Destroyed relationship

Here goes, I have a gambling problem which i am getting help for. I was with the woman of my dreams then through it all away. 3 weeks ago i stole from her to feed my addiction including the worse bit pawning her engagement ring. I know it is terrible and and feel so much shame for what i have done. I doubt i will ever get her back but she was the ONE. We were fantastic together and i made her happy. I got down and depressed but instead of talking to her i hide and took from her. When it all came out she ran for the hills and i dont blame her at all. She said that i broke her heart but now she has just spent the night with her ex and i know its none of my business. Im hurting so much because of what i did but also now because i dont know if she really did care. One day we are friends and talking and getting along and the next no contact and now with her ex. I dont know what to do, i doubt i could ever make up for what i did but i also know i can sort my problems out. Her ex also broke her heart and i was there and helped her out and looked after her. Just really looking for advice.

Hi Craigy, I hope you're feeling better.... Working through an addiction has its up's and down's... Sometimes your moving forwards, other times you're in reverse gear. When you're a bit more composed and had sometime to think about what happened, you should speak to her and explain what went on. Don't be so hard on yourself, everything will be okay.

Thanks Don, I have spoke to her she said she could never be with me again and that she would never trust me again. She feels the whole relationship was a fraud but thats not true. I love this woman so much and even if we dont get back together just want to show her that it was all real and was let down by moments of weakness and it wasnt planned.

I just wanted to share my story with you in hopes you can find strength to let time run its course. While married to my husband, I stole money from where I worked and it all ended with a Federal prison sentence and a divorce from the man I loved. He would have nothing to do with me because of the shame I brought to him and his family (we are from a small town, so gossip was flying!). Seven years later I go to what used to be our house regularly for dinner or drinks. We are not back together, but we have reached a point of being very happy just spending time together again. I have learned so many things, but the most important is just to be patient and wait. Time is a fantastic healer. Great loves do not fade with time. Wait. Work on your addiction. Get better for yourself and no one else. She will come back after she has had time to heal herself and if she doesn't, it will be her issue and not yours. The act of forgiving another person is a blessing. Hopefully she will see that and find you again. Best of luck!