1989 || Luke Hughes

Chapter 17: Now that we dont talk

Luke sat in the conference room, his hands clasped tightly together as he listened to the executives from the team's management discuss the upcoming media interview. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, torn between his desire to speak his truth and the repercussions it could have on his career.

"As you know, Luke, the media has been buzzing about those pictures of you and Quince," one of the executives began, his tone grave. "We need to address this head-on during the interview to avoid any further speculation or negative press."

Luke nodded, his jaw clenched with tension. He knew that he couldn't avoid the topic any longer, that he had to face the scrutiny of the media and the public head-on, no matter how uncomfortable it made him feel.

"I understand," Luke replied, his voice tight with apprehension. "But I want to make it clear that Quince and I are no longer together. Our relationship was a mistake, and we've both moved on."

The executives exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions unreadable. "We understand, Luke," another executive chimed in, his tone measured. "But we need to be careful about how we frame this. We can't afford any negative publicity, especially with the playoffs approaching."

Luke felt a surge of frustration welling up inside him at the thought of betraying his true feelings for the sake of his career. But he knew that he had no choice, that he had to play by the rules if he wanted to stay in the game.

"I'll do whatever it takes," Luke replied, his voice tinged with resignation. "I just want to put this whole situation behind me and focus on hockey."

The executives nodded in agreement, their faces inscrutable as they outlined their strategy for the upcoming interview. Luke listened intently, his mind racing with the weight of their words.

As the meeting came to a close, Luke couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over him. He knew that he was about to embark on a charade, pretending to be something he wasn't for the sake of appearances.

Luke's mind raced back to that fateful meeting with management, the memory burning like a brand in his conscience. The executives' words echoed in his mind, their ultimatum ringing loud and clear: break up with Quince or risk being traded to another team.

He remembered the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as the weight of their words settled over him. It was a choice no athlete should have to make—sacrifice his personal happiness for the sake of his career, or risk losing everything he had worked so hard for.

Luke had felt a surge of anger and frustration at the time, the unfairness of the situation burning like a fire in his veins. How could they expect him to choose between love and his passion for the game? How could they demand that he betray the woman he loved for the sake of a few headlines?

But as the reality of the situation sank in, Luke knew that he had no choice. The stakes were too high, the consequences too severe. He couldn't risk jeopardizing his career for the sake of his relationship with Quince, no matter how much it pained him to do so.

And so, with a heavy heart, Luke had made the only choice he could. He had broken things off with Quince, burying his true feelings beneath a facade of indifference. It was a decision he had come to regret with every passing day, but one he knew he had to live with for the sake of his career.

As he prepared for the upcoming media interview, Luke couldn't help but feel a sense of bitterness wash over him. He was about to betray the woman he loved once again, all for the sake of preserving his image and his standing in the world of professional hockey.