Christie Brinkley Calls Relationship With Ex-Husband Peter Cook ‘The Most Tortured of Her Life’

Christie Brinkley's marriage to her fourth husband, Peter Cook, is one of the bombshells of her new memoir!

The author provided vivid details of her tumultuous union with her estranged husband, which lasted two years shy of a decade but with far more scandal.

Christie Brinkley's new tell-all book comes a year after she announced her skin cancer diagnosis last March, amid advice to her fans to religiously stick to SPF usage and practice early detection.

In her new memoir, "Uptown Girl," Brinkley opens up about the pain of her fourth marriage to architect Peter Cook, particularly the painful events leading to their divorce after eight years.

For years, Brinkley remained tight-lipped about the affair that shattered their relationship, which began in 2006 when she was delivering a graduation speech in the Hamptons.

During the event, a man approached her, revealing that Cook was having an affair with his teenage daughter. Brinkley recalls being frozen in disbelief as she locked eyes with Cook, who was present with her son, Jack and immediately shook his head in denial.

According to PEOPLE, in her reflections, she grapples with the realization of becoming a stereotype: a middle-aged woman whose husband is involved with a significantly younger partner. "It was the most tortured relationship I've ever had," the model wrote.

Following her shocking discovery, Brinkley found support from her female friends during a challenging time in her life. On their suggestion, she searched their family computer and uncovered a disturbing collection of files.

The experience felt surreal, almost like a scene from a movie, as they discovered an overwhelming number of incriminating images and adult content. What started as a tense situation quickly turned into laughter as printouts of explicit photos filled the room.

However, her turmoil deepened with her split from Cook, resulting in a lengthy six-year court battle. Brinkley reflected on her decision to get a prenuptial agreement, expressing confusion about its effectiveness given her exhausting and terrifying circumstances.

She was, however, glad to have gotten one before her marriage to him. In her words: "I got a prenup so I didn't have to go through all this but still did. It was mind-boggling,and it was hard to write about."

Brinkley opened up that for many years, she remained silent about her experiences, but a turning point came when she left the courtroom one day and encouraged others to "Google a narcissist."

This simple act led to an outpouring of support from women who resonated with her story, expressing gratitude and solidarity, which made her feel less alone in her struggles. Looking back, she expresses gratitude for the journey, particularly for her three children: Alexa Ray, 39, Jack, 29, and Sailor, 26.

In her book, she reflects on moments of doubt and uncertainty about her recovery, but she found strength by acknowledging her blessings, always beginning with her children. As they have grown, they have encouraged her openness, reminding her that her story is ultimately hers to share.

Cook found love again in the arms of his 21-year-old lover, Alba Jancou. PEOPLE reported that in 2019, he got down on one knee to her while vacationing in Santorini, Greece.

Cook reportedly proposed with a stunning six-carat diamond ring. He expressed his happiness, stating that they feel fortunate to have found each other as soulmates and look forward to a joyful future together.

Jancou, a student at Tulane University set to graduate in 2021, previously attended a prestigious English private boarding school. This engagement marked Cook's third marriage.

He was previously married to Brinkley from 1996 to 2008, a union that ended after revelations of Cook's affair with his then-19-year-old assistant, Diana Bianchi.

Following his marriage to Brinkley, he wed Suzanne Shaw, but they parted ways in 2014. Cook also faced accusations of romantic involvement with another former employee, Samantha Cole, in the past.

While Brinkley's memoir offered a clear glimpse into her complicated past relationships, The Blast noted that the story is primarily not about revenge. According to an insider, she intends to share her life story and philosophy to inspire readers to make the most of their lives.

While she touches on painful experiences, particularly regarding her ex-husband Cook, who she feels wronged her deeply, Brinkley still expresses her emotions candidly without holding back.

The writing process was described as cathartic for Brinkley, allowing her to confront the demons of her past and heal from old traumas.

The memoir reportedly encompasses significant moments in her life, including details about her relationships and her remarkable career that fans may not have previously known. 

Having kept a journal since the early days of her modeling career, she has documented her travels and romantic experiences, capturing both the highs and lows of her journey. In her 70s, Brinkley decided it was the right time to share her story, believing it was now or never.

Congratulations to Christie Brinkley on her new book and healing journey!