Melina Alves (shown above right), who co-wrote and starred alongside Lawrence in the festive film Socked for Christmas, was implicated in rumors of an affair with the actor after their collaboration. They were spotted together in August, just a week after Cope announced the separation; both Lawrence and Alves firmly denied any romantic involvement at that time.

On Thursday, the couple, Lawrence and Cope, stunned fans by revealing their reconciliation via an Instagram post, occurring merely four months after Cope initiated divorce proceedings. According to TMZ, they are now planning to dismiss the divorce and are fully committed to each other once more.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Alves shared her thoughts regarding the couple’s reunion.

“While these situations are always complex, I wish to keep the specifics of my relationship with Joey private,” she stated in her interview. “As for Joey and Samantha reuniting, it genuinely came as a surprise to me, just like it did for everyone else, and if it’s true, I wish them all the love in the world.”

“I hope they find healing within their relationship, especially regarding his two older daughters and his wife, as that connection is incredibly vital,” she continued. “Now their sweet daughter, Dylan, will grow up in a loving home with both parents, surrounded by her sisters and her wonderful grandmother Donna, which is truly beautiful.”

Lawrence and Cope have a daughter named Dylan, who will celebrate her second birthday in January. In addition, Lawrence has two teenage daughters—18-year-old Charleston and 14-year-old Liberty—from his previous marriage to Chandie Yawn-Nelson.

Alves previously addressed the affair speculation on her Instagram in August.

“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I must address the recent allegations regarding my relationship with Joey Lawrence, which have unfortunately become a public issue,” she expressed at that time. “As a private individual, it is distressing to witness such personal and sensitive matters being discussed so openly and inaccurately.”

“Our relationship was a significant friendship that evolved naturally due to our similar personal situations,” she elaborated. “When I met Joey, I was immediately drawn to his kindness, warmth, and genuine character. We discovered common ground in our shared experiences, resulting in a strong, supportive friendship that has been a source of strength for both of us.”

She further claimed that her marriage to Edward Rider had been “struggling for some time,” stating they had separated since January 2023. Notably, Rider accused them of having a sexual relationship in the divorce documents.

Meanwhile, Lawrence also took to his own Instagram account to address the swirling rumors.

“With a profound sense of responsibility, I wish to respond to the recent allegations regarding my personal life, including my divorce and the claims of an affair with Melina Alves,” he stated. “Melina and I became close friends, and I did not engage in a physical relationship with her while filming Socked for Christmas. These rumors are unfounded. Our connection was based on mutual experiences and understanding of the challenges we both faced in our personal lives.”

“I was clinging to the hope that I could salvage a relationship that, in my heart, I knew was beyond saving,” he reflected on his marriage to Cope. “My brief marriage was fraught with challenges from the beginning. Our differences became insurmountable.”

“This has been a multifaceted journey over the past four to five years. Indeed, there has been a significant amount of pain in that journey, despite the public perception and what it appears to be on social media,” he acknowledged. “Life will move forward, and we will navigate through this. My children will always remain my priority.”