AceShowbiz - In a revealing account, Melinda Gates shares that the year 2019 marked a turning point for her. It was then that media uncovered then-husband Bill Gates' infidelities and his controversial ties with Jeffrey Epstein, a convict who died by suicide while awaiting trial on numerous damning charges.

Melinda captures that period succinctly in her new memoir "The Next Day", noting that she began having nightmares linked to the instability in her marital life. The situation hit a fever pitch when The New York Times published an article highlighting Bill's questionable conduct.

“That October, things had reached a fever pitch when The New York Times published a deeply disturbing article that raised serious questions about Bill's conduct - questions that suggested he had betrayed not only our marriage but also my values," Melinda recounted.

The distressing revelations made it clear to Melinda that the marriage was far from the unshakable union she once believed it to be.

Bill Gates' association with Epstein further strained their relationship. Bill had met Epstein on "numerous occasions," including one meeting that lasted for hours. In an email to colleagues after his first meeting with Epstein in 2011, Bill wrote, "His lifestyle is very different and kind of intriguing although it would not work for me."

For Melinda, the friendship represented more than a personal betrayal; it was a violation of her moral values. In a poignant reflection, Melinda admits, "I regretted it the second I walked in the door. He was abhorrent. He was evil personified. My heart breaks for these women."

Earlier this year, Bill acknowledged the error of his association with Epstein, admitting that it was a "huge mistake."

"In retrospect, I was foolish to spend any time with him," the Microsoft co-founder told the Wall Street Journal. "I think I was quite stupid. I thought it would help me with global health philanthropy. In fact, it failed to do that. It was just a huge mistake."

The Gates' marriage, which lasted from 1994 to 2021, is a stark reminder that even the most seemingly perfect unions can falter under the strain of secrets and moral breaches.

The couple shares three adult children: Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22. Melinda describes her decision to end the marriage as "one of the hardest and most important things I've ever done."

Since their divorce, both have moved on with new partners. Melinda is in a relationship with entrepreneur Philip Vaughn while Bill is dating Paula Hurd.

Melinda's memoir stands as a testament to her journey through heartbreak and resilience, providing a candid look at the complexities that even the most powerful couples face.