Zayn Malik and Perrie Edwards were reportedly on the rocks for weeks before their break-up.
The 22-year-old singer shocked his fans and those of Perrie’s band Little Mix on Tuesday by allegedly calling time on their engagement. While neither star has confirmed the split, Perrie has been photographed without her engagement ring and a source close to the star says she hasn’t had the easiest few months with the former One Direction singer.
“[They were] on the rocks for a long time” the insider told Us Weekly, “[Zayn] was lucky to hold on to Perrie for as long as he did. She’s so lovely and she put up with so much. Her close friends are totally relieved it’s over so now she can move on.”
The former couple began dating in early 2012, with Zayn asking the 22-year-old Wings singer to marry him in August 2013.
When Zayn left One Direction in March this year, many fans accused Perrie of being the reason for his departure so he would focus on their relationship. The couple had been rocked weeks before his decision to leave the band by claims that Zayn had been unfaithful.
But the source adds that he was always “flip-flopping from wanting one thing to the other,” leaving Perrie confused.
“He’s sure showing the real him now,” the insider continued. “He can be such a great, caring guy, but right now, he’s losing all the good people around him who have been with him a long time and supported him from the beginning.”
Another source added to the outlet that Perrie, who was photographed on Tuesday grabbing some yoghurt with a friend in Los Angeles without her engagement ring is “devastated and torn up” over Zayn’s decision.
“He just wanted to move on and start over in all ways,” they added.
