Jessi Draper, a well-known figure from the reality television series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, has opened up about her views on marriage following her recent split from estranged husband Jordan Ngatikaura. The 34-year-old mother of two appeared on a recent episode of the Just Trish podcast hosted by Trisha Paytas, where she candidly discussed her experiences and feelings about future commitments.
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Draper revealed that she is not in a hurry to enter into another marriage, especially so soon after her divorce from Ngatikaura, with whom she has a son named Jagger, aged six, and a daughter named Jovi, aged three. “I’m obviously fresh off divorce; that could change, but as of right now, I’ll do a legal partnership,” she said. Draper is currently dating Marciano Brunette from the show *Vanderpump Villa*, and while she appreciates the relationship, she is hesitant about formalising her commitment.
Despite having a prenuptial agreement in her previous marriage, Draper expressed her concerns regarding the financial implications that a marriage can bring. “With how my businesses have grown, even if you have a prenup you still end up having to sacrifice a little bit,” she explained, emphasising her apprehension as an entrepreneur. The hair salon owner is clearly aware of the potential risks that come with tying the knot again.
Reflecting on her divorce filed by Ngatikaura in March, Draper confessed she was initially caught in a challenging emotional situation. The couple’s rocky relationship took a further turn when it was revealed that Draper had an emotional affair with Brunette during her marriage to Ngatikaura. The fallout from this revelation has been profound, deeply affecting their family dynamics.
In the wake of her split, Draper indicated her desire not to rush into anything serious. As she stated during her appearance at the AMAs in May, “I’m going through a divorce, so I’m not trying to be in anything serious.” Although she acknowledged the connection she shares with Brunette, she reiterated her focus on taking things slowly. “We had a connection, so we’re just revisiting that. And he’s really been there for me. He knows my history — what I’ve been through — and we’re having fun right now.”
Brunette, who openly supports Draper, echoed her sentiments of enjoying their current relationship without the pressures associated with a serious commitment. However, behind the playful banter lies a complex past that complicates their situation.
In an intense conversation recorded over the summer of 2025 and released in April 2026, Brunette and Ngatikaura confronted the emotional affair. Brunette offered an apology, acknowledging his part in the pain their actions caused. Nevertheless, Ngatikaura’s response was less forgiving, as he expressed the difficulty in fully accepting the apology amidst the damage already inflicted on his family. “The pain you caused me, the pain you caused my wife, what you put my kids through — and to hear you now wanting to apologise — it’s hard to accept it,” he told Brunette.
This public reconciliation underscores the struggles faced by both men and the emotional toll the affair has taken on everyone involved, including the children. Ngatikaura mentioned the significant investment their family made in therapy, indicating the deep impact this situation has had on their lives.
As Draper navigates her personal journey of healing and moving forward, she remains focused on her children and her career. The nuances of love, betrayal, and emotional recovery will likely continue to play out as she defines her future, whether that involves a legal partnership with Brunette or a commitment to prioritising her independence.
Draper’s experiences highlight the complex realities of modern relationships, particularly in the public eye. Her candidness serves as a reminder of the challenges many face in personal relationships, especially following the trauma of separation and the desire to cohesively move forward while protecting what one values most.