Former lover defends Schwarzenegger

LOS ANGELES, June 14 (UPI) -- Mildred Baena, the former employee of Arnold Schwarzenegger and mother of his 13-year-old son, says she hopes the Hollywood actor and his wife reconcile.

The former California governor recently confirmed he fathered a son with his Guatemalan-born domestic worker while he was married to Maria Shriver.

Schwarzenegger and Shriver announced they had separated before the story about Baena and the child became public.

Baena has kept a low-profile since then, but recently opened up in an interview with Hello! magazine about her relationship with the movie star, E! News said.

"He's a good man and I know he's suffering too. He loves Maria. I hope with time they work things out," she told the magazine.

Baena also said Shriver became aware of her son's paternity as he got older and his resemblance to Schwarzenegger became more obvious.

"She would say things like, 'I'm here if you need to talk.' I sensed something was up. I have so much love and respect for Maria," Baena said. "Finally, she asked point blank."

Baena said she ultimately broke down and told Shriver the truth.

"She was so strong. She cried with me and told me to get off my knees. We held each other and I told her it wasn't Arnie's fault, that it takes two," Baena said.