The point where it seems the relationship is over. This is usually caused by the character's "wound" resurfacing.

Relationships are often the heartbeat of a story, moving beyond mere attraction to explore how two people challenge, change, and ultimately choose each other. Whether you’re writing a slow-burn novel or a tight screenplay, 1. The Foundation: Inner Needs vs. Outer Desires

Instead of having a character say "I love you" early on, show it through actions—standing up for them, noticing their needs, or being present during a crisis.

A moment of genuine intimacy or a "first" (first kiss, first deep secret) that raises the stakes.

Give them different worldviews that lead to banter and debate.

Unless it’s a specific trope (like fated mates), love feels more earned when it's built on shared experiences rather than just "love at first sight."