It was supposed to be a fairytale moment. Kathryn Bernardo, one of the most beloved actresses in the Philippines, recently said “yes” to a heartfelt proposal from Mayor Mark Alcala during their dreamy vacation in Australia. Fireworks, a sunset backdrop, and a diamond ring — everything seemed perfect. But not everyone is celebrating.

Behind the scenes, murmurs began to circulate. One name kept resurfacing: Alden Richards.

According to multiple sources close to both celebrities, Alden was allegedly caught off guard by the sudden announcement. While Kathryn and Mark’s romance had been quietly blossoming out of the spotlight, Alden — who once formed the other half of the famous “KathDen” tandem — was said to still be holding out hope for something more with Kathryn.

“He looked shocked,” said an insider from a recent industry event. “When someone mentioned the engagement, Alden just nodded and walked away. He didn’t say a word, but his eyes said everything.”

It wasn’t just a professional partnership between Kathryn and Alden. Fans had long speculated that there was a deeper connection. The undeniable chemistry, the lingering glances, the off-cam sweetness — all of it added fuel to rumors that Alden had developed genuine feelings for Kathryn during their time together.

“He really liked her,” another source shared. “You can’t fake that kind of connection. Even when the cameras stopped rolling, Alden would always make sure she was okay.”

So, when Kathryn’s engagement broke the internet, it wasn’t just fans who were stunned. Alden, many believe, was quietly heartbroken.

One cryptic tweet from Alden shortly after the engagement news made waves online. “Some things aren’t meant to be… and that’s okay,” he posted, without naming anyone. Fans quickly connected the dots, and #Alden trended for hours.

Is he really against the engagement? Some insiders say no, pointing out that Alden respects Kathryn’s choices and wouldn’t interfere in her happiness. But others insist that he has privately voiced his discomfort, even going as far as to say that he thinks she’s rushing into something too soon.

“He’s not angry,” said a close friend. “He’s just… sad. Deep down, I think he thought he still had a chance.”

The fans, too, are divided. Some are thrilled to see Kathryn find love after her high-profile breakup with Daniel Padilla. Others are mourning what they now see as the end of any chance for a KathDen reunion — both on and off screen.

Comments on Alden’s social media have exploded with messages of support, sympathy, and speculation.

“Stay strong, Alden. She was never yours if she chose someone else,” one user wrote.

Another chimed in, “We still believe in you and Kathryn. Maybe not now, but who knows what the future holds?”

Adding more tension to the narrative are the recent sightings of Alden spending time alone in Tagaytay, where he was seen quietly drinking coffee at a lakeside café. “He looked lost in thought,” a fan recounted. “He was just staring at the water for a long time.”

Others close to Alden claim he’s channeling his emotions into work, throwing himself into new projects to stay distracted. But even they admit — this one hit hard.

“Alden has always kept his feelings private,” said one veteran showbiz reporter. “But you can tell. This one left a mark.”

As for Kathryn, she appears to be glowing with happiness. Her Instagram is filled with candid photos with Mark Alcala, both of them looking carefree and in love. The caption that broke hearts read, “I said yes to my safe place.”

It was a moment of finality — a quiet signal to everyone, including Alden, that her heart now belongs elsewhere.

Still, the question lingers: Was there ever really something between Alden and Kathryn? Or was it all just fan service and wishful thinking?

No one knows for sure, except the two of them. But what’s clear is that this engagement marks a turning point — not just in Kathryn’s life, but in Alden’s too.

Some say he’ll move on. Others think he’ll hold on to that small sliver of hope, silently wishing that life takes an unexpected turn.

Whatever the truth is, one thing is certain: even the strongest hearts can break, even in silence.

And as the showbiz world moves forward, with new headlines and new love stories, there’s still one face the camera catches — looking on from the background, smiling quietly but carrying a thousand untold words.

Because sometimes, love doesn’t end with goodbye. Sometimes, it ends with someone else saying “yes.”

And the one left behind has no choice… but to clap… and walk away.