A couple with a 30-year age gap has slammed critics who suggest their relationship is motivated by money - and opened up about their unexpected connection.
Derek, 31, and Ron, 61, both say their relationship came as a surprise to them, not least because Ron is older than Derek's parents.
But the loved-up pair couldn't be happier they found each other after a "chance meeting" and hope to spend the rest of their lives together.
Reflecting on their relationship for Love Don't Judge, Derek admitted: "I'd never really been with someone that much older than me. It just took me off guard.
"There was something about his energy, the way he treated people, his sense of humour that all made me go wow that's someone to notice."
Ron agreed: "He's never dated anybody twice his age. I've never dated somebody half my age. It wasn't on our agenda, it just kind of happened."
Unfortunately, not everyone has been so kind about their long-term partnership. In particular, critics often accuse Derek of dating Ron for his money - something the award-winning businessman, a success in his own right, firmly denies.
"If someone calls me a 'gold digger' it does hurt," Derek explained. "It hurts because I worked so hard to make my own money."
He added that he also supports the pair's lifestyle, partly-funded by his partner's success in real estate. "I not only support myself but I support our lifestyle too," Derek clarified.
And what a lifestyle it is - the pair certainly enjoy the finer things in life, as evidenced when the pair appeared on YouTube channel, Love Don't Judge.
The US-based couple, who had been together for four years at the time of filming, invited cameras inside their luxury Hamptons home for the show.
But while much of the documentary was devoted to their happiness, they also acknowledged their fears for the future.
Derek said: "The reality is for me there may come a time when Ron is not with me, and I'm still here. It's not about being alone, it's about not having my best friend with me for a long time.
"It's something I try not to think about because it is so heartbreaking for me. I would say that's the hardest part about the relationship."
Thankfully, the pair are learning to accept the challenges their relationship may involve - and they're having a brilliant time all the while.
In a joint confessional, Ron added: "I am 61, I get it. I watched my parents age and I watched them both pass away. I will be doing my best to hold onto my youth.
"I have learned to not live in the past and not live in the future because what happens is you miss the present. I feel really grateful, lucky, and happy that I met someone who I love so much."
Without missing a beat, Derek replied: "I would say the same exact thing to you."
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