'RHOC' Alexis Bellino Says 'I Did Not Break Girl Code' Amid Upcoming Engagement With Co-Star's Ex

Alexis Bellino has no regrets about her blossoming relationship with Shannon Beador's ex-boyfriend.

The Bravolebrity who recently returned to the "Real Housewives of Orange County" has zero apologies to give to her co-star and plans to move forward with or without her approval.

Alexis Bellino made waves in December 2023 for dating Shannon Beador's ex; however, the duo's love has only strengthened amid the backslash.

In a new interview, Bellino raved about her blossoming relationship with Beador's ex, John Janssen, and what the future has in store for them. While she is happy to be in love, not everyone is excited about her romance.

When Bellino returned to "RHOC" this year, she didn't receive the warmest welcome from Beador. "I was very nervous," the former noted about her comeback, claiming she initially considered her co-star's position.

"I contemplated not even going back because I knew what I was throwing myself into. But also I thought to myself, 'Why am I not going to do something I want to do just because I'm dating somebody else's ex-boyfriend?'" Bellino told E! News, adding:

"I didn't know Shannon, so I did not break girl code. I didn't owe anyone anything, and I wasn't doing anything to rub anything in anyone's face. It was literally timing, and that's why it's reality TV because you cannot write this script."

As for her future with Beador's ex-boyfriend, there may be wedding bells in Bellino's future as she raved about getting engaged to Janssen. She claimed her man would pop the big question very soon, saying:

"We have looked at engagement rings. We are talking about the future for sure."

Bellino noted that her romance with Janssen has grown stronger with time, describing their status as "amazing." She continued: "It gets better every day. We both are kind of like 'pinch me' in the fact that we truly found like a best friend."

"Someone that we want to ride the rest of this life out with together. It's pretty amazing," the TV personality said, sharing that critics and doubters might change their tune once they watch the upcoming season 18 of "RHOC."

Bellino stressed that her romance with Janssen wasn't a ploy to boost "RHOC" ratings or a plot for the show. She noted that people who dismissed her romance would soon realize her genuine feelings.

Reflecting on what viewers would see in the upcoming "RHOC" season, the Bravolebrity said: "I'm excited for everyone to honestly understand that it is organic. We've had backlash consistently since the time we met."

"People think we're doing this as a facade, and it's like, no, this is reality, and we are in love. Our kids are a group now; our dogs are acclimated, so we're moving forward," Bellino raved. "RHOC" is set to return to Bravo on Thursday, July 11, at 9 pm.

Earlier in January, The Blast reported that "RHOC" production sources had confirmed Bellino's return to the series. She was a prominent cast member from seasons 5 to 8 and previously returned as a guest in season 14.

While Bellino's comeback sparked celebration from her fans, Beador was believed to be peeved by her return. Apart from having ties to the same man, the women have a tumultuous history.

Beador allegedly trash-talked Bellino at a restaurant in 2023, with the latter claiming her verbal attacks were over a defamation lawsuit. The drama began when her ex-husband filed the lawsuit against Beador and Tamra Judge for comments he believed tarnished his image.

Although Bellino claimed she had nothing to do with her ex-husband's defamation lawsuit against Beador, she could not escape criticism for dating the latter's ex-boyfriend.

Beador and Janssen dated from July 2019 to November 2022. The former couple's relationship did not end on good terms, with Beador claiming the breakup blindsided her.

Janssen reportedly ended things one week after filming for "RHOC" Season 17 ended, which is another reason why having Bellino date her former beau cannot be an easy truth to swallow. Beador also had a poor relationship with her ex's children, while her co-star thrives.