Is having a side-chick after spouse's betrayal cheating?

Long story short. Wife cheated and contracted a STD. Fought over trivial things after the revelation. Married life went downhill from there and never recovered.

Meanwhile I found someone. She was in some trouble. I took care of it. We grew close. She offered her companionship since she was in a similar situation. She asks for money sometimes, though not much.

A friend of mine found out and pointed that I am doing the same thing as my spouse. However I feel its very different.

What are your views?