Purple Hearts

Cassie Salazar works tirelessly as a waitress and bartender while pursuing her musical aspirations with her band, The Loyal. Shortly after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, she faces challenges affording insulin and juggles multiple jobs to sustain herself.

One evening, Cassie meets a group of Marines about to be deployed to Iraq, including Luke Morrow, who attempts to flirt with her. Despite his advances, Cassie declines, unaware of the complex struggles he faces.

Luke Morrow grapples with the aftermath of his mother's death, which led him into addiction, and is now trying to recover. Additionally, he owes $15,000 to his dealer, which complicates his already strained life.

In a bid to alleviate their financial struggles, Cassie proposes a marriage of convenience to Frankie, her childhood friend and Luke's bunkmate. Frankie hesitates, conflicted about his feelings for Riley, but Cassie and Luke soon realize that this arrangement could benefit them both.

Cassie and Luke finalize their plan to get married just before his deployment. The ceremony, witnessed by Frankie and Luke's fellow Marines, is tinged with emotion, including a heated exchange between Cassie and a Marine named Armando.

After their wedding, Cassie and Luke engage in a series of emails and video calls to maintain the facade of their marriage. The experience inspires Cassie to write a touching song titled 'Come Back Home,' which ultimately goes viral.

During one of Cassie's performances, she receives the devastating news that Luke has been severely injured by an IED blast and is coming home. This moment marks a significant turn in their lives as she grapples with the implications of their arrangement.

Cassie learns of Frankie's death in combat, which deeply affects her as she reflects on the gravity of their situation. In a heartfelt gesture, she passes Frankie's ring to his true love, Riley, at his funeral, emphasizing the sorrow that surrounds them.

Luke returns home in a wheelchair after his hospitalization, moving in with Cassie. Together, they work on their living space and build a life that's supportive and nurturing as they deal with his recovery process.

Inspired by their journey together, Cassie writes new songs, including 'I Hate the Way,' as she performs at Whisky a GoGo. Her passionate delivery captures the attention of record labels, showcasing her growth as an artist.

Luke's unpaid debts resurface when Johnno threatens Cassie's mother in a desperate move to collect what is owed. This confrontation forces Luke to protect Cassie and stand up against the dangerous circumstances surrounding them.

After an emotional exchange regarding Luke's past, Cassie makes the difficult decision to divorce him. Setting a deadline for him to leave her apartment signals a significant turning point in their tumultuous relationship.

At the trial regarding their fraudulent marriage, Luke pleads guilty, wanting to protect Cassie from legal repercussions. He accepts a six-month sentence in the brig, showcasing his deep commitment to her despite their troubles.

With her band finally securing a record deal, Cassie prepares for a much-anticipated performance opening for Florence and the Machine. She unveils a new song inspired by Luke, titled 'I Didn’t Know,' filled with emotion and longing.

Six months after his sentence, Cassie and Luke share a blissful picnic at the beach with their golden retriever, Peaches. This moment signifies not only their love but also the life they’ve built together through all their challenges.