LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

2012 was a roller coaster for fans of “The Twilight Saga.” This year saw not only the end of the film franchise, but a cheating scandal that rocked Twi-hards and Hollywood alike.

As our Access Top 12 Headlines of 2012 continues, we take a look back at the near-demise of Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson’s romance, and the box office curtain closing on “The Twilight Saga.”

After first stepping out (albeit, shyly) as on off-screen couple in the fall of 2009, all appeared to be well in the real life world of “Twilight’s” Edward and Bella.

Watch a then -19-year-old Kristen chat with Access about rumors of a romance with Rob, HERE.

All of that changed in late July this year when a shocking rumor began to take hold, claiming Kristen had cheated on her British beau.

Even more shocking was the news (and photographic evidence) that followed.

On July 25, the usually publicity-shy actress released a statement admitting she had stepped out on Rob with her married “Snow White and the Huntsman” director, Rupert Sanders (with whom she was snapped kissing on July 17 in Los Angeles).

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“I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I’ve caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected,” Kristen said in the statement at the time. “This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob.

“I love him, I love him, I’m so sorry,” her statement concluded.

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Rupert (whose wife, Liberty Ross, played Kristen’s mother in “… Huntsman”) also issued a statement saying, “I am utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family. My beautiful wife and heavenly children are all I have in this world. I love them with all my heart. I am praying that we can get through this together.”

In this now-super-awkward (pre-cheating revelation) clip, Rupert and Liberty rave about working with K-Stew and crew, HERE.

In the days following the infidelity bombshell, various reports surfaced claiming Kristen was “inconsolable,” and that Robert had moved out of the home he shared with the “Twilight” beauty and sought solace at the ranch home of “Water for Elephants” co-star Reese Witherspoon.

Watch Reese and Rob dish on their steamy “Water for Elephants” love scenes, HERE.

Rob reemerged post-scandal in August, where he dodged questions regarding the status of his and Kristen’s relationship while promoting his latest film, “Cosmopolis.”

Watch the actor thank fans for their support at the film’s premiere, HERE.

Meanwhile, in September, Kristen shipped off to Toronto to promote her latest film, “On The Road.”

Watch Kristen chat with Access at the “On The Road” premiere, HERE.

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Despite their relationship woes, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2” hit theaters in November, and the show had to go on.

With promotion for the fifth and final film nearly at hand (and frenzied fans worried they wouldn’t’ see their beloved vampire couple on the carpet together), Summit Pictures announced RobSten would indeed carry out their publicity duties for “Breaking Dawn – Part 2.”

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Late in September, things were looking up for the once-estranged pair, with multiple outlets reporting the couple was getting back together.

Kristen and Rob (and of course, Taylor Lautner), carried out their “Twilight” duties alongside one another with ease, and RobSten was spotted displaying some PDA while on the carpet for the “Breaking Dawn – Part 2” premiere in Los Angeles.

The couple opens up on their post-“Twilight” plans, HERE.

Following a whirlwind international publicity tour, Rob and Kristen burnt off steam in Berlin (find out how, HERE), “Breaking Dawn” is still burning up the box office, and all appears to be (cautiously) well, once again, in the world of Kristen and Rob.

More from our Top 12 Headlines of 2012: #5 — Celebrity Wedding Mania. Click HERE to read.

(On Sunday, our countdown continues with #3, the never-ending trials and tribulations of Lindsay Lohan.)

-- Erin O’Sullivan

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