'I read my husband's journal and discovered a terrible secret about his ex-wife - what do I do?'

A woman has disclosed how her curiosity to read her husband's journal has now wrecked her life and her marriage , and she worries she'll never bounce back.

Sharing her story on social media, the 35-year-old explained she had been with her husband Richard*, for three years after they met through his late wife.

She penned: "His first wife Anne* unfortunately passed away from terminal illness leaving behind him and their two kids. I was cleaning his late wife's study room since I had to move some of our clothes to her wardrobe which we don't really use anymore."

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"I saw a dusty box full of journals and thought that these might have been written by Anne since she was fond of writing stories herself. However, these were written by Richard which compelled me to read each of them. Honestly, I shouldn't have. These journals had details of our relationship and how he got into a relationship with me just because his family especially his kids loved me and how he doesn't want any companionship after Anne has passed away."

The woman, overwhelmed with emotion, recounted her experience as Anne's doctor in the hospital where she first met her husband. She said: "He mentions proposing to me because his best friend questioned him on the future of our relationship. How every time he kissed me it reminded him of Anne and how painful it was for him."

"I remember him asking me to marry him while having dinner with the kids one day. It was so thoughtless and random. At that moment, I was ecstatic. What a moron I am."

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The second wife, deeply hurt after discovering her husband's diary entries which ceased around seven months ago, confessed she has been unable to confront him or confide in anyone else.

She added: "I considered Richard my best friend, but now looking back at it I just realise it was all fake. All our hugs, the times we kissed, the times we held hands and every time he said he loved me looking into my eyes."

"Last night he brought a blueberry cheesecake which is my favourite. He says we hadn't spoken in over 3 days and suggested we go for a walk which I denied saying I was tired. It's true. I've been leaving for work early and going to bed even before he comes back just to avoid talking to him."

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"He crawled behind my back at night in the bed and whispered I love you. I wept quietly. How is it even possible to keep a facade for this long? I don't mean to hurt him in any way. It's because I'm afraid to face him since I know if this topic were to come out I would bawl my eyes out instead of having a mature conversation. I needed some time for my own sanity hence decided to mentally check out for a bit and then decide the future course of action."

Reddit users were left feeling deeply sympathetic towards the woman after reading her post. One user commented: "In my personal experience, my journals are where I write out how I'm feeling when my emotions are at their peak when I'm at my absolute lowest, when all I can think are horrible thoughts, I write them down. Even if they're not entirely true."

Another advised: "I think that you should communicate with him. it might be hard, but it sounds like he does actually love you, and I think that it would be worth a conversation at least before making any rash decisions. Best of luck to you and know that you are worthy and you are loved! ".

However, one person cautioned: "STOP READING OTHER PEOPLE'S JOURNALS. it's NEVER a good idea. I have been married 30+ years and this is great advice. This extends to texts, IM's, etc. If the message is not addressed to you, then DON'T READ IT! ".

*Names have been changed.