Meet the 'When Forever Fell Apart' Cast Behind the Second-Chance Romance

After years of loyalty and sacrifice, Natalie Hayes is forced to rebuild her life when her marriage falls apart. Get to know Samantha Drews, Ryan Jacobucci, Volodymyr Pielikh, and the cast behind "When Forever Fell Apart."

Few vertical dramas put their lead character through as much heartbreak as "When Forever Fell Apart." The ReelShort series follows a woman whose seemingly devoted marriage unravels after she discovers her husband has secretly fathered a child with his ex, setting off a story filled with betrayal, second chances, and emotional confrontations.

Here's a look at the “When Forever Fell Apart” cast bringing the drama to life.

The poster for "When Forever Fell Apart" | Source:instagram/reelshortapp

What Is "When Forever Fell Apart" About?

"When Forever Fell Apart" follows Natalie Hayes, a woman who has spent six years supporting her husband, Ethan, and helping build the life they share.

Hoping to celebrate their anniversary with a special surprise, Natalie instead discovers that Ethan secretly donated his frozen sperm to his former girlfriend years earlier and fathered a child with her.

Ryan Jacobucci as Ethan Hayes and EmilyRose Morris as Brianna Hale in "When Forever Fell Apart" | Source:instagram/reelshortapp

Although devastated by the revelation, Natalie initially tries to save their marriage. But as Ethan continues choosing his ex over his wife, Natalie reaches a breaking point and decides to walk away.

A reunion with her childhood best friend, Zack Clark, offers a chance to start over, forcing Ethan to confront the consequences of taking her devotion for granted.

Samantha Drews as Natalie Hayes

Samantha Drews stars as Natalie Hayes, the devoted wife whose world falls apart after discovering her husband's long-buried secret. After sacrificing her own future to save Ethan years earlier, Natalie finds herself questioning everything about their marriage when his ex-girlfriend suddenly reappears with a child she claims is his.

Drews graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts before working as a Production and Post Intern with ABC Signature under Walt Disney General Entertainment. In addition to acting, she also works as a screenwriter and producer.

Vertical drama audiences may recognize Drews from "Cyberking Reclaims His Throne," "My Sister Is the Warlord Queen," "The Beggar King Returns," "When Love Walked Away," "Mommy Don't Cry, Daddy Is Sorry," "Big Bad Husband 2: Please Wake Up!," and "Fatal Temptation: Between Two Alphas."

Ryan Jacobucci as Ethan Hayes

Ryan Jacobucci plays Ethan Hayes, Natalie's husband whose decisions drive much of the series' conflict. After secretly donating his stored sperm to his former girlfriend years earlier, Ethan becomes trapped between his wife and his past, repeatedly making choices that push Natalie further away.

A Brooklyn-based actor and model, Jacobucci studied theater at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His growing list of credits includes both traditional television and vertical dramas.

Viewers may recognize him from "The Hidden Billionaire in First Class," "Bound to the President's Heart," "Bound by My Fiancé's Uncle," "The CEO's Mermaid Bride," "Fated to My Forbidden Guardian," "Mafia Mama's Revenge," and appearances on "Chicago P.D.," "FBI," and "NCIS: Origins."

Volodymyr Pielikh as Zack Clark

Volodymyr Pielikh plays Zack Clark, Natalie's childhood best friend who reenters her life after her marriage begins to collapse. Zack offers Natalie the support and kindness she has been missing, becoming a key figure in her journey toward healing and rebuilding her future.

Born and raised in Ukraine before relocating to Los Angeles, Pielikh has quickly become a familiar face in the vertical drama space.

Before acting, he worked extensively as a model and has spoken about how international travel, language learning, and his Ukrainian roots continue to shape his perspective. He also speaks five languages: Ukrainian, Russian, English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

His credits include "Thread of Fate," "Pay Your Rent with Love," "The Return of the Mafia Queen," "CEO's Ex-Wife Is the Billionaire Heiress," "The Alpha's Virgin Captive," "Ballerina Reborn for Revenge," "My Wife Never Knew Who I Was," and "The Summer I Turned My Sexiest."

EmilyRose Morris as Brianna Hale

EmilyRose Morris plays Brianna Hale, Ethan's ex-girlfriend and one of the story's primary antagonists. Brianna's return upends Ethan and Natalie's marriage as she inserts herself into their lives and manipulates situations to keep Ethan tied to her.

Her extensive vertical drama résumé includes "You Messed with the CEO's Wife," "Daddy Can You Hear Me Cry?," "Wrong Diagnosis, Right Divorce," "Don't Break My Heart Again," "Married to the Secret Lycan King," "The Billionaire's Virgin Surrogate," and "My Billionaire Ranch Cowboy." She has also appeared in Dhar Mann productions and numerous independent film projects.

Supporting Cast

The series also features Amelia Pavlovska as Anna, Julia Verdin as Grace Brooks, Hélène Udy as Cindy Hayes, Steven T. Bartlett as David, Pier Peters as Chase Hale, Adriana Vecchioli as Nurse Lucy, Carrie Terraccino as Tina, Joe Chacon as Zack's driver, Dylan Forsman as Nurse Amanda, Damir Pavlovskyi as Young Zack, Juliana Millar as an airport passenger, Anthony Martin as an airport passenger, and Brieille Yuke Li as Mary.

"When Forever Fell Apart" was released on the ReelShort app on May 20, 2026.