I thought she loved me. Was I just a show? - Martin

Martin was in his late twenties when he fell in love with Nardia, a girl he met online.

Nardia was of similar age and an assertive, gregarious person who was doing well in her career. Martin was quiet and reserved. He looked up to her: Her confidence, her success, the way she moved through the world with such ease.

They began a sexual relationship. Martin felt fortunate. Someone like Nardia choosing someone like him felt like a gift.

One evening, while video-conferencing with Nardia, she told him to remove his clothes. This wasn't unusual for them. Their virtual intimacy had become part of their relationship.

Martin complied.

What he didn't know: Nardia's friends, a group of men and women of similar ages, were also looking at her computer screen.

Nardia happened to be hosting a gathering that evening. She had shared with her friends about Martin's sexual prowess and physique. They were curious about her descriptions.

So Nardia invited them to look at her computer screen while keeping out of Martin's sight. They watched silently, some covering their mouths to stifle laughter, others with eyes wide.

Martin, believing he was in an intimate moment with the woman he loved, was completely unaware.

Weeks later, Martin found out through a mutual acquaintance. Someone at the party had mentioned it casually, not realising Martin didn't know.

The humiliation hit him like a physical blow. Every intimate moment he had shared with Nardia replayed in his mind, now tainted. Had there been others watching? How many times?