Cindy Cullers, the runner-up on The Golden Bachelor, made it clear early on that she wasn’t going to settle. The moment she realized Mel Owens wasn’t the partner she was looking for, she walked away from the ABC reality series — a rare and dramatic self-elimination. But viewers have been wondering: did she bow out because she already knew Mel had chosen Peg Munson? Now, Cindy is speaking out and setting the record straight.

Mel Owens’ Big Finale Decision — And Peg’s Reaction

Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor was filled with emotional twists, including a moment early in the season when Mel Owens told the women his future wife was sitting in the room — a statement that turned out to be more symbolic than literal. During the finale, Mel ultimately gave his last rose to Peg Munson but stopped short of proposing. Instead, he offered Peg a pricey diamond promise ring, signaling commitment without the finality of engagement.

Peg didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. Following the finale, she openly defended Mel’s choice not to go down on one knee. In an interview, she explained that the two of them were perfectly content defining their relationship in their own way. “The heavy lifting is done,” she said. “We have the right to write our love story the way we want to live it.” To Peg, a proposal wasn’t necessary — what mattered was the bond they had formed.

Why Cindy Walked Away

For Cindy Cullers, however, the lack of clarity from Mel was exactly why she didn’t stay until the end. Rather than waiting for a rose ceremony that might disappoint her, she chose to leave on her own terms. The Austin-based contestant admitted she had strong feelings for Mel, but she felt increasingly uneasy about his reluctance to express where his heart truly stood. To her, a meaningful relationship required honesty and commitment, and she didn’t see Mel offering either.

After leaving the show, Cindy headed home to Texas, emotional but confident she had done what was best for herself. She didn’t want to invest deeper feelings into a man who seemed unsure — especially a man she believed was dodging conversations about long-term intentions.

Did Cindy Know She Wasn’t Mel’s Choice?

Fans began speculating soon after the episode aired. Many compared Cindy’s exit to Bachelor Season 28 finalist Daisy Kent, who bowed out after realizing Joey Graziadei was choosing Kelsey Anderson. Some wondered: had Cindy also sensed Mel’s decision before he made it official?

This week, Cindy addressed that question on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, and her answer was firm. She denied having any prior knowledge that Mel had picked Peg. “No,” she said confidently. “If it was Peg all along, he wouldn’t have behaved with me the way he did.”

She pointed to one moment in particular — Mel spinning her playfully on a dock, a noticeably affectionate gesture. To Cindy, actions like that didn’t line up with someone who had already made a final decision about another woman. “If you’ve made up your mind, you act differently,” she explained. “You’re not kissing, holding, hugging, and sharing intimate moments if you’ve already chosen someone else.”

What Would Have Happened in the Fantasy Suite?

Cindy also reflected on the Fantasy Suite date she never experienced. She believes that if she had spent that private time with Mel, she would have been able to get clearer answers — simply because she would have asked. She described Mel as upfront and communicative with her throughout the season, saying she felt he was someone she could trust. Even though their romance didn’t work out, she didn’t leave the show feeling misled.

Accepting the Truth — And Moving Forward

Now that filming is over and the finale has aired, Cindy says she feels a sense of peace. In hindsight, she realizes Mel was not aligned with what she wanted for her future. Cindy came into the experience hoping to find a partner ready for marriage. Mel, on the other hand, wasn’t in the same emotional place — and Peg seems more comfortable navigating that slower timeline with him.

Cindy has no regrets about her choice to leave. Instead, she views the experience as an important step toward finding the kind of love she truly wants.

As for Mel and Peg, only time will tell whether the promise ring becomes a proposal — or remains a symbol of a relationship still taking shape. For now, Peg stands by Mel’s decisions, and Cindy is embracing her future with clarity and confidence.

What do you think — did Mel make the right choice?