He Replaced Me on the Ice—Then Never Won Again

The night before the national pairs final, Dean comes to Talia again. For nine years, she has been his stress relief, starting on her 18th birthday, when she gave him everything. He never spoke of it again. They win their third title, but she overhears him laugh: "She's easy. She never asks for anything." Something shatters. An email lights up: Women's Singles program, confirm by 8 PM tomorrow. This time, she hesitates. Nine years, three gold medals, one-sided love. She is done being easy.