Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) has survived more than her share of heartbreak on Chicago Fire. But season 14 is shaping up to be one of her most emotional chapters yet.

Season 13 ended with a long-awaited kiss between Violet and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett), teasing the possibility of a real romance. Fans barely had time to celebrate before news broke that Jake Lockett would not return for the new season. His exit closes the door on Violet’s budding relationship — and leaves her facing another painful goodbye.

Greensmith admitted saying farewell to her co-star wasn’t easy. “It’s been such a dream working with Jake,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “It was wonderful to live out those last few scenes together and make them as heartfelt and honest as possible.”

Picking Up After Heartbreak

Season 14 won’t drag out the uncertainty. Greensmith teased that the premiere will open with a time jump that provides quick answers. “We’re going to be giving answers to a couple of the questions from last season pretty immediately,” she said. “No one should be left with too bated of a breath.”

That’s good news for fans eager to know how Violet moves forward without Carver. And from Greensmith’s perspective, Violet is ready to step into a new phase of adulthood.

“Violet has taken on so much heartbreak and disappointment,” she explained. “Now she’s learning to live with these disappointments in a different way. They’re adding to her experience instead of weighing her down.”

A New Dating Pool?

Greensmith also hinted that Violet could be stepping into fresh romantic territory. With Michael Bradway (Jack Damon) also exiting the show, Violet’s paramedic partner Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) may face her own romantic reset.

“It’s single girl season,” Greensmith joked. “I can’t give away too much, but it does seem as if Violet is in a new dating pool in a different way than before.”

While Violet may not find her happily-ever-after right away, her openness to new experiences could spark unexpected storylines in season 14.

The Women of Firehouse 51

Romance aside, Violet will continue to lean on the tight-knit family of Firehouse 51. That support system becomes even more vital as Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) prepare to welcome a baby.

Greensmith believes Violet’s bond with Stella will take on new depth in season 14. “There are so few women in the firehouse,” she said. “Having that support, especially as Stella goes through such a huge life change, is really important. I hope we’ll see more of that relationship.”

This sisterhood angle offers fresh opportunities for Chicago Fire to highlight the unique dynamics between its female characters, something fans have long wanted more of.

Untold Stories Still Ahead

Though Violet has been on the show since season 8, Greensmith is eager for the writers to peel back more layers of her character. “I still have questions about Violet’s upbringing,” she revealed. “And I’d love to see her dynamic with Herrmann [David Eigenberg]. They’re both a little aggressive, so watching them either band together or butt heads could be pretty comedic.”

For a character who’s endured heartbreak, tragedy, and professional challenges, Violet still has untapped story potential. Season 14 could finally give fans a deeper glimpse into her world beyond Firehouse 51.

What’s Next for Violet

With Carver gone, Violet faces a turning point. Instead of being weighed down by loss, she’s choosing growth. She’s leaning into her independence, her friendships, and maybe even some new romance.

As Greensmith put it: “I feel as if I am witnessing her walk into a new phase of her life. A part of growing up is learning how to live with heartbreak instead of living against it.”

That resilience makes Violet one of the most compelling characters on Chicago Fire. And in season 14, fans can expect to see her step boldly into her future — no matter what challenges come her way.