Kelsea Ballerini crosses paths with ex Chase Stokes for first time since split

Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes' awkward reunion sparks mixed emotions.

Notably, it was a tense night at the Fashion Trust Awards this week as the 32-year-old singer and the 33-year-old actor navigated their first high-profile event apart since calling time on their romance.

According to insiders, the pair kept well clear of each other, staying on opposite sides of the room and avoiding any interaction.

A source told Us Weekly that "Kelsea and Chase knew each other would be there but made a conscious effort to stay apart. They didn’t speak or even cross paths." 

The insider added that both stars are still processing the breakup, describing the situation as "complicated" with "lingering hurt, but also love."

Despite stepping back from dating, the former couple reportedly still harbour feelings for each other. 

“They still love each other, which is why they’ve kept trying to make it work,” a source told People. 

“But their lives are in very different places right now. Figuring out where to live and how to truly merge their lives has been hard lately. 

They just want to be happy, but it doesn’t seem possible at the moment.”

Another source suggested that Miss Me More hitmaker had been carrying more of the emotional weight in the relationship. 

The couple previously reconciled after an earlier split, with Kelsea even addressing it on Instagram. 

She wrote: "Messy year for the heart... But what I’ll say is I really love love. I believe in it, I believe in him, and I believe in breaking patterns. Now go kiss your person and stop speculating."

For now, it seems they are walking a delicate line between past love and separate lives, leaving fans wondering if a future reunion is on the cards.

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