The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 30

Timothy’s jaw tightened, his disappointment evident. “I understand. I just… I care about you, and seeing you in so much stress, it’s hard not to want to help. But I’ll back off.”

As I looked into his eyes, I saw a warmth and affection that made my heart ache. “I’m sorry, Timothy,” I said, my voice trembling with sincerity. “I should have been more open about that with you. I appreciate your care, though. Really.”

Timothy’s shoulders relaxed, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “It’s no problem at all.”

The tension slowly began to ebb away, and we found ourselves sharing a genuine, if somewhat bittersweet, moment. But I knew that it was time to go. The encounter had left me emotionally drained, and I needed some space to gather my thoughts.

“I should head home,” I finally said, rising from my seat. “It’s been a long day.”

Timothy nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. “Of course, Evie. But at least let me walk you home. It’s getting late, and I want to make sure you get there safely.”

I hesitated for a moment, torn between my desire for some time alone and my awareness of the concern in Timothy’s eyes. In the end, I agreed, not wanting to hurt him any further.

“All right,” I said, “but you don’t have to. I can manage on my own.”

He rose from his seat and picked up the basket of supplies, his gaze never leaving mine. “I know you can, but I want to. It’s the least I can do after all this.”

My head was spinning by the time I got home. I spent most of the walk with. Timothy trying to imagine all the different scenarios that could have come out of it had I said “yes“. My body was still hot from his touch.

By the time I reached my apartment entryway, it didn’t take long for me to spot. the reporters at my doorstep. They were still camped out, tents and all. I took a deep breath, recalling all the cameras and microphones that had been shoved in my face on the way out

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Chapter 30

My phone chimed and buzzed in my pocket. The screen lit up as I pulled it out and I squinted at the bright screen.

There’s no

dropped the phone in my haste to look around. There was nothing but small trees and tall buildings surrounding me. I shifted my focus to the paparazzi,

However, they had certainly

The man with the camera was rushing over, waving his notebook. “Where were you? Were you just with

my head from them as I ducked through the crowd, not caring who I bumped into. I stepped on a few toes and elbowed a few accidentally, but I eventually made it to

Evie!” Another blinding flash. More scribbling. “Have

patting my back, begging for attention, but I shimmied away. Before they could pester me some more, I slammed

me, and I turned wearily

The sight of them made my worries slip away, almost miraculously. I rushed over

think I’d see you so soon!” I said,

“Good to see you again, Evie! I see you’ve already gotten your fame

clawing for any news on Timothy and me,” I told them. Aria patted the space between them for me to sit and I obliged. She removed the

is good press, my dear,” said Aria, and she gave my

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Chapter 30

cup of what looked like some of the lemonade

otherwise,” I said drearily. “Bad press will surely tarnish my reputation. It’s not like I’m some pop star that

he scooted closer and started smoothing the

reputation in the long run if we don’t act quickly. If

went quiet, and I could see the gears grinding in their minds. Eventually, Aria turned her laptop around and placed it on my lap. There was a large, L–shaped sofa on the screen that came in a pea

asked, scrolling

“We figured it wouldn’t hurt to look

a look and she simply

needed a new couch. Any bigger and we’d barely have room to walk around the living room, and I didn’t want to risk losing the comfort of the one we

up to something,” I said evenly, maximizing the image. They gave

through the catalog, discussing various furniture options, I thought of the paparazzi that seemed to be constantly lurking outside my windows, as well as from the persistent threats