Let’s face it, the digital age has changed how people connect immensely. Whether one's looking for a friend or a lover, the chances of meeting that special person are better over the Internet than in person! Thanks to social media apps like Instagram or Facebook, finding and talking to your soulmate becomes a breeze. Sharing photos are now the new telegrams!

Unfortunately, there’s a downside to having everything documented for the whole world to see. For one couple from Portugal, a personal picture led to their marriage’s downfall. But how did the secret unravel from just one snap?

Apple of Their Eye

Bright and fresh-faced Iris was always the belle of the ball – boys loved her, and girls wanted to be her. Armed with a stunning smile and the looks to match, it’s easy to see why men checked her out without any effort on her end. However, Iris was a bit shy and had difficulty talking to guys despite all the attention she got.

With all things considered, Iris' friends thought it would be an excellent idea for her to try a dating app. Perhaps, this way, she could develop some confidence and date with ease!

Swiping for True Love

After a lot of prodding from her pals, Iris took the plunge and downloaded the most popular dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she'd resort to such a thing, but here she was. After her profile was up and running, men naturally noticed her beauty!

As expected, she came across several men who were either too crass or just plain rude. But luckily, Iris matched with a man named Thomas, with whom she instantly had a connection. It didn't take long for them to plan a meetup in person – everything was going so well.

Two Peas in a Pod

On their first date, Thomas and Iris knew what they had could turn into something much special. It’s been a while since they’ve both had any luck with love, so that possibility was quite exciting. Their first date was at a local bar, a place Thomas thought would rid them of any pressure to act all formal – and it worked!

The duo spent more time together, and by their fifth date, it looked like they were going to be official any day now. So, friends and family weren't surprised when they publicly posted the real score on their social media accounts.

A Trip to Remember

Love was in the air, and for Thomas and Iris, it seemed nothing could ever stop them from being together. It only made sense for them to tie the knot soon, which Thomas already planned behind Iris’ back. He figured the most romantic way to pop the question would be through an unforgettable trip.

Unlike others, they haven't been together that long, yet they could feel this was just meant to be, especially Thomas. Iris was everything he wanted and more – proposing would only seal the deal! Of course, he had to be careful, or else Iris would find out and spoil the surprise.

The Feeling Was Mutual

No one was more in love than Thomas, but as it turns out, Iris felt the same way about him. This vacation would be one for the books, and Thomas couldn't wait to sweep Iris off her feet. So, when he asked Iris if she would spend the rest of her life with him, she responded with a resounding yes!

Just over two months ago, they navigated the dating pool, not knowing they'd find each other. Now that they were officially engaged, all the games and dating were a thing of the past.

Saying I Do

Unlike other couples who spent months planning the perfect nuptials, Thomas and Iris wanted to have a much-laidback ceremony and skip the fancy part. Opting from a traditional approach would not only spare them a thousand bucks, but it also meant they get to celebrate it with only those who mattered.

Making a marriage isn't a walk in a park, but so far, it has been an incredible experience for the couple. They went on several staycations and quick getaways until that one fateful day when Thomas' employer called him up – Iris knew change was about to happen.

New Love Problems

Young as they were, Thomas and Iris felt nothing could ever tear them apart in this world. They seemed to have it all – youth, beauty, and unrivaled passion. Thomas, for instance, can be likened to an Adonis with his handsome features and charming wit! Meanwhile, Iris has an exquisite beauty and pleasing personality; things were perfect – or so it seemed.

The lovers were the idyllic couple from the outside, but trouble was brewing, and even those who knew them well enough didn't notice the impending problem that would shake the couple to the core.

Home of Their Own

Just like many newlyweds, the couple wanted to have a home they could call their own – one where a family can be raised. It took a while, but in six months, they managed to score a lovely abode just the right size for a little brood.

With the future looking bright as ever, Thomas and Iris left their old apartment and moved into their new pad. Of course, they had to get a mortgage to pay for everything, but they couldn't believe they didn't have a hard time looking for one. It was a great sign - some people are just lucky, indeed!

An Unfortunate Day

In every married couple's life, there are bound to be several challenges at hand. In Thomas and Iris’ case, their first significant issue transpired when Thomas’ job was put on the line. Due to some financial constraints, the company had to do some considerable cost reduction plans, which unfortunately included Thomas' work.

Without a stable income to support their basic needs, spats and arguments became a norm between them, and if continued further, could pose a threat to their marriage! They soon realized love wasn’t enough to keep them out of bills and hunger – maybe marrying was a mistake.

Work Woes All Around

Seeking employment is never easy, and Thomas felt the brunt of it when he didn’t hear from any of the job applications he sent out. The competition for one job is intense, and not everyone is lucky enough to be invited for an interview.

Out of desperation, Thomas applied for any job possible just to appease his wife, who was becoming annoyed at how their once-perfect marriage was turning out. He wanted nothing more than to provide for Iris and secure the future they would be building together. If he couldn’t find work, Iris might leave him for good.

Always Out and About

Back when Thomas had work, Iris felt relatively alone on most days since he was always traveling to make ends meet. As an insurance agent, Thomas made a sizeable fortune in sales – one could even say he was probably one of the best in the field at his previous company!

On the bad side, it meant he barely saw his new bride. Thomas was ridden with guilt every time he left her to do his job, but he knew that by doing so, she would be properly taken care of. However, the lovebirds made the most of each other's company during weekends.

Supportive of Him

Despite their distance, Iris made sure to make Thomas feel she was always present and supportive of all his endeavors. She did her part as an ever-loving wife, considering Thomas did what he could for their little family. In return, her husband decided there was only one way to prove his devotion.

Out of the blue on one of his trips, Thomas got a message from Iris that left him shocked and panicked. It came to a point where he eventually decided to leave his job since it was putting a strain on their marriage!

Too Much to Handle

No matter how hard Iris tried to accept her current predicament with Thomas, she couldn't handle all the time apart from him. Whenever he was in town, the duo would end up quarreling over petty things that didn't bother them before. As such, Iris felt this was her breaking point and needed to get away.

After she sent Thomas a message filled with hatred and anger, her husband realized he better do what’s right this time. He wanted to assure Iris that he will always find a way to keep his vows, starting with giving her their dream home.

Digital Rendezvous

Since they were apart most of the time, the only way to communicate was through messaging apps – this way, Thomas and Iris could easily update each other’s whereabouts with pictures included. It added excitement to their daily banter, and in a way, it was their attempt to feel closer too.

Whenever one of them could spare a moment, they enjoyed snapping and sending photos of whatever activity they were doing just for fun! But right before Thomas could share his big news, he saw a picture that made him doubt Iris and their relationship.

Temptations All Around

Thomas may be off the dating market, but he is still a regular guy who loved to unwind at a local bar with a beer or two. After work, he would head out to get Iris out of his mind – at least for a while. Most of the time, Thomas would chat up some ladies at the bar out of curiosity.

In one instance, he met a woman he connected with quite well at the pub when he was downing a few drinks with his colleagues and boss. The two hit it off, and the mystery woman joined the group for a bit, much to everyone’s amusement!

Still A Devoted Husband

Marriage has changed Thomas's perspective in many things, and one of them pertains to loyalty. Before he got hitched to Iris, he welcomed any pretty lady who showed interest in him. The woman at the bar was a prime example – he could’ve had her when she invited him to her hotel room, but Thomas knew better.

Amidst his occasional marital troubles with Iris, he wanted to stay faithful to her. No one has understood Thomas as Iris did, and even if a group of gorgeous women would parade in front of him, Thomas would always go back to his true love.

A Photo Worth A Thousand Words

Then on one typical Thursday afternoon, everything changed. Thomas and Iris were doing their usual routine of exchanging pictures and discussing whatever they were doing; he was just about to give her his significant announcement when a photo from Iris shook him to the core.

At a glance, one would think it was just an ordinary photo of Iris lounging on a cozy couch. Upon closer inspection, Thomas realized she was probably inside a bar in broad daylight. He could feel all the anger bubbling up from inside of him before he broke down crying.

There’s A Story Behind It

Anyone who saw him would think he was crazy for crying over a photo. However, nobody but Thomas could understand the hidden meaning behind the well-orchestrated pose. It seemed Iris looked like any innocent woman having the time of her life, but there was a particular detail that gave her ruse away.

This discovery made Thomas second-guess his feelings for Iris – it was as if she was a complete stranger. Little by little, his affection for his wife dissolved, and it won’t be long until the once-inseparable duo would fall apart.

A Double Life

As it turns out, Iris ditched her wedding ring and wore a much wider ring to conceal the white mark on her finger. This way, no one would suspect she was already married; somehow, it gave her a sense of confidence amidst all her wrongdoings.

It was clear that Iris was leading a double life – one with Thomas and another with a different man. Thomas couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that the love of his life would betray him like this. At this rate, perhaps they were better off divorced.

Loneliness Has Its Price

No matter how tight-knit a couple may be, braving a long-distance relationship will always be among the critical tests they would have to face together. Thomas thought they would have that in the bag, considering how much they loved each other. But Iris didn’t want to be apart from her husband any longer, so she took matters into her own hands and started seeing someone else.

At first, she did an excellent job at keeping things a secret from her husband. Maintaining their usual conversations allowed Thomas to think nothing was wrong, yet it was also the cause of why their connection unraveled.

Impossible to Forgive and Forget

Saying goodbye to a relationship isn’t as easy as anyone would think. All the time invested together can’t be tossed out the window the minute something goes sour, but for Thomas, deceiving one’s husband is just the end of the line.

What’s more, the fact that Iris fooled him for so long without batting an eye was proof that perhaps she didn’t love him enough. Determined to move on, Thomas immediately called his lawyer and requested to have divorce papers drawn up. It was the only way to end this charade they called marriage.

Moving on From Heartbreak

Divorce is always hard on anyone, no matter how amicable. In the case of Thomas and Iris, it was far from easy for sure since she was caught in a secret love triangle. Once the legalities were settled and months have already passed, he figured it was now time to move on.

That was perhaps the biggest and most important step he had to make, and he finally took it by scheduling an out-of-town excursion by himself. However, he’d end up finding something totally unexpected from this trip without him knowing.

Making New Memories

Picking the ideal place for a post-heartbreak vacation isn't easy, mostly if the littlest things would remind a person of their former spouse. Thomas didn't want to bawl at anything that had a touch of Iris to it, so after sifting through many locations, Thomas eventually settled on one where he and his ex-wife haven’t visited yet.

It was a major city, so the probability of bumping into Iris was almost impossible. Thomas hurriedly booked his flight and roamed around the minute he arrived. It seems this was truly the place where his life will turn around.

An Unexpected Encounter

As Thomas explored the city, he chanced upon a local bar and decided to check it out. It was noon, and he was getting a bit hungry and parched from all the walking. He found himself a seat and was just about to order when he saw a familiar face – it was his old schoolmate, Angel.

It's been ages since they last saw each other, but she remained to be as beautiful as ever. Seeing he was single and available, Thomas approached her without further ado. This trip was indeed full of surprises!

Old Sweethearts

Fate has a way of playing with getting two people to have a second try at love. And for Angel and Thomas, it seems this moment was theirs for the taking. The two of them first got together in high school and were madly infatuated with each other. It’s safe to assume they were each other’s first love.

Sadly, their young love was cut short as Angel and her family moved to another country. With her out of the picture, Thomas found a renewed faith in relationships when Iris came along. But that didn't mean he forgot all about his high school sweetheart.

Going with His Gut

It was now or never – this was a once in a lifetime opportunity! Thomas didn't want this one to slip through his fingers, so he made his way toward Angel nervously and greeted her as if it was only yesterday since they spoke. As luck would have it, she was alone in her booth, which provided the avenue for Thomas to approach her with no problem.

Meanwhile, Angel looked quite ecstatic to see her former flame in the flesh. She, too, was excited at the thought of rekindling their friendship – maybe this time would be different.

Catching Up

Angel worked around the area and had just clocked out of the office when she figured it would be nice to grab a drink before heading home. And thankfully, she did! Otherwise, she wouldn't have reconnected with her old beau, Thomas. Interestingly enough, there was not a single awkward moment between them!

Once they began chatting, Thomas poured his heart and soul out to Angel. He shared how he just went through a terrible divorce the past few months. Angel was shocked to hear this, but secretly, she was a bit happy to learn he was available.

Past is Past

It really did feel like nothing has changed – the ex-lovers still shared the same chemistry they had back when they were teenagers. For a moment, Thomas forgot about his nasty divorce and his cheating wife, Iris. They covered almost every topic they could think of, from their old days at school to their current love life.

Thomas and Angel were so consumed in their conversation that they didn’t notice how much time has passed! At some point, the bartender had to drive them out since it was very late at night - they had to take their conversation elsewhere.

The Future Beckons

It seems Angel had the same thought as she coyly invited Thomas to have another drink at her house – something Thomas happily obliged to! Hand in hand, the reunited lovers made their way home under the starlit sky, happy to have found each other.

Such endings are a rarity, especially after a first failed marriage. Finding new love was the last thing on Thomas’ mind when he went on the trip. In the first place, he merely hoped to forget about Iris! But then again, he may have gotten his wish as this coincidental encounter with Angel might be the key to his long-lost happiness.

 

The story you just read is a made-up story and is written with the purpose of entertainment. The story and the people in it are fictional, and the photos used are stock photos. Hope you enjoyed!