Mormon Wives’ Jessi Opens Up About Reconciliation with Jordan Following Affair (Exclusive)
Season 3 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives finally allowed Jessi Ngatikaura to present her perspective after revealing her affair with Marciano Brunette during her marriage to husband Jordan Ngatikaura. She is also sharing additional insights with Us Weekly.
“Rewatching season 3 was surreal,” Jessi, 33, exclusively told Us Weekly in this week’s issue, ahead of the show’s return on Thursday, November 12. “I felt like I was struggling half the time. Watching it made me realize how empty I felt. It was challenging because I was aware of the emotions I experienced in certain scenes. However, it was somewhat therapeutic to revisit it from a different perspective, especially since some months have passed, and I’ve healed a bit more.”
As fans know, Vanderpump Villa’s Marciano, 32, claimed in season 2 that he had an affair with Jessi. In the latest episodes, she clarified that their connection was primarily emotional, aside from one kiss.
“I wouldn’t say I was in love with him. It only lasted about two weeks, so it was brief. Nevertheless, I confided in him a lot,” Jessi explained. “I hadn’t really talked about the dynamics of my marriage with Jordan to anyone. My family and friends were aware of certain issues, but I always tried to present a facade of ‘everything’s fine.’”
Jessi shared her emotional struggles during her marriage with Marciano, including how Jordan “treated” her.
“I felt a connection with him because he was supportive and made me feel valued,” she stated. “Jordan often belittled me, while Marciano complimented me on my looks and personality. This created a bond, as he offered what I felt was lacking. However, I wouldn’t classify it as love.”
After a brief emotional affair lasting two weeks, Jessi disclosed the relationship to Jordan.
“Jordan discovered it when he went through my phone and ended it. It was a blessing in disguise as it needed to end,” she told Us. “I didn’t want to prolong this situation for months or years, and I felt trapped.”
She mentioned it was beneficial for Jordan, 31, to put a stop to it, and noted that he did not confront Marciano, believing they could keep the affair secret.
“I was naive, thinking I could maintain secrecy. Jordan and I never revealed it, underestimating Marciano’s inclination to talk and fabricate narratives,” she reflected. “He seemed hurt when I ended things, and possibly shared our story out of spite or to feel validated. Demi [Engemann] also played a role in this, coaching him and amplifying my experiences.”
After their reunion in season 3 for a lie detector test — which included a few flirtatious moments — Jessi hasn’t communicated with Marciano “for over six months,” having “blocked him” on all platforms to avoid contact.
“Honestly, it could have been anyone I had an affair with. My marriage and self-esteem were in a bad place, and he simply offered me the attention I craved,” Jessi shared. “At that time, with Jordan’s constant criticism, I needed someone to uplift me. Marciano had a certain charm, despite his slimy aspects, and provided me that attention.”
Jessi and Jordan, who tied the knot in 2020, share children Jagger, 5, and Jovi, 2, and have faced ongoing challenges in their relationship.
“Over the past four years, we’ve discussed divorce extensively. There were moments when I nearly filed and truly believed it would happen, but my fear for my children held me back,” she revealed. “Jordan made it clear that divorce wasn’t an option, leaving me feeling trapped.”
The co-owner of JZ Styles emphasized that she is “not condoning” her actions.
“I’m not providing excuses or justifications for what I did. It was wrong. But reflecting on it, I recognize it was likely a subconscious cry for help,” Jessi recalled. “I thought, ‘If I engage in something so serious, maybe divorce will inevitably follow.’ I didn’t consciously plan it that way, but in hindsight, it seems I believed it was the only way out when Jordan learned of the affair.”
The couple spent the following six months experiencing more challenges.
“During that time, I contemplated leaving him frequently. But I was burdened by the secret of the affair, fearing exposure upon his departure. I was in a difficult position,” she voiced to Us. “In the initial episodes of the show, Jordan and I attempted to focus solely on the affair, avoiding discussions about his behavior. Yet, it became increasingly apparent, leaving me no choice but to explain my mental state.”
The couple has been working hard to mend their relationship. Jessi explained that they are officially “back together,” noting that progress remains ongoing.
“Things are improving. I’d say this experience — and having to film about it — has served as forced therapy for us. We’ve had to address issues we previously ignored. We’ve been undergoing therapy since everything transpired, which has made a significant difference,” she elaborated. “Both Jordan and I have areas to improve upon, and we’re actively working on them. We’re making strides toward a better future.”
She concluded: “I see this as a journey that will take time. We’re committed to making it work and taking it one day at a time to see if we can implement those changes.”
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is currently available for streaming on Hulu.
