She introduced Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart while casting Twilight — and now director Catherine Hardwicke is dishing about the romance between two of the most beloved young stars today.

Despite previously denying they are a couple, the director – who helmed the first movie in The Twilight Saga, in which the pair play lovers – insists persistent rumours they are enjoying an off-screen romance are true.

“In terms of what Kristen told me directly, it didn’t happen on the first movie. Nothing crossed the line while on the first film,” Hardwicke explains to Time Magazine. She adds, “I think it took a long time for Kristen to realize, ‘OK, I’ve got to give this a go and really try to be with this person.’”

Hardwicke recalls a moment where she warned Pattinson about a relationship. “After I cast him, I told Rob, don’t even think about having a romance with her… She’s under 18. You will be arrested.”

Rob, 23, and Kristen, 19, continue to dodge rumors about a relationship, but the two were spotted holding hands in Paris this week.