In the early days of literature, romantic storylines often revolved around epic love stories, where the couple's love was tested by external factors such as social class, family feuds, or war. Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, for example, is a timeless tale of star-crossed lovers who risk everything for their love. These classic narratives often followed a predictable pattern: the meet-cute, the blossoming romance, the obstacle, and the ultimate triumph of love.