Reality TV can often serve up unexpected twists and turns, and Love Is Blind season 7 was no exception. One of the most shocking moments centered around Stephen and Monica, a couple whose relationship crumbled due to betrayal. Fans of the show were left reeling as Stephen admitted to cheating on Monica, a revelation that played out in front of the cameras. In this article, we’ll explore what happened with Stephen and Monica, breaking down the events that unfolded and where the couple stands now.
The Proposal: A Picture-Perfect Beginning
In Love Is Blind, couples form emotional connections without ever seeing each other, and for Stephen and Monica, sparks flew early on. Stephen, an electrician, proposed to Monica, a sales executive, in The Pods. The moment was filled with emotion and hope for
their future. Monica gushed about Stephen, saying, “I’ve been waiting 36 years to find you,” as she accepted his proposal. She described him as “the kindest, nerdiest, chattiest, most loving, compassionate, caring, and sweetest man.” It seemed like a match made in heaven, with the couple destined for happiness.
Trouble in Paradise: Stephen’s Confession
Unfortunately, things quickly took a dark turn. While their relationship initially seemed to be progressing smoothly, especially during their time in Cabo, Stephen’s behavior raised red flags for Monica. Stephen was overly talkative, perhaps trying to hide the guilt that was eating away at him.
Monica’s suspicions were confirmed when she discovered incriminating text messages on Stephen’s phone. These messages were from a woman Stephen had been texting before his time on the show, and his explanations only made things worse. Stephen claimed that he had been drunk during a sleep test when he sent the messages, but his excuses didn’t hold up in Monica’s eyes.
Monica confided in fellow contestant Taylor, revealing her disbelief at Stephen’s behavior. “Did he do a sleep test? I don’t know. He didn’t sleep here. It’s really unbelievable,” she said. She also called Stephen’s actions “evil,” emphasizing the depth of her betrayal.
The Confrontation: Monica Calls Out Stephen
When Monica finally confronted Stephen, things escalated quickly. She demanded to know the truth, and Stephen admitted that he had been texting another woman. The messages were not only inappropriate but involved “kink stuff,” which further disgusted Monica. Stephen confessed that he deleted the messages because he didn’t want to be reminded of his actions.
Monica didn’t hold back in her response. “Don’t you f—g blame me at all for you being gross,” she fired back after Stephen tried to reference their previous night’s conversation about their sex life as a contributing factor to his actions.
To his credit, Stephen accepted responsibility for his mistake, acknowledging that his actions were inexcusable. He told Monica, “I’m taking full responsibility for this, which is why I’m getting my stuff and I’m leaving you alone.” Monica, still fuming, demanded that Stephen Venmo her money for “carrying your weight the last couple of days.” Stephen complied, but the emotional damage was already done.
Monica’s heartbreak was clear as she expressed how hurt she was by Stephen’s actions. “I’m almost embarrassed about how much of my heart I’ve given you. You were going to, what, shake my dad’s hand this weekend while you were planning on cheating? I don’t understand,” she said, clearly devastated.
Stephen’s Apology: A Hollow Goodbye
Despite Stephen’s apologies, the damage was irreparable. He expressed deep regret for hurting Monica, telling her, “I truly am sorry for hurting you, for wasting your time, for coming on the show and doing this to you. I shouldn’t have come on the show.” His admission only further angered Monica, who called him “selfish” for proposing to her when he clearly wasn’t ready for a committed relationship.
Stephen’s final words were a mix of apology and acceptance. “I definitely don’t deserve much. I am sorry. I will leave you alone now,” he said as he left the apartment. Monica, left with her shattered trust and a broken engagement, was left to pick up the pieces.
Stephen’s Past: A Pattern of Cheating?
Interestingly, Stephen had admitted to cheating before during a conversation in The Pods. He told Monica that he “technically held the title of being a cheater” and had been cheated on multiple times himself. He also revealed that he had sought therapy to work through his issues, but his past seemed to have caught up with him once again.
Monica, while understanding the complexity of relationships, was deeply hurt by Stephen’s actions. “The experiences that I’ve had to deal with from cheating are really gross and very, very bad,” she said. Despite this, she believed in forgiveness, though Stephen’s betrayal may have pushed her to her limits.
Where Are Stephen and Monica Now?
Since the dramatic events on Love Is Blind, both Stephen and Monica have remained relatively quiet about their relationship status. They still follow each other on Instagram, and both have shared posts about their time on the show.
Stephen took to Instagram to defend himself after the cheating episode aired. “You know for a show based on context clues and meant to be about not judging a book by its cover. Its fans certainly like to take a LOT of things at face value,” he wrote. He also expressed gratitude for the memories he made on the show, despite the scandal.
Monica, on the other hand, shared a cryptic post on her Instagram story, featuring a photo of all the brides-to-be holding up their engagement rings while Britney Spears’ “Toxic” played in the background—a not-so-subtle dig at Stephen’s behavior.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
The story of Stephen and Monica serves as a cautionary tale about trust and honesty in relationships. While they seemed to have a strong connection at first, Stephen’s betrayal was too much for Monica to bear. Their time on Love Is Blind may have ended in heartbreak, but it also highlighted the importance of communication and transparency in relationships. Only time will tell where Stephen and Monica go from here, but their story will undoubtedly remain a memorable part of Love Is Blind history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Stephen cheat on Monica during the show?
Yes, Stephen admitted to cheating on Monica after she found incriminating text messages on his phone.
2. Who did Stephen cheat with?
Stephen cheated with a woman he had been texting before his time on the show. He claimed that the incident occurred while he was drunk during a sleep test.
3. What was Monica’s reaction to Stephen’s cheating?
Monica was devastated and angry. She confronted Stephen and expressed her disbelief and hurt, ultimately ending the relationship.
4. Did Stephen and Monica stay together after the show?
As of now, it appears that Stephen and Monica have gone their separate ways, though they still follow each other on Instagram.
5. Has Stephen admitted to cheating before?
Yes, Stephen had admitted to cheating in the past during a conversation in The Pods on Love Is Blind. He acknowledged his mistakes and had been in therapy to address them.