The friendship between Salve and Ellaine Reyes began at Adamson University in Manila. Both women, ambitious and dreaming of brighter futures, quickly bonded. Salve, originally from Samar, aspired to become a nurse to support her parents who had sacrificed greatly for her. Ellaine, from Pampanga, shared similar goals, driven to lift her own hardworking family out of hardship.

For years, they were inseparable best friends. Graduation brought mixed emotions—excitement for their careers, sadness at parting ways. They vowed to stay connected despite the distance. Both achieved professional success: Salve became a nurse, eventually working in the Middle East, while Ellaine found opportunities in Canada.

Years later, their paths converged again when Salve joined Ellaine in Canada. Their reunion was joyous, filled with outings and shared moments, rekindling a friendship that had spanned over a decade. Their families were happy, seeing the enduring bond. But less than a year later, their deep connection would shatter, leading to accusations, legal battles, and a desperate public plea.

Ellaine’s journey to Canada began as a temporary worker in Prince George, British Columbia. Having family there eased the transition despite the cultural differences and cold climate.

Although a registered nurse in the Philippines, she initially worked at Dairy Queen, always focused on her ultimate goal: becoming a registered nurse in Canada. Her determination paid off, and she eventually achieved her nursing dream.

Her personal life also flourished. She met and married Brighton Lamb, a Canadian. While details of their courtship are scarce, Ellaine shared their dream of having four children and building a secure future, including setting up college funds and owning their own home. Their plans took an unexpected, joyful turn when Ellaine became pregnant.

The arrival of their first child brought immense happiness, but also unforeseen challenges. Like many new parents, they struggled with sleepless nights and the demands of a newborn, creating tension in their marriage.

Ellaine, adjusting to motherhood, found it particularly difficult. Seeking help, she considered daycare but decided a live-in nanny would be better. She saw this as a perfect opportunity to help her best friend, Salve.

Ellaine contacted Salve, who was still working as a nurse in the Middle East. She proposed sponsoring Salve as a nanny under Canada’s caregiver program, assuring her that after the two-year contract, obtaining permanent residency (PR) would likely be straightforward.

With PR status, Salve could then pursue her own dream of becoming a registered nurse in Canada. Ellaine believed if she could achieve it, her capable best friend could too.

With financial backing from Ellaine and Brighton and assistance from Philman Power Agency, Salve arrived in Canada on July 13, 2019. As agreed, she became the primary caregiver for the Lambs’ child while the couple worked. Given their close friendship, Ellaine treated Salve not as an employee, but as family. Salve ate meals with them and joined them on outings during her days off.

To Salve’s family in the Philippines, it seemed like the perfect arrangement. Two years of work, followed by permanent residency and the chance for a high-paying nursing career.

But the dream soured dramatically within six months, destroying Salve’s reputation and her bond with Ellaine. News reached the Philippines that Ellaine was determined to have Salve deported, causing shock and concern.

The situation exploded into the public eye when Ellaine returned to the Philippines and appeared on national television, emotionally revealing the reason for the fallout: Salve had allegedly betrayed her by having an affair with her husband, Brighton. Brighton, however, offered a different perspective, claiming the marriage was already troubled before Salve arrived.

He stated that after their child was born, Ellaine became irritable and distant, focusing solely on the baby. Ellaine countered this, acknowledging the adjustments of new parenthood but insisting she made efforts to maintain their marital connection. She believed hiring Salve would give them more time together.

Ellaine recalled being happy when Brighton and Salve connected on social media before Salve’s arrival, seeing it as a way to ease any awkwardness. She even remembered Salve attending their child’s baptism in the Philippines during the visa processing period. The couple visited Salve’s family in Samar, where they received a warm welcome.

However, upon returning to their base in Pampanga after the Samar trip, Ellaine noticed Brighton becoming increasingly moody and irritable, even over small things.

She initially attributed it to the Philippine heat or the lack of privacy but realized his behavior persisted even after returning to Canada. She suspected he might be experiencing paternal postpartum depression and hoped Salve’s arrival would alleviate the stress.

Salve arrived in July 2019, and initially, things seemed fine; their child adored Salve, who was also the godmother. But Brighton’s coldness towards Ellaine continued. In November 2019, Salve took a pre-approved vacation back to the Philippines for her father’s birthday, with the Lambs covering her ticket and providing spending money. Ellaine took leave from work to care for their child.

Salve returned on December 5. Just two days later, on December 7, Ellaine’s long-held suspicions about her husband having an affair were confirmed, but the other woman wasn’t a stranger—it was Salve. While Brighton slept, Ellaine checked his phone. She discovered intimate chats, X-rated photos, and explicit videos exchanged between her husband and her best friend.

The messages revealed the affair had started weeks before Salve even moved to Canada. Brighton had sent Salve money twice while she was in the Philippines, bought her red roses upon her return, and reportedly gifted her Victoria’s Secret lingerie.

Ellaine recalled warning Brighton not to look at Salve inappropriately, as she often wore revealing clothes around the house. The most painful discovery: Brighton had allegedly slept with Salve in her room on the very night she returned, December 5, after Ellaine and the baby were asleep.

Consumed by rage and hurt, Ellaine confronted Brighton, slapping him. She then stormed towards Salve’s room to retrieve her child. Brighton, fearing she would harm Salve, physically restrained her, leading Ellaine to slap him again. Following this explosive confrontation, Brighton sided with Salve. He accused Ellaine of being the problem and left the house with Salve, checking into a hotel.

Over the next few weeks, Ellaine tried desperately to reconcile with Brighton, even going to the hotel on December 24. Salve answered the door. An argument ensued, during which Salve allegedly tried to grab Ellaine’s phone to call Brighton. Ellaine resisted, and Salve screamed for help. Shortly after, police arrived at Ellaine’s home and arrested her for assault, based on Brighton’s complaint stemming from the December 7 incident.

Ellaine found herself in a legal nightmare. Adultery is not a crime in Canada, giving her no recourse against Brighton or Salve on those grounds. Unlike in the Philippines, Canadian police do not intervene in infidelity cases. With her family’s help, Ellaine was released, retained custody of her child, but was issued a court order prohibiting contact with Brighton.

Desperate for justice and wanting Salve held accountable, Ellaine took her story to Philippine national television, revealing the betrayal to the world. The public outcry was significant.

Salve’s recruitment agency announced they had requested her return to the Philippines. However, Salve reportedly filed for asylum in Canada, potentially claiming danger if returned due to the public anger against her, effectively halting deportation efforts.

Since then, Ellaine has moved on. Her social media indicates she reverted to her maiden name, Reyes, suggesting her divorce from Brighton was finalized.

In 2023, she revealed a new relationship, and by July 2024, she announced her engagement to her new Canadian boyfriend, signaling a new chapter after the devastating double betrayal by her husband and the woman she once considered her sister.