"Very manipulative"- The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On star J.R. recalls breakup from Zaina

The third season of The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On debuted on December 4, 2024, featuring six couples facing critical decisions in their relationships. The participating couples were Zaina and J.R., Nick and Sandy, Scotty and Aria, Mariah and Caleb, Chanel and Micah, and Vanessa and Dave.

Netflix released the season finale and reunion episode on December 18, 2024, bringing together the original cast members, along with some special guests. In The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On reunion episode, hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey welcomed J.R. and Zaina to discuss the events that transpired after the show.

The couple disclosed they had parted ways following the ultimatum, but their separation was complicated. J.R. explained that he needed time to process his emotions and reflect on the relationship. However, Zaina countered that they had continued to see each other and mentioned that they had even celebrated J.R.'s birthday and spent Thanksgiving together.

The conversation became increasingly heated as J.R. and Zaina disagreed on the nature of their post-show relationship. Zaina expressed frustration that J.R. had refused to provide her with closure or clarity on their status.

J.R., on the other hand, felt that Zaina was being controlling and manipulative by asking if they could date other people during their break. The discussion highlighted the complexities and misunderstandings that had contributed to the demise of their relationship.

"Because you said we should not be talking to other people during this I want to make this clear, we're not talking to other people. I said, this is very manipulative," stated J.R.

---

The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On star Zaina is in a better place emotionally due to the show

Zaina reflected on her experience with The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, stating that she would willingly undergo the process again to achieve her current emotional, spiritual, and physical state. She expressed gratitude for the personal growth she had undergone. After the finale, Zaina and J.R. continued to explore their relationship, but he eventually ghosted her, leaving her without closure.

This experience prompted Zaina to focus on her own healing and self-improvement. She realized that she had been invested in a relationship that was not meeting her needs.

“Leaving the experience, going back into the world, and then just being shut out was very painful,” said Zaina.

Since their split, Zaina dedicated time to nurturing her soul, reestablishing her routines, and even creating a forthcoming guided journal to support others navigating difficult breakups. Reflecting on her relationship with J.R., Zaina acknowledged that she had been deeply invested in it despite its flaws.

She recognized that she had made excuses for J.R.'s behavior, ultimately leaving her unhappy and unfulfilled. J.R. eventually blocked Zaina on social media while Zaina felt that J.R. had failed to take responsibility for his actions or offer a genuine apology, leading her to grieve the loss of the relationship she thought they had.

Following a heated exchange in The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On reunion, Zaina and J.R. failed to reach a consensus on the events surrounding their second breakup. The latter explained that he had not intentionally shut Zaina out or refused to communicate with her. Instead, he was still grappling with his feelings and was not ready to discuss their relationship.

He acknowledged that he had not provided Zaina with the closure she sought but emphasized that he needed more time to reflect on their relationship. Although Zaina and J.R. did not see eye to eye, the former expressed his enduring affection for Zaina.

“There wasn’t a time when I shut her out and was like, ‘I don’t want to talk to you,’” J.R. said.

He mentioned that he had entered The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On reunion with an open mind, considering the possibility of rekindling their connection. J.R. fondly remembered Zaina as the best girlfriend he had ever had and acknowledged that he still harbored strong feelings for her.

---

Watch all the episodes of The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, including the reunion on Netflix.