Breaking the Hockey Star is a thrilling DramaSeries that blends LoveStory, RomanticDrama, and sports romance. In the spotlight of fame and competition, a rising hockey star finds his life entangled with two women—one who challenges his heart, and another who threatens his world.
As ambition, jealousy, and passion collide, relationships are pushed to the edge. Can love survive the pressure of fame and rivalry? This short drama delivers a powerful mix of romance, tension, and emotional twists. Perfect for fans of short drama, short movie, reels short, and modern drama full episode content. A must-watch full episode where love faces the ultimate test.
#BreakingTheHockeyStar #BreakingTheHockeyStarFullMovie #SportsRomance #HockeyLoveStory #LoveTriangleDrama #FameAndLove #RomanticDrama #LoveStory #DramaSeries #ShortDrama #ShortMovie #ReelsShort #ShortFilm #ModernDrama #FullEpisode #EmotionalRomanticDrama #TrendingShortDrama #ViralDramaSeries
As ambition, jealousy, and passion collide, relationships are pushed to the edge. Can love survive the pressure of fame and rivalry? This short drama delivers a powerful mix of romance, tension, and emotional twists. Perfect for fans of short drama, short movie, reels short, and modern drama full episode content. A must-watch full episode where love faces the ultimate test.
#BreakingTheHockeyStar #BreakingTheHockeyStarFullMovie #SportsRomance #HockeyLoveStory #LoveTriangleDrama #FameAndLove #RomanticDrama #LoveStory #DramaSeries #ShortDrama #ShortMovie #ReelsShort #ShortFilm #ModernDrama #FullEpisode #EmotionalRomanticDrama #TrendingShortDrama #ViralDramaSeries
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I bought a boyfriend in college. It was on the ice at the University of Michigan.
00:05I watched Julian Wine, the broke kid in second-hand pads and borrowed skates, and made him an offer.
00:11Stay with me, and I'll pay your grandfather's medical bills.
00:15For three years, I mistook staying for love.
00:19He swallowed his pride, and I was naive enough to believe he loved me.
00:25Until I got pregnant. Until my family went bankrupt.
00:30Until the FBI seized everything we owned.
00:33He had just won the American College Hockey Championship, taking the MVP.
00:38I knew I couldn't jeopardize his future.
00:41I deleted his number, erased every trace, and disappeared with the baby growing inside me.
00:47I gave birth alone, to Julian's daughter and mine.
00:50He never knew we had a daughter.
00:53Six years later, to pay off my debts and raise her,
00:56I'm dancing at the Velvet Strip Lub in Detroit to pay off my family's debts.
01:02He's the NHL's hottest new defenseman, a superstar with a $10 million contract, and an actress on his arm.
01:10I never expected to see Julian again, let alone here.
01:14Luna, Champagne Service, VIP Room 1, do not screw this up.
01:20Tonight's uniform, black lace bodysuit, six-inch stilettos, and a mask.
01:25I push past the heavy velvet curtains.
01:28Three men in expensive suits, two Instagram models, and...
01:32Julian.
01:33My knees go weak.
01:35The silver tray in my hands trembles.
01:37I lock my eyes on the ice bucket, terrified to look up.
01:41Julian, remember college?
01:43Didn't you date someone back at Michigan?
01:46I remember people saying she came from money.
01:49Yeah, I had one.
01:50Julian's voice hasn't changed.
01:52It's still that same low, chest-vibrating rumble.
01:55Whatever happened to her?
01:57Silence stretches out like a blade.
02:00She left.
02:02That's all I know.
02:05So cold.
02:07Learn from the best.
02:09My face burns.
02:10I set down the bottle, mumble something about checking on their next round, and turn for the door.
02:14Wait!
02:16My heart lurches to a stop.
02:18I freeze.
02:19Turn around.
02:21I froze.
02:22My back to the only man I'd ever loved.
02:25The father of my child.
02:27Is there a problem, sir?
02:29I forced my voice flat.
02:31Professional.
02:32Take off the mask.
02:33I can't.
02:34It's against club policy.
02:36I'll buy it.
02:40Take it off.
02:41Eve.
02:42My fingers found the silk ties at the back of my head.
02:45My body reacted before my mind could catch up.
02:49It remembered him.
02:52I heard the hitch in his breath.
02:55Eve.
02:56His voice broke on my name.
02:59Slowly, I turned.
03:01Up close, the boy I knew was gone.
03:04In his place stood someone harder.
03:06Stronger.
03:07Built from years of discipline and damage.
03:09But his eyes were the same.
03:11Still hungry.
03:13Still wounded.
03:14You have got to be kidding me.
03:18Mr. Wayne.
03:19Mr. Wayne?
03:20A sharp, broken laugh.
03:23Six years, Eve.
03:25Six years you vanished.
03:26Delete your number.
03:27Drop off the face of the earth.
03:28And now I'm Mr. Wayne?
03:29Maya was staring.
03:31The suits were staring.
03:33I didn't care.
03:35My only concern was the door.
03:37Twenty feet away.
03:39And the little girl waiting for her mom in the back.
03:41I have to go.
03:44He closed his hand around my wrist.
03:46Not hard.
03:47But enough to anchor me.
03:49We're talking.
03:50Let go of me!
03:52Not until you tell me why!
03:56You're making a scene.
03:58Someone's filming.
03:59He didn't let go.
04:01Why?
04:02His voice to something raw and quiet.
04:06Why did you just disappear?
04:08The real answer was burning a hole through my chest.
04:11Because my family was destroyed.
04:13You had just been drafted.
04:15And I would not be the anchor that dragged you under.
04:17Because I got bored.
04:18It was just a college fling, Julian.
04:21It ran its course.
04:23His jaw locked.
04:24Something shattered behind his eyes.
04:26Fine.
04:28You want to do this the hard way?
04:31Fine.
04:32He pulled out his wallet.
04:35Five hundred dollars.
04:37Strip.
04:40Now.
04:41Now it was just me and Julian.
04:44He sat in the center of the velvet sofa.
04:46Knees spread.
04:48Elbows on his thighs.
04:50Watching me like I was a puzzle he'd lost the final piece to.
04:55Strip.
04:56What?
04:58You heard me.
05:00I paid.
05:02My hands were shaking.
05:04I bawled them into fists at my sides.
05:06That's not...
05:07I don't do that.
05:08I just serve drinks, Julian.
05:09I'm not a...
05:11Not a stripper?
05:14Who are you trying to fool, princess?
05:17Dressed like that?
05:18In a place like this?
05:20Serving champagne to men who are undressing you with their eyes?
05:24He glanced around the room.
05:26At the mirrors.
05:28The pole.
05:29The bed in the corner I always pretended wasn't there.
05:32Would your father say?
05:35Oh, wait.
05:37He's in federal prison, isn't he?
05:39The blow landed exactly where he'd aimed it.
05:42I felt the blood drain from my face.
05:46You've been looking me up?
05:48Looking you up?
05:53I've been looking for you.
05:56Six years, Eve.
05:58Private investigators.
06:00Dark web searches.
06:01I even hired a hacker!
06:06You just vanished.
06:08Like you never existed.
06:11And this is where I find you?
06:13Hiding behind a cheap mask like you're ashamed?
06:18I am ashamed.
06:20Julian went still.
06:21The anger in his face fractured.
06:24Why?
06:25Why this?
06:26You could have gone anywhere.
06:28Done anything.
06:29You were top of your class in computer science at Michigan.
06:32You could be writing code for a living.
06:34Why?
06:35Why do you look like you haven't slept in years?
06:41I don't owe you an explanation.
06:43You want a show?
06:44Fine.
06:46You want to humiliate me?
06:47Fine.
06:48But don't you dare pretend you care, Julian.
06:51You made it pretty clear a minute ago that you don't.
06:57I care enough to hate you.
07:01That should tell you something.
07:03He reached for me and I flinched.
07:06Not because I thought he'd hurt me.
07:08Julian had never once hurt me.
07:11But because his touch could still undo me.
07:14Because I still remembered those hands sliding under my sweater.
07:25Don't.
07:29Don't.
07:31Don't what?
07:33Don't remember what you taste like.
07:36Don't remember that morning you left.
07:39How you kissed me.
07:41Told me you'd see me at graduation.
07:43How you...
07:47How you lied.
07:48I didn't lie.
07:50You said you loved me.
07:51I stared at him.
07:52At the pain he kept so carefully buried.
07:55At the boy I had walked away from because I loved him too much to let him burn his future
07:59down for mine.
08:00I did, I thought.
08:01Dropping my gaze.
08:02I still do.
08:04Daddy!
08:05The door crashed open.
08:06A tiny blur shot into the room and slammed straight into Julian's legs.
08:12Lily!
08:13My frantic eyes flew to Julian.
08:15Are you my daddy?
08:17Why are you making my mommy cry?
08:23She's...
08:23She's just confused.
08:25Eve.
08:27Who is this?
08:30My mouth opened, then snapped shut.
08:34Lily ducked under my arm and planted herself between me and the tall, dangerous stranger.
08:40You're very tall.
08:41Are you a giant?
08:43Julian stared down at her.
08:45At the mess of dark curls just like his.
08:48At the exact same shade of ice blue eyes.
08:51At the stubborn set of her jaw that was all me.
08:55No.
08:57I'm not a giant.
08:58I play hockey.
08:59What's hockey?
09:01It's a sport.
09:02On ice.
09:04Like in Frozen?
09:06Yeah.
09:08Something like that.
09:10Well, you made my mommy cry.
09:13You should say you're sorry.
09:18I'm sorry.
09:20His bewildered gaze found mine over her head.
09:23Eve, how old is she?
09:25Four.
09:27She's four.
09:28The lie sat between us like a stone.
09:31Four.
09:32Not five.
09:33One year's difference.
09:35Enough room for doubt.
09:37Enough to make her anyone's.
09:39My Lily.
09:40My sweet, fearless Lily.
09:41Reached out and took Julia's hand.
09:44Your hands are cold.
09:45Mommies get cold too.
09:47She says it's because we're part polar bear.
09:49She tugged on his fingers.
09:51Are you?
09:52Julian crouched down to her level.
09:54What's your name?
09:56Lily Hartley.
09:58It's a pleasure to meet you, mister.
10:03When?
10:05Julian when?
10:07The hockey player?
10:09Mommy has a picture of you.
10:11It's all old and wrinkly and she looks at it when she thinks I'm asleep.
10:17She says you're risen.
10:19Okay.
10:21Mommy, put me down.
10:23His hands are cold like ours.
10:25He could be a polar bear too.
10:27I want to be his friend.
10:29Eve.
10:33I didn't turn around.
10:35Is she mine?
10:36I clutched Lily tighter.
10:38Her small heart beating against mine.
10:43No.
10:44I lied.
10:45She's not yours.
10:48Later that night, with Lily sprawled across my chest in a tangle of limbs, I watched the gentle rise and
10:54fall of her sleep.
10:55Her eyelashes were two perfect dark fans against her cheek.
10:59His eyelashes.
11:00My mind, the traitor it always was, dragged me back.
11:04It was the fall of my freshman year.
11:05On the ice at the University of Michigan.
11:08Julian when stood out for all the wrong reasons.
11:11He was the kid in second hand pads held together with hockey tape, skating on borrowed blades.
11:15His jersey had been washed so many times the number was barely legible.
11:19But he carried himself like none of it touched him.
11:22All sharp angles and coiled tension, like something waiting to strike.
11:27I loved the cold focus in his eyes.
11:30The hard line of his jaw that refused to yield to anyone.
11:34He was also drowning.
11:36His grandfather's medical bills were burying him alive.
11:40And the hockey scholarship he should have had was handed to a legacy kid whose famed the right coach speed
11:46dial.
11:46Feemly had the right consenscrobity.
11:48I wanted to help him.
11:50So one afternoon, I stopped him on the quad and took his calloused hand in mine.
11:54Julian, before I could lose my nerve.
11:57I really like you.
11:58And I have money.
11:59Enough to help with your grandfather's medical bills.
12:02Let me help you.
12:03Please.
12:04He looked at me like I'd just insulted everything he'd ever worked for.
12:08The wounded wolf.
12:10All teeth and fury.
12:12And throw up over live drangles of Wenfried at Admorina Fielmen.
12:16But I'd never lost at anything.
12:18The more he refused, the harder I pushed.
12:22Until the night his grandfather collapsed from a heart attack.
12:26The ICU bill was $20 a day.
12:30I paid it before he could argue.
12:34And Julian finally let me in.
12:37In my foolish, naive heart, I thought I'd saved him.
12:43It took me years to understand I'd just broken him differently.
12:48He never stopped working side jobs.
12:51Never stopped waking at 4 in the morning for extra ice time.
12:54He barely touched my money.
12:56But the damage was done.
12:58Whispers followed him through the locker room.
13:00Teammates looked through him or hit him a little too hard in practice.
13:03And I, still floating in my comfortable bubble, would just squeeze his hand and tell him they were jealous.
13:10They were thinned.
13:12I never once saw the war he was fighting on his own.
13:15Then came senior year.
13:17My family collapsed.
13:19My father was indicted for fraud.
13:21And the government froze every asset we had.
13:27I couldn't cover my own tuition.
13:29I went from heiress to broke overnight.
13:32And I didn't tell Julia.
13:34Because I had just found out I was pregnant.
13:37And he had just gotten his draft offer from the NHL.
13:41His entire future was finally in reach.
13:45So when the plus sign appeared on that stick, I made a choice.
13:48I called him to meet me outside.
13:50In the snow.
13:54I can't do this anymore.
13:57We're done.
13:59Why?
14:00I kept my face flat.
14:02You were fun for a while, Lanfin.
14:04For a while, Julian.
14:05But I'm moving on.
14:09Fine.
14:10I told myself he was relieved.
14:12That he was finally free of me.
14:14The girl whose money had made him a target.
14:16Whose help had cost him more than it gave.
14:17That night, I snapped my SIM card in half.
14:20Deleted every account I had.
14:21And caught a bus to Chicago, pregnant and alone.
14:24Disappearing into the dark.
14:26I ran from the debt collectors.
14:28From the city.
14:30From him.
14:32From Detroit to Chicago to Milwaukee, city to city.
14:35Until I came back here three months ago.
14:38I never thought I'd see him this soon.
14:42Julian was more than fine.
14:44He was everything everyone knew he'd be.
14:45A defensive powerhouse in the NHL.
14:47The face of ESPN.
14:48His name on a contract with more zeros than I could count.
14:51And Maya Hart, the actress who'd ruled our college theater department and now had a Netflix
14:55series to her name, was apparently the woman on his arm.
14:58Good for him.
14:59I pressed my hand flat against my chest.
15:02Trying to hold the ache in.
15:06My phone buzzed on the nightstand at five in the morning.
15:09Pulling me out of the wreckage.
15:11Unknown number.
15:13We need to talk.
15:16Don't make me come back to that club to find you.
15:21I stared at the message until the screen burned my retinas.
15:25Then deleted it.
15:28And blocked the number.
15:33The next night, Marco pulled me aside before my shift.
15:37VIP room.
15:38He asked for you by name.
15:39I can't.
15:41Eve.
15:41Marco lowered his voice, still not meeting my eyes.
15:44He bought a $20,000 bottle.
15:46He's not going anywhere.
15:48Just go.
15:49Julian was in the same booth.
15:51Alone.
15:51In a leather jacket that cost more than my month's rent, he was turning an empty glass
15:57slowly between his fingers.
16:00I have other tables.
16:01I started.
16:03Sit down, Eve.
16:05I'm not leaving until we talk.
16:07Something in his voice made me sit.
16:09On the very edge of the cushion, ready to run.
16:12Why did you leave?
16:13He asked.
16:14His voice stripped raw.
16:15Were you really just done with me?
16:18He leaned forward.
16:19And there it was.
16:20That same predatory stillness he'd always had on the ice.
16:24Six years hadn't thawed the Michigan winter in his eyes.
16:27Your number was disconnected.
16:28Every account gone.
16:30I even called the university's alumni officer.
16:34You really didn't want to be found.
16:37I lifted my chin and made myself hold his gaze.
16:40No, I wanted to scream.
16:42I was pregnant.
16:44I wasn't going to let you throw away the NHL for me.
16:47But I didn't.
16:48You always knew what I was like.
16:50I said, forcing a brittle smile.
16:53I got bored.
16:54I moved on.
16:56That's who I am.
16:57A raw, red fury flared in his eyes.
17:00I don't believe you.
17:03Suit yourself.
17:06Is Lily my daughter?
17:08Like a blindside check.
17:09And I felt it in my teeth.
17:13No.
17:14Don't lie to me, Eve.
17:16Not about this.
17:17She's not yours.
17:19Then whose is she?
17:21Someone steady you found after everything fell apart?
17:23Your fiancé?
17:24Ivan?
17:25Is that his name?
17:26His voice cracked before he caught it.
17:29I spent six years looking for you.
17:31Six years asking myself what I did wrong.
17:34Why you left.
17:36Whether you were even still alive.
17:38And now I find out you have a daughter.
17:40I kept my voice level.
17:43You're in the NHL, Julian.
17:45You live in arenas and hotel rooms half the year with sports media tracking your every move.
17:50Eve.
17:51I just...
17:52I didn't expect a real future with you.
17:54Never expected a future.
17:56He repeated it slowly, like he was tasting something rotten.
18:00I wanted everything with you.
18:02I wanted everything with you, Eve.
18:03Marriage.
18:05Kids.
18:06A real life.
18:08You were the one who walked out.
18:09Because I didn't have a choice.
18:11The words came out before I could stop them.
18:13I pressed my lips together, steadied myself, then looked up.
18:17You already know what happened.
18:19My family collapsed.
18:20My father's in federal prison.
18:22The debts are still not settled.
18:24I had nothing left.
18:25I would have faced all of that with you.
18:27That's easy to say now.
18:28I'm saying it because it's true.
18:31Do you know why I signed with Detroit?
18:33Twelve teams made offers.
18:34I had better money on the table from four of them.
18:37Better cities.
18:37Better odds.
18:38Why do you think I came back here?
18:40Why?
18:41I shook my head.
18:43You mentioned it once.
18:44He said, and a broken little laugh escaped him.
18:48We were fighting about where to live after graduation.
18:51You said you loved the snow.
18:52That you wanted to see the Great Lakes in winter.
18:55I thought if I stayed, you'd find your way back.
18:58You did come back, Eve.
18:59I came yesed.
19:01You got a job three miles from my apartment, and you still wouldn't even look at me.
19:06My mouth opened.
19:08Nothing came out.
19:09Is that it?
19:11Something hardened in his face.
19:14Is your pride really worth all of this?
19:17The Great Hartley Enrys?
19:21Too ashamed to be seen working for tips?
19:24No!
19:25Oh my god, Eve!
19:26Is that actually you?
19:27Maya Hart came clicking toward our table on needle-thin stilettos, trailing Byred perfume,
19:32and six years of perfectly colded social media success.
19:35She was glossier than I remembered.
19:37The kind of polish that took real money to maintain.
19:40Where have you been?
19:41Everyone's been asking about you for years.
19:43Down south for a while.
19:44I managed.
19:45Of course.
19:46Her eyes did a slow, deliberate sweep of me, and they stopped on my jacket.
19:51Is that the same Levi's jacket from junior year?
19:53Eve!
19:54It has holes in it.
19:55I used to buy new clothes every season and never wore the same thing twice.
19:59She knew exactly what she was doing.
20:02I just didn't have enough left in me to care.
20:04It's vintage now, I said.
20:07Sustainable fashion.
20:08Maya gave me the smile of someone who understood perfectly.
20:11She opened her Chanel bag, produced a black amaze, and held it out.
20:14Listen, if you're going through something, don't be stubborn about it.
20:18Take this.
20:18You don't even have to pay me back.
20:19Thanks.
20:20I didn't reach for it.
20:22I'm good.
20:23My gaze moved from her pitying face to Julian's stone-still one.
20:27I pulled up a smile.
20:31I'm getting married, actually.
20:33You'll probably hear about it.
20:35The words hit him like a body check into the boards,
20:38and his composure didn't crack so much as collapse.
20:42I wondered if he'd believe the lie.
20:45What?
20:49His name is Ivan.
20:51You'd know him from college.
20:53He was the one who couldn't take a hint around me.
20:57The trust fund kid.
20:59Yes.
21:00He paid off my family's debts.
21:04I'm marrying him.
21:08The color left Julian's face all at once.
21:16Do you love him?
21:20He's good to me.
21:21That's not what I asked, Eve.
21:26I didn't answer.
21:28I couldn't.
21:29It's time for you to go.
21:32I stood.
21:33Whatever we had is over.
21:35It's been over for a long time.
21:38He just sat there, frozen, like a statue carved from ice.
21:44The apartment was quiet when I got home.
21:47Lily was still up.
21:50Five years old, hair and two little pity tails, and every time I looked at her, I saw him.
21:56Same dark hair.
21:58Same deep-set blue eyes.
22:00Same crooked smile the moment she spotted me.
22:04Mommy!
22:05She launched herself into my arms.
22:08You're home early!
22:10Missed you too much.
22:14I held her tight and breathed in the strawberry of her shampoo.
22:18Bella appeared in the doorway, smiling.
22:21She drew a picture today.
22:23Said it was for her dad.
22:27Something tightened in my chest.
22:29Her dad?
22:32Lily was already scrambling down, running to her room.
22:37Coming back with a crayon drawing.
22:39Three figures.
22:41A bearded man, a woman with long hair, a small girl holding both their hands.
22:46This is daddy.
22:48This is mommy.
22:50This is me.
22:54Baby, your dad isn't here right now.
23:00But all the other kids' dads are.
23:03Her face crumpled.
23:05Isn't that hockey player my dad?
23:07Where did he go?
23:16I knelt down until I was level with her eyes.
23:22Daddy had to go somewhere far away.
23:26But he loves you.
23:28So much.
23:30When is he coming back?
23:36Soon.
23:37I whispered and kissed her forehead.
23:42Later, after she was asleep,
23:45I sat in the fire escape with a cigarette burn down between my fingers.
23:54My phone lit up on the still.
23:57Julian.
23:58What's your daughter's name?
24:04I left it.
24:06It buzzed again.
24:08I need to see you.
24:10I shut the phone off.
24:17But I knew it was useless.
24:19There was nowhere left to run.
24:21The next morning was Saturday.
24:23Park day.
24:24Lily was digging happily in the sandbox while I scrolled through my phone.
24:29My phone buzzed.
24:31Julian.
24:31I let it go to voicemail.
24:33It buzzed again.
24:34And again.
24:35On the third ring, I finally picked up.
24:40What are you talking about?
24:42I'm at the park.
24:43Behind you.
24:44Fifty yards.
24:45Under the big oak tree.
24:47I turned.
24:48He was there.
24:49Hoodie, jeans, baseball cap pulled low.
24:53How did you find me?
24:55I had your car tracked.
24:57You followed me?
24:59I was worried.
25:00Eve, we need to talk.
25:01No.
25:04Not here.
25:05My daughter.
25:07I know.
25:08I just want to see her.
25:11He was already at the edge of the sandbox.
25:14Lily looked up, squinting against the sun at the tall man standing over her.
25:18Her head tilted.
25:19Something moved across her face.
25:21Pure, unaguarded recognition.
25:23Then she beamed.
25:24Daddy!
25:25You came back!
25:27The denial tore out of me.
25:30Lily!
25:31Lily!
25:31Lily, no!
25:33He's not your daddy!
25:34But she pointed a soddy finger straight at Julian's face.
25:38He looks just like the daddy in my picture!
25:41Julian knelt down, and Lily threw her small arms around his neck.
25:46My mind just stopped.
25:47He looked up at me.
25:49His eyes were red.
25:51He said, barely a sound at all.
25:54Lily, how old is she?
25:58Four.
26:01You're lying.
26:03You never took it off.
26:04You never forgot me.
26:06Julian!
26:06Is she mine?
26:07Daddy, please don't go again, okay?
26:10Something cracked across his face.
26:12I turned away, knowing that was it.
26:15Julian pulled Lily into his arms.
26:16She locked her hands behind his neck and held on, the way kids do when they're afraid to let go
26:21of something they almost lost.
26:22You smell good, daddy.
26:24Do I?
26:25So do you.
26:26I stood there with my hands at my sides, not sure what to do with them.
26:29After a few minutes, Lily's grip slowly loosened, her body going heavy against his chest with a wide, sleepy yawn.
26:36She needs her nap, I said.
26:37Julian looked at me.
26:39I'm taking you home.
26:40You don't have to-
26:41Eve!
26:41She was out before we reached the car.
26:44He carried her across the parking lot with both arms under her, slow arms steady under her her, slow and
26:52deliberate, like he was afraid to joltle her awake.
26:55The drive was quiet.
26:58He kept his eyes on the road.
27:00I watched the city slide past the passenger window.
27:04Lily breathed softly in her car seat behind us.
27:07What does she like to eat, he asked.
27:11Pasta.
27:13Strawberries.
27:15Chicken nuggets.
27:16Allergies?
27:17No.
27:18She in school?
27:19Preschool.
27:20A beat of silence.
27:21You raised her alone five years?
27:24Yes.
27:26When's her birthday?
27:28February 17th.
27:30His grip tightened on the wheel.
27:32We broke up on June 10th.
27:34When you left, you were already pregnant.
27:38Julian!
27:39And you didn't tell me.
27:45Eve, why wouldn't you tell me?
27:47Because you were going to the NHL.
27:49You finally had your shot.
27:51After everything.
27:52And?
27:53And I wasn't going to be the reason you walked away from it.
27:57Eve, that was my child!
27:59He turned to face me.
28:00Jaw tight.
28:01Eyes raw.
28:02You were out there alone.
28:04Pregnant.
28:05Hiding it while I was on the ice.
28:07Giving interviews about how damn much I missed you.
28:10I pressed my hand flat against my sternum.
28:13It didn't help.
28:14I'm sorry.
28:15I said.
28:16I thought I was doing the right thing.
28:18You didn't know.
28:19I said, holding his gaze.
28:21You didn't know about the pregnancy.
28:23So tell me.
28:24If I had told you, what would you have done?
28:26I would have.
28:27I know exactly what you would have done.
28:29You would have stayed.
28:30Given up the NHL.
28:31Married me.
28:33There's not to be injured.
28:34It's my with your own life and I done.
28:36I need you swafting off I far.
28:38And spent the rest of your life resenting me for it.
28:40I wouldn't have.
28:41Yes, you would have.
28:43My voice stayed even.
28:45I needed it to.
28:46You would have felt trapped.
28:48Same as you did back in college.
28:50He went white.
28:51You think I hated you?
28:53Didn't you?
28:55I let out a short, broken laugh and the tears came before I could stop them.
29:01You were never really mine.
29:08I kept you with money for three years.
29:11We both knew that.
29:14If it hadn't been for your grandfather's hospital bills, you never would have stayed with me.
29:18You.
29:20We're here.
29:21I nodded toward the window.
29:23Let me out.
29:25He didn't move.
29:28Julian.
29:29Let me out.
29:31Slowly.
29:32His hands came off the steering wheel.
29:35Eve.
29:37There's something I never told you.
29:40What?
29:42I liked you before you ever paid for anything.
29:46I couldn't speak.
29:48First day of college?
29:49He said, his voice low.
29:53You were walking down the hall in this white dress.
29:55I remember thinking,
29:58I'm never going to forget that girl.
30:01Then why did you?
30:03He shut his eyes for a second.
30:05Because of the money.
30:08You paid my grandfather's medical bills.
30:11After that, everything got twisted.
30:13I couldn't tell if I wanted you or what you could do for me.
30:19I hated that I couldn't separate the two.
30:23The tears came harder.
30:25So when you said yes, when you actually stayed, was it only, Willie, because...
30:32Because even if it started that way, I still wanted to stay.
30:36He looked at me then.
30:39Even if you thought I was just someone you paid for.
30:48I broke completely.
30:59In the back seat, Lily stirred and mumbled something small and sleepy.
31:07Let me see her, he said.
31:13Let me be her dad.
31:15You already are.
31:17My voice cracked.
31:21She knew who you were the second she saw you.
31:26But I'm not ready to let you back in.
31:29Julian didn't leave that night.
31:31He stayed in my tiny apartment.
31:34Daddy, you build this part?
31:36You got it, princess.
31:37Are you coming back tomorrow?
31:39I am.
31:40Every day?
31:42Every single day.
31:43For one moment, something settled in my chest.
31:46This felt right.
31:48A text from Ivan.
31:50Meeting with the loan officer tomorrow to sign papers for your family's debt?
31:53Wear something nice, you still owe me ten grand.
31:56My fingers went numb.
31:58After my father went bankrupt, Ivan had offered to clear our debts on one condition.
32:03That I marry him.
32:07Last month, I'd borrowed $10,000 from him.
32:10It was the opening he'd been waiting for.
32:14Who was that?
32:15No one.
32:17Was it even?
32:18How do you know that?
32:19I looked for you.
32:21After you disappeared, I never stopped.
32:24I wrote a facial recognition program.
32:26Fed it every photo I had of you.
32:28I finally got a hit in Detroit.
32:30Eve, the only reason I chose this team was you.
32:33So you came here.
32:35You actually...
32:37Mommy, I'm hungry.
32:39Almost ready, sweetie.
32:41What are these?
32:42White roses.
32:43Your favorite.
32:45Tears precked my eyes as I stared at them.
32:50You never took off the bracelet.
32:54You never really let me go.
32:55Daddy loves Mommy.
32:57I buried my face in her hair.
33:00Julian couldn't see what was happening to me.
33:02Let me take care of you.
33:07For real this time.
33:09We both want it.
33:10I didn't answer.
33:12All I could think about was Ivan.
33:14$10,000.
33:15What Julian would do the second he found out.
33:18He would pay it.
33:19No hesitation.
33:21And we'd be right back where we started.
33:23Him.
33:24The man I'd bought.
33:25I couldn't do that to him again.
33:28I stepped out of his arms.
33:33I have to tell you something.
33:36What is it?
33:38I'm getting married.
33:41I turned Julian down.
33:42I told him we needed time to learn how to be us again.
33:46His eyes dimmed.
33:48But he didn't push it.
33:49When I woke up the next morning.
33:52Julian was already in the kitchen.
33:54He was wearing an apron.
33:57Frying eggs.
33:58Making toast.
34:00And slicing strawberries.
34:02Every piece was cut perfectly even.
34:04Just the way I liked it.
34:05You used to slice them like that.
34:07He glanced back at me.
34:09His eyes soft.
34:10Because you like it.
34:12Lily ran in like a little cannonball.
34:14Mommy!
34:15Daddy made breakfast!
34:17Julian set a plate of sliced strawberries in front of her.
34:21Her eyes lit up.
34:22So sweet!
34:26Slow down.
34:27He smiled and patted her head.
34:29In that moment, it felt like we were a real family.
34:33If I hadn't left six years ago, maybe we would have had this all along.
34:38Buzz.
34:39Buzz.
34:40My phone vibrated.
34:45Eve, Maya, I hear you and Julian are back together.
34:49It was Maya.
34:50How did you know?
34:51News travels fast in our world.
34:54I just wanted to remind you that Julian is a public figure.
34:57If the press finds out, you work at a strip club.
35:01Are you threatening me?
35:03I'm helping you.
35:05Julian and I have an arrangement.
35:06As far as the world knows, I'm his girlfriend.
35:09Don't mess this up.
35:12I gripped my phone until my cuckles turned white.
35:16Julian walked over.
35:18What's wrong?
35:21It was Maya.
35:22His expression hardened.
35:24What did she say?
35:25She said, as far as the public is concerned, you're with her.
35:30That's a lie.
35:32She helped me out of a few PR messes, but we were never real.
35:36But she said she's your girlfriend.
35:38I need your ruster.
35:40Eve, who are you going to believe?
35:41Her or me?
35:43Lily called out from the table.
35:45Daddy, I want more strawberries.
35:47Julian gave me one last look, then turned back to slice the strawberries.
35:51I stood in the doorway, my mind a complete mess.
35:54His smile frozen on his face.
35:56What?
35:57What?
35:59I'm getting married, I repeated.
36:01To Ivan.
36:04Mommy's getting married?
36:06To who?
36:07Lily looked up at me, to Uncle Ivan.
36:10I want Daddy with Daddy!
36:14Julian picked her up and coaxed her softly.
36:17Don't cry.
36:19Daddy's here.
36:20He looked at me, his eyes turning cold.
36:23Are you serious?
36:25I am.
36:27Do you love him?
36:29That's not the point.
36:30I asked if you love him.
36:33Julian, that doesn't matter.
36:34It matters.
36:39He set Lily down and walked over.
36:42Eve, look me in the eye and tell me you love him.
36:46I looked up into his eyes.
36:47Those same eyes had looked at me in the snow six years ago, saying,
36:52Fine, let's break up.
36:55Six years later, in front of our daughter, those eyes were red.
37:00I...
37:01Mommy doesn't like Uncle Ivan!
37:03Mommy never smiles when she sees Uncle Ivan!
37:07Lily yelled from the side.
37:09I panicked.
37:11She's telling the truth.
37:13Eve, you're a terrible liar.
37:15The doorbell rang.
37:16The doorbell rang.
37:16I opened the door.
37:17Ivan stood in the doorway.
37:19He wore a suit.
37:20His hair slicked back with gel, holding a bottle of red wine.
37:23Eve, I'm here to pick you up for dinner.
37:26Who is...
37:26Ivan, this is my...
37:27I'm Lily's father.
37:28Julian walked over and stood in front of me.
37:31Julian Wine?
37:32The NHL guy?
37:34Yeah.
37:37Oh, didn't Eve dump you?
37:40The room went dead silent.
37:43Ivan, you should go.
37:45Go?
37:46I brought wine to celebrate.
37:49To celebrate you finally agreeing to marry me.
37:51I didn't agree.
37:53You did.
37:55He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.
37:59This is the paperwork.
38:01Sign it, and I'll pay off the remaining twenty grand.
38:05Otherwise, the bank will take this apartment.
38:08You owe the bank money?
38:10My dad's debt.
38:12The apartment is in my mom's name, but it's mortgaged.
38:15How much?
38:16None of your business.
38:18Eve!
38:19Lily got scared and started crying.
38:22You're scaring her.
38:25I'm sorry, Lily.
38:26Daddy didn't mean it.
38:28How much does she owe?
38:30She owes me ten grand.
38:32On top of that, there's twenty grand to the bank.
38:35All told, you're looking at thirty-five once the interest kicks in.
38:39I'll give you fifty.
38:40Her debt is paid.
38:42Julian pulled out his phone.
38:45Sixty.
38:47Ivan's face changed.
38:49What's your account number?
38:52Seventy.
38:53Last chance.
38:55Otherwise, I'm calling my lawyers.
38:59Ivan took the money and left.
39:02I leaned against the wall, holding Lily.
39:05Julian, you didn't have to do that.
39:08It was worth it.
39:11He walked over and took Lily from my arms.
39:15Go pack your things.
39:17What?
39:18You're moving into my place.
39:21Tonight.
39:23He looked at me.
39:26Could I trust him?
39:28That night, I worked my shift at the club.
39:31Julian showed up again.
39:35He sat at the bar with a club soda.
39:38Like my own silent bodyguard.
39:41I'm taking you home.
39:42You don't have to come here every day.
39:44I want to.
39:45Aren't you worried about the paparazzi?
39:47Let them take photos.
39:48I've got nothing to hide.
39:50Is Lily asleep?
39:52Bella said she's asleep.
39:55Eve, we're doing a DNA test tomorrow.
39:58What?
39:59A paternity test.
40:00I need legal proof that Lily is my daughter.
40:03She already is.
40:04Then take the test.
40:06After that, I'm filing for joint custody.
40:10You're fighting me for custody?
40:13I'm not fighting you.
40:15Eve, I can't let my daughter grow up in a situation where she could be taken away at any second.
40:19I need legal security.
40:21I won't let anyone take her.
40:23What about you?
40:24You work nights at a strip club.
40:25Lily is five.
40:26She's going to find out eventually.
40:28I do it to pay her tuition.
40:29I know.
40:29So let me take care of you.
40:31I don't want your money.
40:35Then whose do you want?
40:37Ivans?
40:38You'd rather marry him than take anything from me?
40:40Because I don't want to owe you anymore.
40:43You never owed me a damn thing.
40:46Six years, Eve.
40:47Six years.
40:48You raised Lily all by yourself.
40:50Do you have any idea what I went through?
40:52I looked for you every single day.
40:55I even built a tracking program to find you.
40:59So you found me.
41:00Now what?
41:01Now I'm going to marry you.
41:03What?
41:04Let's get married.
41:05Not to settle some debt.
41:07Because I've loved you since I was 19 and that has never changed.
41:10I hesitated.
41:11I couldn't let Lily get caught in the crossfire of our mess.
41:15Not right now.
41:16When you're ready.
41:18But promise me one thing, Eve.
41:20Do not marry even.
41:22Okay.
41:25I've made up my mind.
41:26I can get back into coding.
41:27I was a top CS major at Michigan.
41:29I can start over.
41:33You're already an amazing mother, Eve.
41:36And you're brilliant.
41:38The next afternoon, someone knocked on my door.
41:44That afternoon, someone knocked on my door.
41:47This time it was a process server.
41:49A guy in a wrinkled buttoned up holding a Marilyn envelope.
41:52Miss Hartley?
41:53Yes.
41:54You've been served.
41:55Inside were court documents.
41:57Julian was filing for custody.
41:59Sole custody.
42:00He cited my unstable job history, my past deceptions, and the CPS investigation as proof.
42:06The papers claimed I was an unfit mother.
42:09I read the pages three times, trying to make the words make sense.
42:15He wanted to take her away.
42:20He was actually trying to steal my daughter.
42:23I looked over at Lily.
42:24She was sitting at the kitchen table, coloring.
42:27She looked up with a huge smile.
42:29Look, Mommy.
42:30I drew you a rainbow.
42:32My hands shook as I gently took the drawing.
42:35It's beautiful, baby.
42:37Are you sad?
42:38No, sweetie.
42:40Mommy's just a little tired.
42:41She crawled into my lap and wrapped her tiny arms around my neck.
42:45I love you, Mommy.
42:46I hugged her tight, making a silent vow.
42:48I will never let him take you.
42:50I grabbed Julian's business card and dialed his number.
42:58He picked up on the second ring.
43:00Eve.
43:01We need to talk.
43:02Right now.
43:04He gave me an address.
43:05It was his penthouse downtown, overlooking the Detroit River.
43:09The elevator opened directly into his place.
43:12It was massive.
43:14Floor-to-ceiling windows, designer furniture, and a kitchen straight out of a magazine.
43:18But right there, sitting on the fireplace mantle, was a framed photo.
43:24A picture of us from college.
43:26I stared at it, completely stunned.
43:28It was from one of his hockey games.
43:30My head rested on his shoulder, both of us grinning like idiots.
43:34I remembered that night.
43:35It was his first college victory.
43:37I remembered how he picked me up on the ice and spun me around.
43:40I kept all of it.
43:42Everything.
43:43Every photo.
43:44Even those silly little notes you used to slip into my locker.
43:48I spun around to face him.
43:50He was in sweatpants.
43:52A light sheen of sweat on his forehead.
43:55He had clearly just gotten back from a workout.
43:57I reached into my bag, pulled out the custody papers, and slammed them on the counter.
44:03You liar!
44:05I screamed.
44:06You swore you wouldn't fight me for custody.
44:08Julian's brow darkened.
44:10He snatched the papers, quickly scranning them.
44:12His face went dangerously hard.
44:16I didn't send these.
44:18What?
44:19Yes, I hired a lawyer.
44:21To establish paternity and set up visitation.
44:23But I would never try to take Lily away from you.
44:26He flipped to the second page.
44:28Sole custody?
44:30Supervised visitation?
44:31I never asked for any of this.
44:33I never authorized this.
44:34Then who?
44:35Maya.
44:36She's my agent's daughter.
44:37She's been overstepping lately.
44:39Maya filed for custody in your name?
44:40Behind my back.
44:41Without my permission.
44:43Julian slammed the papers back on the counter.
44:45His face dark.
44:45She's been trying to force her way into my personal life.
44:48I thought she was just being-
44:49Being what?
44:49I don't know.
44:50Overly professional?
44:51I trusted her because of her dad.
44:53She wants you.
44:54This isn't about Lily.
44:56She just wants me out of the picture.
44:58Julian didn't deny it.
44:59I never let her on.
45:01I never gave her any ideas.
45:03You don't have to do anything.
45:04You're successful.
45:04He looked at me.
45:05A sudden vulnerability in his eyes.
45:07You're gorgeous.
45:08And you're single.
45:10I'm not single, Eve.
45:12I haven't been single since I was 19.
45:14My heart skipped a beat.
45:16Don't-
45:16Don't say that.
45:18Why not?
45:18It's the truth.
45:19Because it doesn't change anything.
45:21I'm still a jobless ex-stripper with a felon for a father.
45:26And you're still a superstar hockey player with an actress on standby.
45:30We don't even live in the same world anymore.
45:33We never did.
45:34He fired back.
45:36That was the whole point.
45:38We made it work anyway.
45:41Right up until you decided we couldn't.
45:45I was trying to protect you.
45:47I didn't need your protection.
45:49His voice echoed out off the high ceilings.
45:52I needed you.
45:54I needed to know that when things got hard, we'd fight together.
45:58Not watch you pack up and disappear the second life got messy.
46:01My dad was going to federal prison.
46:04And my grandfather was dying.
46:06We both had our messes, Eve.
46:08But we didn't have to face them alone.
46:10We were both panting, standing inches going apart.
46:13Six years of unspoken words hung heavy in the air between us.
46:17I was scared.
46:17I was so scared, Julian.
46:19Terrified of losing everything.
46:21Terrified of dragging you down.
46:23Terrified you'd end up resent me.
46:25I could never hate you.
46:26His voice finally softened.
46:28God knows I tried.
46:29But I never stopped loving you.
46:32The words hung between us.
46:33I couldn't breathe.
46:34Stop.
46:35I pleaded.
46:35My voice barely a whisper.
46:37Why?
46:37Because it complicates things?
46:39Because it makes it harder to pretend we feel nothing for each other?
46:42He stepped into my space.
46:44Close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off his chest.
46:47You mean everything to me, Eve.
46:49You always have.
46:50And now we have Lily.
46:52That has to mean something.
46:55What are you saying?
46:58I'm saying we try again.
47:01For Lily.
47:02A part of me wanted to believe him.
47:03I wanted to believe that six years apart hadn't completely ruined us.
47:06That we weren't beyond repair.
47:07But when you're used to the world pulling the rug out from under you,
47:10hoping just feels dangerous.
47:12I need to think about this.
47:14I need time.
47:15You have time.
47:16Until tomorrow.
47:17That's not nearly enough!
47:18Maya is hosting a charity gala tomorrow night.
47:20My entire team will be there.
47:22If you want to prove to the world and the courts that we're co-parenting amitably,
47:25this is your perfect chance.
47:27He handed me an invitation.
47:28Thick card stake with gold embossing.
47:30It radiated pure elegance.
47:32I pulled a garment bag from the very back of my closet.
47:34Inside was a dress I hadn't seen in six years.
47:37It was the only piece of my past I couldn't bear to sell.
47:39I held the fabric, remembering the girl I used to be.
47:42The fearless, invincible Eve Hartley.
47:44The gala was held at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
47:46Crystal chandeliers illuminated the marble floors,
47:48reflecting off a sea of custom-tailored gowns and tuxedos.
47:51These people were old money and pure influence.
47:53I was just a single mom with a G.I.D.
47:55whose only real achievement was a little girl who thought I was a superhero.
47:58Eve!
47:59Julian appeared at the top of the staircase.
48:01He looked absolutely devastating in a crisp tuxedo.
48:04He descended the steps,
48:06his gaze sweeping over me with absolute awe and...
48:09adoration.
48:12You look beautiful.
48:14Shall we?
48:15We walked into the ballroom together,
48:17and I felt the shift in the air immediately.
48:19Is that Eve Hartley?
48:20The one who just vanished?
48:20I heard she's been dancing at some strip club.
48:22I lifted my chin and tightened my grip on Julian's arm.
48:24I wasn't going to break.
48:25Not here.
48:26Maya found us near the bar.
48:28She was stunning in a vibrant red dress.
48:30Her blonde hair swept into an elegant updo.
48:33Julian, darling.
48:35There you are.
48:36I've been looking everywhere for you.
48:38Maya.
48:40You remember Eve.
48:42Of course.
48:43The ghost from your past.
48:45How...
48:47How...
48:48She is Lily's mother.
48:50Show some respect.
48:54Lily?
48:56My daughter.
48:57She's five.
48:58Beautiful.
49:00Brilliant.
49:01And looks exactly like me.
49:03Eve and I are working out our custody arrangement.
49:05Completely imamacably.
49:07But the papers...
49:09You mean the papers you filed behind my back?
49:11We'll discuss that later.
49:12With my lawyers present.
49:16I was trying to help you!
49:19She hid your child from you!
49:20She's clearly unstable!
49:22Maya stared at him.
49:24Then glared at me.
49:25Her face a twisted mask of rage and humiliation.
49:28You're going to regret this.
49:30Before turning on her heel and storming off.
49:32Julian turned to face me.
49:34The hard edge in his expression instantly melted away.
49:38I'm sorry.
49:39I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.
49:41You said you loved me in front of everyone.
49:43I meant it.
49:46But Maya...
49:48He took both of my hands in his.
49:51I don't even see anyone else out there, Eve.
49:53I haven't.
49:56Not once over six years.
49:58I looked up into his eyes.
50:00For the first time in six years, I let myself feel a flicker of hope.
50:06Maybe we really could start over.
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