While an intoxicating Italian wedding was originally thought to be within arm’s reach, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are heading down two very different paths.

Talk of a possible snag in their relationship first came about after the snubbing of a scheduled appearance. Both stars failed to attend an Indiana Casino launch on March 13, angering staff and ticket holders alike. Could a particularly nasty row be behind the ill-mannered desertion?

“Things are not going as smoothly as they would want people to think they are,” an acquaintance of the actress told the Chicago Sun-Times.

A buddy of Timberlake’s seconded the alleged rough patch:

“I can always sense when Justin is beginning to get itchy in a relationship. “While he’s still very public about being seen with Jessica, it’s interesting … He hardly talks about her when she’s not around.”

Adding fuel to the fire, the ally somberly confessed - “The same thing happened with Cameron Diaz, and it also was the case with Britney Spears.”

Still need proof that the pair is en route to Splitsville??

When TMZ caught up with them this week and one of the cameramen innocently asked, “So you guys have a wedding date yet?” Justin stared off into space and Jessica fixed her eyes on the sidewalk, shuffling her feet and looking like a child who had just received a scolding. Timberlake then quickly tapped a friend on the shoulder, who was standing in front of the crooner, and struck up a conversation. Hmm … trying to change the subject perhaps?

Unfortunately, after examining the gloomy video clip, it appears that Ms. Biel will be holding onto her maiden name.

~Carolyn French~