Desperate? LuAnn De Lesseps Stands By Cheating Fiance To 'Stay Relevant' On 'RHONY'
Aug. 18 2016, Updated 7:30 p.m. ET
LuAnn de Lesseps may claim her relationship with fiancé Tom D'Agostino is "stronger than ever" after Bethenny Frankel exposed his shocking cheating scandal. But the Real Housewives of New York star is actually still "devastated" by the betrayal, a source tells RadarOnline.com.
"Obviously this is still really heartbreaking for her," the insider claims.
However, the former Countess, 51, is staying with her man for more than just love, the source explains: She's forging ahead with the wedding despite D'Agostino's infidelity because she knows the romance is keeping her relevant!
"She had been reduced to a lesser role, and her relationship with Tom put her back to front and center," the insider says. "She's upset by the drama, but more so, she wants to remain on 'Housewives.'"
"Tom is her ticket to staying on the show."
Indeed, back in season 6, the divorced mother of two was demoted to a "friend" of the Housewives following her break up from French businessman boyfriend Jacques Azoulay.
Back in July, RadarOnline.com was first to report that Frankel caught D'Agostino making out with another woman on camera days before the couple's engagement party.
"LuAnn was shocked and heartbroken," a source said. "But she decided to stay with him."