The Love Story

“One day you will ask me which is more important? My life or yours? I will say mine and you will walk away not knowing that you are my life.” ―Kahlil Gibran

The Love Story

"If love is to succeed you can only love one way, fully and completely." -C.Soper.

Craig and Monita Nehme met on the dating site Skout on 4 January 2013 when Craig was in Sydney on holiday and Monita was at a cafe with her cousins. Monita’s alias was Cedra Labina.

From the first initial texts Craig and Monita exchanged numbers and were in constant communication. Monita would be always messaging Craig. It was only after a few days she said she loved him and that Craig was her everything and her soulmate. It was a wonderful time with love and instant chemistry.

Early in January 2013 Monita would message Craig from the moment she woke up till the moment she slept. Craig would receive over a thousand messages a day. Monita didn’t have a car and would call Craig while she took the bus to work in Fairfield and talk all the way to the office. She'd text him while at the Fairfield Immigration office, often call him at lunch times and text the reminder of the day, then she'd call him on the bus ride until she left home. This was a wonderful time where they both shared dreams, thoughts, goals and what they wanted to achieve in life. They were similar in so many ways, had similar values and goals and both thought each other was their everything and true love. Craig and Monita both loved Sci-Fi, dreamed of writing a book together and talked about love and how they both we looking for a serious relationship and both wanted children soon.

Monita asked Craig about his past relationships. Craig shared the story of how his wife Jacqueline Hayes (nee Kowert) betrayed him with a colleague from her Tubingen Political Society and then again with Terrance Hayes and who got her pregnant while she was still married to Craig, it was a heart-breaking story. He also shared to story of his next relationship where his ex lied and tricked him and kept their daughter in Brunei and his dealings with a corrupt Judge and system. Both these relationships really scarred Craig and he thought that he could never love again.

Craig asked Monita about her past and also why she didn’t drive to work. She said she had recently split with her husband and gave him their two cars. She told Craig she didn’t want anything from him or their past relationship, that he was a good man but insecure. She said she was tired of supporting him as he just wanted to play computer games at home, that she paid for everything and he was controlling and made her cut her hair and would let her do the things she wanted. She said she loved Arab ankle jewellery, but her husband forbade it. Craig asked if there was a chance of getting back together as marriage is sacred. But Monita replied she'd never go back to him as he had betrayed her and poisoned her with fat pills and she couldn’t trust him, and that she'd put on a lot of weight and had some health concerns not. She was devastated by what he had done. Monita Nehme-Kayem showed him the letter her husband wrote saying they were soulmates and should get back together and she asked Craig what he thought of it. Craig thought her showing him was a little strange but replied he obviously still loves you.

Both Craig and Monita being betrayed and hurt by their partners made them become closer and they promised they would never hurt each other. They both believed the pain on their past betrayals would make them better people and better partners for each other and their love blossomed into something very beautiful.

Monita sent these pictures of her home town of Bsharri in Lebanon, it's very beautiful.

Monita was always sending Craig such beautiful and loving message since they met in January 2013. She is an inspired romantic.

In the beginning of January 2013 Monita went on a date with another man. Craig was upset with this. But she said she couldn’t get out of it. But later that evening she messaged Craig and said she walked out on him as he kept talking about himself and his money and that she missed Craig. But Craig was still a little sad she went on this date.

After just a few weeks talking Monita’s mother was as Monita put it 'harassing her over talking to him and she should be looking for a Lebanese man'. We were both appalled, especially at this sort of racism in Australia. In time Monita’s mother and Craig became good friends too, she is a lovely woman. Monita would spend much time in her room messaging Craig and avoiding her mother and the suitors that would come to visit.

Monita told Craig she was a refugee as her dad was a Lebanese political party president and General of a Christian Militia and they been targeted by the Muslims for assassination, that they'd been car bombed, could only stay in a place for no more than three days and that her family had to live in the mountains as guerrilla fighters. Monita also said she’d been shot by the Syrian army protecting her neighbour in Bsharri Lebanon. Monita had a difficult life, Craig felt closer to her for sharing these memories. He wanted to love and protect her and give her a good life.

As time progressed so did the relationship and the virtual intimacy, with loving and intimate calls and messages and photographs she sent. One day Monita’s brother read her phone messages and told her he was disgusted with the things she said, she was very upset that he'd betrayed her trust and read her personal phone messages. Craig listened to her sobs and soft tears and wished he was there to comfort her.

Living apart was difficult, especially for Monita as she was very needy, but they managed. Monita required constant attention but their love motivated them both. Monita we tell Craig every day she loved him more than life itself, she would say he was her everything, that they are together forever, it seems she was totally in love and committed. Craig felt the same and it was soon apparent he could not imagine his life without Monita.

Monita would go out with her cousins and friends. She was always texting Craig and making time for him. She put a lot of effort into communicating with him. She was wonderful.

Monita shared pics of her wedding day, honeymoon and the old days in Lebanon.

Craig received photos nearly every day from Monita as she wanted to share everything. Craig has thousands over photos and videos of her and them together.

Monita took Wednesdays off work and would spend the majority of it communicating with Craig. Monita continued to open up to Craig, one day she Viber called him on a day off and they spoke for 13 hours straight, neither was bored and both fell deeper in love. They ended up talking for hours every day. But with romance on the internet there is always a degree of uncertainty and while you may feel the love there is also some uncertainty.

Monita said she was constantly being harassed by other men to meet her, go on dates, marry her. These guys were friends, friends of family, her male workmates and anonymous suitors. To her credit she was loyal to Craig for the most part. Craig was a little perplexed by all the unwanted attention and how popular Monita was considering she didn't want it, but loved and trusted Monita.

Monita was very generous, she would send Craig love poems, groceries as she thought he needed looking after, t-shirts (Bad Wolf, Big Bang theory etc), extra-long phone cables and once her old iphone4 when he dropped and broke his. She was very caring, considerate and generous in these times. Craig felt that Monita was the most wonderful, caring and considerate woman in the world, he loved her completely. He appreciated all the things she did for him and how completely she expressed her love for him.

Monita knew Craig supported Germany in the football so had her artist friend make a cartoon for him when Germany beat France in 2014. She also gave him a similar cartoon when Germany beat Brazil.

Monita had a wonderful sense of humour.

Poems written for Craig by Monita

"I close my eyes, while going to sleep,
with sadness inside, I begin to weep.
I remember suddenly, what you said to me,
Just meet me in the clouds, we'll enjoy the ride.

When distance is a task, it can keep us apart,
Remember, I still hold you, close to my heart.
we will float through the clouds, till the miles are gone,
Just close your eyes, we'll pretend we're together.

I can see the clouds, oh, how beautiful they are,
I sit and wait, with hope in my heart,
one day we will be, together, for ever.
Good night my love, I'll be dreaming of you!"
- Monita Nehme

"Distance may cause many a tear
And it maybe also bring fear
But if our love is clear
It will never disappear
Whether we are far or near
We will persevere
For with a love deep and sincere
We will always be each other's dear."
- Monita Nehme Kayem

Their first meeting personally in Sydney May/June 2013. A lovely, romantic and passionate time. Talking online for a few months and then meeting was in person was much needed and amazing.

On Craig's numerous trips to Sydney Monita always there at the airport wearing a beautiful short dress, high heels and greeted him with a big kiss before they went to the hotel.

The first love letter Monita gave Craig. after their first meeing in Sydney. She told him to read it on the plane as he flew back to NZ. She said Craig was "truly her first love and best friend". Craig always carried this letter with him until the end.

A postcard Craig sent Monita early on in their relationship

Monita was always texting Craig how much she loved him, that they were together forever, she could only ever be with him as no other man could measure up. Craig felt the same and their relationship was 'full on' and intense. They loved each other completely and loved each other’s company.

In October 2013 Monita flew to NZ for the weekend to spend it with Craig. They are a wonderful time at his home and she met his family. Everyone really liked Monita and they still do.

Monita Nehme had a wonderful first trip to NZ in October 2013. They spent time in both Queenstown and Invercargill.

Monita was always saying she couldn’t live without Craig and that she needed him, that she would die without him, that Craig was her soulmate, best friend, lover and everything. She would randomly buy Craig a ticket to Sydney to see her. She was so lovely. Craig and Monita would spend time at the hotel and then go out to places outside of Bankstown. Monita didn’t want her family to see Craig during the early times of their relationship. She wanted to keep it hidden. On some occasions they did go out in Bankstown and the surrounding areas and once seen her cousin.

Monita fell pregnant on one of these trips. It was a very sad time for them both. Monita said she couldn’t have the baby due to her cultural beliefs as having a baby outside of marriage was unacceptable so decided to abort. Craig was upset by this and didn’t want her to have the abortion, but also respected her right to decide this for herself. But on the day of the abortion she viber called Craig and said she changed her mind and was going to have it but it was an ectopic pregnancy and need to be aborted. Craig felt both sad and confused by this information. But later this proved to be untrue and she blurted out it wasn’t an ectopic pregnancy, Craig felt betrayed by this lie. She also told Craig that she'd told her parents they had only made love once and cried while telling them and they believed her. Craig was sad at how she lied again and how easily the lies came to her, but she justified them by saying she didn’t want to upset her parents or get in trouble with her family.

After a time Craig met Monita’s family, they are good and caring people and they accepted him and his relationship with Monita. Monita’s father is a very honourable man and and Craig respected him very much. Monita’s mother was caring and thoughtful and Craig loved Monita’s family like his own and still does. Sometimes Craig would go to visit them with Monita and other times the would go to the Bankstown Club for a meal.

On Craig's trips to Bankstown, Sydney Monita would go to meet Monita’s parents, Monita would ask him to lie about the day he arrived so she could spend it with him. Craig said he would not compromise himself by lying and was committed to always tell the truth. Monita was upset with this. Craig was disappointed how easily lies came to Monita’s lips but still loved her completely and understood she did this so she wouldn’t be hassled by her mother. He thought her values and integrity superseded these small lie, so let them pass.

Craig and Monita would spend every spare moment they had together. Craig is a friendly and courteous man. When they went out he’d always be polite to the cashiers at cafes etc. Monita would often get jealous and ask why he was friendly and flirting. Craig would reply he’s just being friendly as it costs nothing to have good manners and he was sure there would have been a lot of less friendly people talking to them.

When Craig was in Sydney Monita would come to the hotel and make out every morning before she went to work, Craig would then meet her for lunch every day then go back to the hotel where Monita would then meet Craig again. Both had to work hard to make this long-distance relationship work, but where they were together it was amazing, romantic and wonderful. They were truly and only complete when together as Monita said.

Monita was always needy and needing affirmation. She is an intelligent woman but has a number of insecurities. Craig was always trying to make her happy and let her know how much he lovely her, hence messaging her all day and spend hours every day on the phone with her. But Monita would often get down and seek reassurance through the dark arts of spirit readers etc. She would go to them with a heavy heart and is was obvious when she was in one of these moods, they’d say she was not meant to be with Craig. One going so far to say that she would end up with a nice fat man. Craig was surprised she'd spend much time seeking spiritual guidance as she is a purported Christian and it is forbidden.

Craig and Monita also talked about if they couldn’t be together, which neither believed could be the case. Monita said if she couldn't have Craig she would stay single forever. She also said that Craig was her first and only love... she has never loved a someone as much and deeply as Craig and never could... that now other man could or would interest her. They talked often about the wedding etc, having 3-5 kids, being together always and forever, being both lovers and best friends. Their dreams of being together motivated them both to make it happen. They knew when there are together they are happy and complete.

A beautiful love letter Monita sent Craig in 2015.

Christmas and Fathers day cards Monita sent Craig. She was loving and considerate

Craig and Monita became engaged and were planning to marry, they loved each other completely and Monita said she could only live with him. They set up a bank account together, organised a meeting at the Bankstown Presbyterian church to discuss, and Monita always wore an engagement ring.

Monita sent Craig her appointment that she had scheduled.

Monita and Craig at her CentreLink Fairfield Christmas function.

Monita would always wear her engagement ring. She wanted to show the world she was Craigs.

Monita became committed to losing weight. She was diligent about counting her calories on her calorie counter. As she lost weight so did her popularity with other men increase. her friends Joe and Dave, her workmates, Victor, male friends, other Lebanese me all pursed her while she was engaged to Craig. Craig loved and trusted Monita so didn’t get jealous. Monita one day told Craig she thought he must not care if he didn’t get jealous, Craig replied he loved and trusted his soulmate implicitly.

Sadly, they still pursued her. These men all have no honour and it disappointing that their behaviour seems to be the norm in society these days. Monita would say when she told them she was engaged and to leave her alone their standard response was typically:
"You not married yet so it is OK to pursue you".

Left are a couple screenshots of one of the men pursuing Monita while her and Craig were engaged.

It is disappointing that she has so many suitors who acted without honour.

During Craig’s many trips to Sydney they would go to many places, the Bankstown Sports Club, Darling Harbour, Kens Sushi in Bexley Ave, movie theatres, Shopping mall, and the lovely beach in Brighton le Sands and share a meal and drink at Desserts Cafe.

They had much fun together and would walk holding hands and kissing discretely. As Monita put it; "we are only truly complete when we are together".

Lovely pictures of times and places together

Monita was always wanting to be in contact. She would text Craig 1-2 thousand messages a day. She moved to Fairfield Centrelink because some inappropriate behaviour from her boss and employees at Immigration. But she would always call/communicate with Craig from the moment she left home, to when the front desk opened, then often at breaks and lunch times. She enjoyed her time at Centrelink despite unwanted attention of the male staff there too.

Monita was always wanting to express how much she loved Craig. She had her phones wallpaper as them together. These photos were taken at the cafe where Monita when Craig send her the first message from Skout.

Monita tagging Craig on Facebook when they were going out.

Craig and Monita’s relationship was wonderful and full of love, respect, caring, friendship and passion. Whilst Monita was very needy she needed to know where Craig was, who he was seeing and told him he needed her approval to make all decisions as they were a couple. This was especially difficult considering they lived in different countries.

December 2015 / January 2016 Monita came to NZ for a trip to see Craig with her son. Craig didn’t realise it at the time but this was to be the last time her saw her before as his partner. Monita was giving Craig ultimatums about adding her on Facebook, she told him she'd not talk to him unless he did and during this time in early 2016 she cheated on him with Hanaddis cousin and then with a new man in April/May of 2016. It was heart breaking that such a beautiful relationship ended because of her Facebook obsession and the neediness led to her cheating.

She said she needed Craig to add her on FB, he replied she didn’t need it just wanted it. She said, "I have guys lining up to treat me like a princess so just do it". Never did Craig think she'd go so far as to cheat on him as he trusted her and her values completely. But it seems the need to get what she wanted and attention outweighed them.

To the left is a photo Monita sent with a message to her family friends. On 9 May 2016 she received flowers at work for Mothers days with this card.

Craig received a text from a mutual friend asking why Monita was bragging about getting flowers from another guy with a poem she was skiting about. Craig was sad she hid it from him and was cheating again

Monita would send pics while she was working at CentreLink most days.

In the office again. She told Craig him not adding her on FB was upsetting her.

Such is life and everyone makes mistakes and that can be forgiven. But Monita was such a 'control freak' she didn’t want Craig finding out and went feral and vilified him to her friends and family, even going so far to make a false and vexations complaint to Police about Craig, which was proven to be completely untrue in Court.

This is perhaps the saddest ending that could happen to such a beautiful relationship.

“It takes a minute to have a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone... but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.”

― Kahlil Gibran

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The Love Story

“One day you will ask me which is more important? My life or yours? I will say mine and you will walk away not knowing that you are my life.” ―Kahlil Gibran

The Love Story

"If love is to succeed you can only love one way, fully and completely." -C.Soper.

CONTACT FORM

Contact us for further information or if you have anything you'd like to share.

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