Nicholas Draper paced restlessly in the green room of The Pulse studio, his footsteps echoing off the polished floors. The space was a stark contrast to the cold, intense rink where he usually thrived—a place of sharp edges and high stakes. Here, the atmosphere was plush and artificial, designed to make him look good for the cameras.

His irritation was palpable, a familiar fire that had burned in him ever since he’d heard the media’s latest nonsense. The rumor mill had cranked out its latest concoction: a secret romance between him and Addison Leroux, the fiery, single woman of the rival Calgary Flames. Nicholas snorted at the thought. He and Addison couldn’t stand each other. Their on-ice battles were legendary, and off the ice, they were no better. The media had twisted their rivalry into a soap opera, and now, here they were, forced into a joint interview to settle the absurd speculation.

Addison was in the far corner of the room, her arms crossed, her russet hair falling in sharp waves around her shoulders. Her expression was one of pure disdain, a sentiment Nicholas shared entirely.

"Can you believe this shit?" Nicholas muttered, running a hand through his dark hair.