In Hollywood, love stories often seem like fairy tales, captivating audiences with their glamour and romance. However, the reality behind the scenes can be starkly different. Many celebrity couples that once inspired hope and belief in enduring love have since experienced heartbreaking breakups, leaving fans devastated. Here are some of the most notable relationships we thought would last forever.

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, who dazzled the world in the early 2000s, were seen as pop royalty until their split in 2002. Their breakup was marked by speculation and tabloid frenzy, as fans mourned the loss of what they believed was true love. Similarly, the romance between Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens blossomed from their time on “High School Musical,” only to end in 2010 in an amicable split that left fans nostalgic for their youthful idealism.

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon’s whirlwind romance, which began with a surprise wedding in 2008, showcased their affectionate partnership until their separation in 2014. Like them, Fergie and Josh Du Hamill’s relationship, characterized by support and mutual respect, ended in 2017, surprising fans who admired their grounded approach to fame.

Other couples, such as Shakira and Gerard Piqué and Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, experienced similar fates. Shakira and Piqué, who shared a decade-long relationship filled with love and family, announced their split in 2022, while Witherspoon and Phillippe’s marriage ended quietly after seven years, emphasizing co-parenting and respect.

These stories resonate with audiences not just for their celebrity status but for the real emotions involved. The relationships served as reminders that love, especially in the spotlight, is complex and often fleeting. While we may have believed in their everlasting bonds, the reality of their separations reminds us that even the most glamorous love stories can come to an unexpected end.