Dear MIMsters: How Do I Break Up With This Married Man Who Really Loves & Wants To Marry Me?

I’m 27 and dating a married Muslim man who is 35. The relationship started when a guy I dated for 4 years started cheating on me with his ex.

Now, the Muslim guy wants me to be his second wife. I know my parents will never agree and I also don’t want to, though I have introduced him to them as a friend. He has really helped me to the extent of helping my dad gain several contracts in a real estate agency where he works. Everyone in my family is fond of him but to them, we are just friends because they know he’s married with kids. My dad will be disappointed in me if he finds out what is really going on between us.

I want to end the relationship without hurting him because he has come to love me dearly. Besides, my ex has come begging for forgiveness. I forgave him because I still love him. He wants to come with his family to see mine but I told him not to rush things. Everyone in my family knows we are dating but never told them we had issues.

My questions are: how do I end the relationship without hurting the feelings of this Muslim man? Did I do the right thing by giving my ex who knows about my relationship with the Muslim guy a second chance? He said he will never give up on me again and wants us to leave the past behind and focus on the future. Please advise.