In the already cluttered space of reality TV dating shows, The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On broke through because it featured couples already a year or two deep into their relationships facing a crossroads, and Zay and Rae's relationship showed how coming onto the show with a past could lead to amplified tension when things fall apart.

When they entered the show, it is revealed that Rae delivered an ultimatum to her boyfriend Zay that he needs to propose or she'll move on. But during their first night together, Rae already looks emotionally checked out of the relationship. While every other couple at least feigns a desire to get married to their original partner, Rae clearly has some unresolved frustrations with Zay. Zay decides to move in with Shanique, while Rae and Jake begin a three-week courtship. Zay and Shanique's relationship takes some time to blossom, but they do eventually connect on a physical and emotional level. It does, however, seem like Shanique decided to reject Zay for good once she learned that he was out all night without telling Rae once they moved back in together. Rae and Jake had the strongest connection of all four new couples and struggled to reconnect with their original partners.

Related: Are The Ultimatum Stars Alexis Maloney And Hunter Parr Still Together

The breakup between Zay and Rae had likely been in the works for quite some time, but it was heartbreaking to see how much it affected both of them to finally decide to end it. Most of the time on reality TV, a breakup airs in one scene. The Bachelor gives a rejected contestant a hug, says "I'm sorry it didn't work out" and sends them away on a limo. On Love Is Blind, one person tells the other at a wedding, "I don't" and the relationship (usually) ends there; the emotional toll isn't that significant because the two have only known each other for a little more than a month.

On The Ultimatum, every original couple has been dating for at least a year and a half. Therefore, couples who break up are much more emotionally invested in the significant other they're letting go of. When Zay returns to Rae after spending time with Randall's girlfriend Shanique, he can tell her heart is no longer in it. But he continues to fight for the relationship, and she is unreceptive. When he goes out all night and comes back intoxicated in the morning, he corners her in the bedroom and she responds by punching him. She no longer feels comfortable with him around and the relationship is over.

It's devastating to see a long-term relationship end on television, even in beautiful Austin, Texas, where the show was filmed. These breakups can be much more intense because the couple didn't meet on the show. Zay wanted the relationship to work so bad, and even when Rae realized she felt stronger about someone else, she was still hurt when Zay stayed out all night and turned his location settings off. It felt more real than most TV breakups, which also made it harder to watch.

Next: The Ultimatum: Lauren Calls Out Show For Lying About Her Age