No, no, no, no, no. How could this be?! Reality show couples are always supposed to live happily ever after, post-credits! Err… Perhaps not. But these two really did seem meant to be. However, the rumors are true: Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell, quite possibly one of our favorite couples to ever emerge from The Bachelor mansion, have called it quits. Let us have a moment of silence...
According to People.com, former Bachelor Ben Higgins and the season 20 winner of the reality show franchise, Lauren Bushnell, have ended their engagement—and their relationship. "It is with heavy hearts that we announce our decision to go our separate ways," the no-longer-a-couple couple told the entertainment news site in a joint statement. "We feel fortunate for the time we had together, and will remain friends with much love and respect for one another. We wish nothing but the best for each other, and ask for your support and understanding at this time."
After Higgins gifted Bushnell the final rose (and a Neil Lane engagement ring) last year, the pair moved on from Bachelor Nation and moved into a Denver home together. The couple then starred in their own reality show, Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After?, that chronicled their relationship and wedding planning journey.
But the reality show duo later decided to call off the wedding—remaining engaged, but slowing down their rush to the altar. "We weren’t ready to jump into a wedding. And we both needed to take a step back from life in the limelight," Bushnell explained to People at the time. "I still want to marry Lauren, very much so," added Higgins. "Our relationship is better now than it has ever been."
Alas, their relationship wasn't as rock solid as we thought—considering that it's over and all…
Our thoughts are with Bachelor Nation at this difficult time. You've lost a good one.
