The couple has been dating for over a year but have decided to end their engagement. The two acted as if they weren’t even in the same country last month when they were spotted in separate locations across the globe. After months of speculation, it was confirmed this year that the couple broke up. They continue to be friendly and supportive of each other’s work, however.

Rumors Of Trouble Begin Early This Year

The breakup of this year’s most famous couple was no secret. Back in January, just a few months into their relationship, Stewart was seen wearing a large diamond ring on her left index finger, prompting rumors that she was engaged or about to be married. The ring, which was a gift from Pattinson, was not just a symbol of their partnership but also a promise to wed in New York City. It wasn’t long before the pair made good on that promise, walking down the aisle in a secret wedding ceremony at Manhattan’s City Hall on June 24. The couple has been spending lots of time together ever since, and they’re not hiding their newfound union. The happy newlyweds have been photographed flaunting their affection in front of a crowd of fans and wedding party members. They have also been spotted on their first official date, which took place just a few days before their wedding. Despite their busy schedule, the newlyweds have managed to sneak in some sweet moments, such as a sweet peck on the cheek during an Instagram Live session in July.

A Year Of Growing Pain

While the world was focused on the joyous union of Pattinson and Stewart, the couple were also struggling privately. Their carefully choreographed PR campaign was nothing compared to the real drama they were facing. Stewart’s brother Chas, who is also her manager, broke the bad news to fans that their engagement was over before it had even begun. In an interview with E! News, he admitted that the whole thing was a set-up, and that Stewart had agreed to marry Pattinson only to distract from the pain she was going through at the time. “She’s a very lonely girl,” Chas said of his sister. “She didn’t have a good support network growing up, and she’s never really felt like she fit in with the average 18-year-old girl, maybe because of her career or whatnot. So, she decided the best way to deal with the situation was to find a partner who she could relate to more.”

Chas, who represents both actors, also noted that his sister hadn’t discussed her feelings for Pattinson with him. The manager went on to say that their family would’ve preferred a different match for his sister. “We’re very close. We were very worried about her,” he admitted. “We knew something was up, but we didn’t know what was going on.”

After news of the breakup broke, the couple remained silent for the most part. Pattinson did finally comment on the breakup, and even wrote a heartfelt response on Instagram. “I love Kristen, and I’m very proud of what we accomplished,” he wrote in September. “We were very fortunate to have found each other, and I’m sure we’ll end up in a loving relationship again someday.”

As for Stewart, she hasn’t said much about the breakup either, but she did speak highly of her new family in an interview with Entertainment Tonight in September. “I think it’s really cool that we’re a part of this weird experiment in brother-sister bonding,” Stewart said. “I feel like I’ve always wanted a big family, and it’s cool that we have this opportunity and we’re going to take it and go from there.”

Pattinson And Stewart Are Still Friends

Despite the breakup, the two are still very much in love. In fact, they’re often photographed holding hands or spending time together privately. The best evidence of their reconciliation is their constant presence at each other’s social events, which they’ve both publicly admitted they enjoy. “I’d rather be with him than anyone else. Ever since that day we met, he’s been my best friend,” Stewart said in July of Pattinson. “We’ve been through a lot together.”

As previously noted, the couple were extremely friendly and supportive of each other even before they officially began dating. Last April, for example, Stewart held a sweet Instagram Live stream from her apartment, showing off her new puppies. In the background, you can hear one of the pups barking, which is a signal for Stewart to start talking. “Hi guys, I’m so excited to be showing you guys my puppies!” she said as she opened up the camera. “You know what? They’re getting a little lonely… Maybe we can have some fun?”

Pattinson liked what he saw, and asked if he could hold one of the pups, which she quickly agreed to. The movie star then proceeded to pet and cuddle with the pup, demonstrating his ease around furry creatures. “This is Jelly,” he said. “He’s such a chillaxin’ puppy, isn’t he? You can chill with us while we check out your puppies.” The video has since been viewed over 6.5 million times.

While Stewart and Pattinson have officially split, that doesn’t mean they don’t still care about each other. They continue to be close friends, and even spoke highly of each other during an interview with the New York Times earlier this year. “He’s a wonderful person, and a bright light,” Stewart said of her good friend. “He’s very funny, and talented, and sweet. And I love that he’s a bit of a maverick. He’s not afraid to tell you what he thinks. And I think that’s attractive.”

One of the things that makes Pattinson & Stewart so special is that they are always there for each other. It’s clear that they have each other’s back, and that their friendship is stronger than ever. This is a story that should be celebrated, not something to be hidden.