Monique Samuels on Ashley and Michael Darby's Separation: "I Can't Say That I Was Shocked"

The Real Housewives of Potomac always have a way of dropping major bombshells about their relationships during each season's reunion. Remember when Katie Rost revealed that she had broken off her engagement with fiancé Andrew Martin at last season's reunion and then Charrisse Jackson Jordan ended the sit-down by saying that her husband, Eddie Jordan, hadn't spoken to her since RHOP began airing? Oh yeah, these ladies really know how to make your jaw drop. 

This season's reunion was no exception. Ashley Darby gave an update on her marriage, saying that she and husband Michael Darby have separated. 

When The Daily Dish recently caught up with RHOP newbie Monique Samuels, she admitted that she wasn't exactly surprised by the news. "I can't say that I was shocked, because I did text Ashley, and based on her response, it sounded like something was going on. And I remember when I got the text message from her, I told my husband [Chris Samuels], I said, 'I think Ashley and Michael are breaking up. I think they're separating.' And I let him read it, and he thought the same thing,'" Monique said. "So when she revealed that during the reunion, I wasn't really surprised."

However, that doesn't mean Monique isn't optimistic about Ashley and Michael working through their issues. "I told them that I'm rooting for both of them, I hope that they will get over whatever it is that they're going through, and see that at the end of the day, a business shouldn't be what's causing your marriage to end or continue on. They need to really get back to what caused them to fall in love with each other," Monique shared. "So that should really be what keeps them together. And I think based off of Ashley's conversation, it seems like she's definitely having a change of heart and wants to really be with him and she can't live without him."

Ashley Darby Confirms She and Michael Are Separated

Seeing Ashley and Michael's marital issues play out this season and come to a head in a major blowup between the two before an event at their restaurant, Oz, was a surprise to Monique. In fact, she said it was the most shocking moment of the season for her. "I can definitely say I was shocked at Ashley and Michael when they were in the parking lot. That conversation, I was like, cringing. I was like, 'Oh my God, stop talking. Please just stop talking,'" Monique said. "But that just goes to show marriage, you have ups and downs, you have issues, and it's all about working through those issues and coming out stronger. I never get discouraged when my husband and I go through things because I feel like it's just a moment that we needed to go through to build us up so we can be better for each other. And marriage is all about maturity. So that was definitely a shocker for me, seeing that whole conversation, and my heart goes out to them because I've been there before, you know?"

Monique said she wasn't aware that this kind of tension was brewing between Ashley and Michael until she watched the moment air on TV. "I had no idea. And even when we were at the restaurant, because that happened right before the event and Chris and I were there, and they seemed like they were a little stressed just because of business, but I had no idea it was that intense. So they played it off very well," she recalled. "So yeah, when I saw the episode, I was like, 'Oh my goodness.' I had no clue that they just had this big falling out. So I'm glad that they're getting over it though." 

Ashley explained her reasons for separating during Part 2 of the RHOP reunion, saying that she ultimately hopes the couple does not divorce. "Michael and I decided to part ways and live separately just to trial and see if maybe some time apart would maybe bring us back together because I don't really believe being in a situation where both people are unhappy without trying to rectify it," she explained. 

Check out another shocking moment from this season's reunion, below.

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