My Partner Is Still Married to His Wife and Has a Daughter with Her

You know, my love is still married to his wife and they have a daughter together.

I really love my partner. Weve been together for more than seven years, and we have a six-year-old son. Hes a brilliant dadspends loads of time with our little boy, taking him down to his garage or out on trips all the time. He looks after me toosometimes, hell just turn up with a bunch of flowers, no reason at all, or plan a lovely little night out for just the two of us. Our life feels pretty normal, to be honestwere a happy family.

Not that long ago, we borrowed a bit of money from our parents and managed to get our very first flat. Im a proper homebody, really, love making the place cosy and clean, and nothing makes me happier than the house smelling of fresh cake. I do a bit of work on the side, cash in hand, but it pays enough to keep things comfortable for us. Have big dreams for this flatreally want to make the most of it.

I work in a beauty salon, but I also have quite a few private clients. My partner does alright for himself too. Were not big spenders, but if theres something were working towardswhether its buying something special or saving up for a holidaywe make it happen. We did talk about getting a little cottage in the countryside, but decided to wait a bit.

Honestly, Im quite content with life, and things between us are really good. Wed met a bit later in life, but I always tell people I was waiting for someone just like him.

Hes close to his daughter and sends money to help out, stays in touch with his wifes parents too, since his daughter lives with them. Ive never got involved or asked what happened with his wife or where she isnever really cared to know the details.

I didnt take him away from his familyhe was on his own when we met, living by himself. Whats begun to worry me more and more, though, is the fact hes not actually divorced from her. At work, when people ask why we havent tied the knot yet, I just laugh it off and say, “Oh, were putting it off for now.” Honestly, everythings good and marriage just feels like a bit of a box-ticking exercise.

My mum, thoughshes started saying I should give him an ultimatum: if were really going to have a future together, he needs to take that step and propose properly. She finds it odd that hes legally tied to someone else, like that woman has all the rights, and Im just left with the responsibilities. Even though weve just moved into this lovely new flat, technically its in her name. What would you even call this kind of marriage triangle?