Who is Ben Wheeler from Before I Go to Sleep: A Novel and what is their importance?

Ben Wheeler is the name of Christine's husband. Christine and Ben met in university through Christine's friend Claire. Ben and Christine had an idyllic relationship, but it changed when Claire gave birth to their son and struggled to adjust to motherhood. Christine had an affair, but Ben never stopped loving her and stood by her throughout her recovery and for several years after her injury left her hospitalized. However, when Ben came to the realization that his presence only agitated and upset his wife, Ben divorced her and tried to go on with his life. In the end, Ben is in Italy when Mike takes Christine out of Waring House and is unaware of her ordeal until contacted by their son.