In a heartwarming yet complex family reunion, Ben Affleck was spotted sharing smiles with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner as they bid farewell to their daughter Violet, who is heading off to college.
This poignant moment unfolded over the weekend, but it was overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of Affleck’s current wife, Jennifer Lopez, raising eyebrows about the state of their marriage.
Despite swirling rumors suggesting that Affleck and Lopez’s relationship is on shaky ground, the outing appeared to be a joyous occasion for the former couple and their children.
Notably, Affleck was seen without his wedding ring, which some interpreted as a sign of the ongoing difficulties in his marriage.
Although Lopez has developed a close bond with Violet, she chose not to attend this significant family event.
The gathering took place at a South Bay restaurant, where the family enjoyed dinner before taking a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood.
At one point, Affleck was captured embracing his son Finn, a genuine smile lighting up his face.
Dressed casually in a button-down shirt, slacks, and Nike trainers, he seemed relaxed and at ease during the summer evening outing with Garner and their two other children, Finn and Samuel, who is just 12 years old.
Garner, who was married to Affleck from 2005 until 2018, shared an emotional moment on social media to celebrate Violet’s recent high school graduation.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, she expressed her pride and joy, showcasing a series of photos that captured her tears of happiness.
The caption read, “Tell me you have a graduate without telling me you have a graduate,” perfectly encapsulating the bittersweet nature of the occasion.
Among the photos was one featuring Violet wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with the name of an Ivy League school, leading to speculation that she might be attending Yale.
This revelation added another layer of excitement to the already significant milestone in their daughter’s life.
However, the backdrop of these family moments is a troubling narrative surrounding Affleck and Lopez’s marriage.
Reports have emerged suggesting that the couple might be on the verge of divorce, with sources indicating that they are currently living apart.
Just days ago, DailyMail.com revealed that the couple had prepared divorce papers, hinting at a potential legal split.
Lopez made a discreet visit to Affleck’s home on his birthday, suggesting that despite their issues, there remains a level of connection between the two.
That same evening, she was seen enjoying a Bruno Mars concert to celebrate Affleck’s special day, which added a touch of normalcy amidst the chaos of their personal lives.
Interestingly, while Lopez celebrated her own 55th birthday last month without Affleck by her side, she still managed to show up for him.