Jennifer Garner was spotted chatting with a friend on her way to pick up coffee in Santa Monica on Monday. The shadow of the past year couldn't be seen now in her face as she flashed a smile during the outing.  Garner looks like she has completely moved on from her split with her ex-husband Ben Affleck. However, could her new glow be credited to the alleged new man in her life, Patrick Dempsey?

Garner co-starred with Dempsey in 2009's "Valentine's Day." Before 2015 ended, the "Alias" star was caught in a rumor linking her to the former "Grey's Anatomy" actor who played Dr. Derek Shepherd. Daily Mail reports that Garner and the 49-year-old Are secretly dating. It is also said that they keep in touch by Skyping and texting often. It is said that their closeness resumed since the "Bridget Jones" star asked Garner to have coffee with him.

The coffee invitation was reportedly followed up with a dinner date. A source told OK! Magazine via Daily Mail, "they've been friends for years... it was only natural for them to confide in each other." The insider went to add that "as soon as they started talking, the spark was evident to both of them. Jen was relieved - and excited."

Reports claim that Garner felt at ease with Dempsey as he's treating her like a queen. According to INQUISTR, Garner and the race car driver may not have hooked up during the time they filmed "Valentine's Day," but they can make up for the time wasted in the past. The timing is said to be just right as Dempsey has split with his wife Jilian Fink, while Garner is also mending her broken heart after ending her romance with Affleck.

It is reported that Garner and Affleck are still living in the same roof but in separate rooms. As rumors surrounding the "Miracles from Heaven" star and Dempsey heats up, it seems that there could be an unforeseen dilemma that could happen since the former has not yet finalized her divorce with the "Batman" star. There are also speculations that Garner is just using Dempsey to make her former husband jealous. What do you think?