Chase Stokes might have subtly hinted at Kelsea Ballerini breakup days before confirmation.
While it seemed that everything was smooth sailing for the now former couple, as the Outer Banks star celebrated the singer-songwriter’s birthday on September 12 by sharing a series of adorable couple photos, the reality is quite different.
“Although you keep saying you’re not excited for 32,” Stokes, 32, wrote alongside the carousel, which Ballerini liked. “I’d say I’m lookin forward to more of this. Happy birthday, my love.”
The same day, the Uglies actor also left an overheated emoji beneath the Miss Me More singer’s own birthday photo dump.
Although everything seemed routine on the surface, the first part of Stokes’ caption may now read as a subtle hint that something was off, especially in hindsight after the breakup was confirmed just two days later.
His remark about the five-time Grammy Award nominee being “not excited” for her own birthday hinted that Ballerini may have been feeling uneasy or emotionally distant, possibly pointing to deeper personal or relationship struggles.
While it wasn’t a direct sign of a breakup, it did suggest that she was feeling drifted away.
On the other hand, the Valiant One actor’s affectionate tone seemed to reflect hope and a desire to hold on, a sentiment that now feels bittersweet in light of their split.
It’s possible that the musician had already begun to emotionally withdraw, and the actor was quietly sensing the shift while trying to stay optimistic.
