABULOUS.

tribpot · 03/05/2013 11:18

I think you've just avoided being labelled the drunk smoking lying ex who was so paranoid she got a PI on to him and what an unjust invasion of his privacy this was, etc etc.

The drunk thing was hilarious in an awful way. Such a blatant attempt to put you down so he could feel morally superior when he's the cheat. I would be extremely suspicious of his story of his ex-wife cheating on him.

I don't think you could have lasted out 3 weeks to let the PI do his/her work - for the sake of some photos he might be able to explain away. If I were you I would ask someone else to pick dd up from nursery and head over to the alleged football practice to 'surprise' him.

However you tackle this he is going to paint it as your fault or all in your imagination, so I would just crack on and end it. I suspect he will see Miss TwentySomething head for the hills when the flattering old git from work becomes available.

BeCool · 03/05/2013 11:34

well done ivemessedup - you know all you need to know. I thing cancelling the PI is a great decision. The thing is he can say all the crap he wants - YOU know the truth and HE knows the truth.

So what is the next step? Keep posting - we are all here to support you.

ivmessedup · 03/05/2013 11:43

Viewing a lovely house tonight, near my mum. Mortgage in the pipeline. Happy days are on the horizon.

OP posts:
Lweji · 03/05/2013 11:50

:)

happyAvocado · 03/05/2013 11:52

I think the proof was also to convince you. I think talking it through here helped,also I guess con
DH wants to gather lots of details about you (telling you that in your face as well) he can explain his dishonest behaviour to others.

good luck in your search - let's hope that the drama from DH won't be too damaging to your child

are you planning to rent something and when you have keys to tell him you are leaving?

ivmessedup · 03/05/2013 12:06

No, happyavocado, I'm sending him the email today. I can't pretend any longer. that would be dishonest and I've been called a liar enough this wk!! I will have to stay in the house until I can move (we live quite far from where I'm moving to) I don't want my DD to have to change nursery at this stage. She will have enough upheaval and starting school after summer .

He is not violent, but if it becomes impossible, I suppose I can rent near home till my final move .

OP posts:
skintagshame · 03/05/2013 12:09

i think youve done the right thing r.e the PI

skintagshame · 03/05/2013 12:16

i would also bbc her in on the copy, he may just shoot himself in the foot with his lies about you to her that way

skintagshame · 03/05/2013 12:16

bcc not bbc

olgaga · 03/05/2013 12:18

Good decision OP. Best of luck to you today - come back and tell us how it's going.

If you need any info and advice re separation you might find this helpful.

Vonnegut · 03/05/2013 12:22

He's in his 50's.
She's in her 20's.
He calls her 'princess'.
Could she be his daughter? A secret, illegitimate daughter that he's not ready to come out about?

Wossname · 03/05/2013 18:33

Good idea on the blind cc. Might give ow a quick glimpse of what a gobshite he really is.

Fairenuff · 03/05/2013 20:58

Well done op. I think you have made the right decision. You know what he's like, you don't need a PI to tell you. Has he receive the email yet, do you know?

Hang in there. You are worth so much more than this x

BriansBrain · 03/05/2013 21:11

Well done op I can't imagine what a difficult decision it has all been for you.
Wonderful to hear you may have a home near family.

The bcc instead do cc is a very good idea.

Keep strong x

MyPreciousRing · 03/05/2013 21:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

JollyGolightly · 03/05/2013 21:33

You've made the right decision, IMO. The sooner you manage to extract yourself, the better. Good luck.

bringbacksideburns · 03/05/2013 22:56

You've done the right thing.

Spend that money on a Spa break for you and a friend.
Sending you lots of strength for the future.

puds11isNAUGHTYnotNAICE · 05/05/2013 09:07

Good luck Ivemessedup I think you are being very brave and have definitely made the right decision.

bubblybottom · 05/05/2013 11:37

How are you OP?

LandOfCross · 05/05/2013 15:10

I really hope it all works out for you and your DD.
Well done for being strong.

MadamFolly · 05/05/2013 18:58

How did it go OP?

Wuldric · 05/05/2013 18:59

Crikey

riskit4abiskit · 05/05/2013 22:02

you sound really brave OP and I'm rooting for you.

The OW sounds totally cringe-worthy to be going with a man with such a big age difference - rest assured the majority of the work people with be laughing AT them, and will feel real sympathy towards you.

calling her a princess .....boak! You will look back and see you are well rid (although I cant imagine how much it will hurt like hell at the time).

you sound very dignified, keep the moral high ground especially at work (not that i could) and good luck!