They were friends for many years before they became 'lovers'.
She left her husband and ran away with her 'lover'.
His wife accused him of having a secret 'lover'.
(..) - Look at this finger, here. Laura did not wash her hands before dinner. - Look at this. - Don't. Is it from a lover? Did you get this from your lover? They don't call them lovers in high school, Leland. Bobby didn't give you this. (..)1992 Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me