Arnold Schwarzenegger's controversial romance with Heather Milligan: a look back!

When you think about Hollywood love stories, it's easy to forget the whirlwind romance that graced the streets of Santa Monica back in 2013. Arnold Schwarzenegger, still reeling from the dramatic end to his 25-year-long union with Maria Shriver, had Hollywood buzzing when he was caught in a candid moment with his new flame, Heather Milligan.

Fresh love amidst past scandals

Two years had passed since the messy dissolution of his marriage to Shriver. Speculation ran wild with whispers of potential reconciliation between Arnold and Maria, given their long history and shared family. But as photographs of the Terminator star from that fateful Monday showcased, Arnold had started a new chapter.

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The pictures that painted a thousand tabloids: Arnold and Heather, lost in a sweet embrace after a dinner in Santa Monica. The physical therapist, over two decades younger than the action superstar, seemed to be the perfect fit for him, both donning casual attire that complemented the laid-back vibe of their surroundings.

From rumors to reality

Reports had been floating around for months about Arnold and Heather's budding relationship. And while many wondered if the "Governator" was genuinely moving forward, or if this was just a fleeting romance, their public display put a stamp of authenticity on their bond. As reported by TMZ, the duo, although careful, did share a moment. Arnold, ever the charmer, conversed with Heather through her car window before sealing their evening with a kiss.

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Yet, in the backdrop of this new romance lay the shadow of his past. Months prior, Arnold admitted to German's Bild newspaper, "I still love Maria." His memoir, 'Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story', saw him predicting reconciliation with his estranged wife. "It takes a lot of time to heal those wounds and to trust each other again," he voiced in a heartfelt interview with Fox News. The revelation about his affair with their housekeeper and the birth of his son Joseph added to the tumult of their separation.

"It was a situation where I couldn't even blame anybody else but myself, because my wife was a fantastic wife," Arnold expressed, highlighting his deep regrets over his past actions.

While 2013 saw insiders hinting at the possibility of Arnold and Maria rekindling their relationship, the emergence of Heather Milligan in Arnold's life painted a different story. Maria, seemingly shifting stance, appeared to lean more towards finalizing their divorce, especially after hearing whispers of Arnold's newfound romance.

As we reflect a decade later, one can't help but reminisce about the year Arnold Schwarzenegger found love amidst the chaos, and Heather Milligan became an indelible part of Hollywood romance history.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)