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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A

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.

see you, Coco. There’s no hiding now, it

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

However, they

the camera was rushing over, waving his notebook. “Where were

bumped into. I stepped on a few toes and elbowed a few accidentally, but I eventually made it to the

coy, Evie!” Another blinding flash. More scribbling. “Have you two made up? Did you

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

heard another voice behind me, and I turned wearily to

computer between them. The sight of them made my

think I’d see you so soon!” I said,

Evie! I see you’ve already

me,” I told them. Aria patted the space between them for me to sit and I obliged. She removed the laptop and placed it on her

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

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Chapter 30

like some of the lemonade from the fridge.

will surely tarnish my reputation. It’s not like I’m some pop star that

When he saw me hunch over, he scooted

the long run if we don’t act quickly. If only I wasn’t distracted with competing with my

could see the gears grinding in their minds. Eventually, Aria turned her laptop around and placed

this for?” I asked, scrolling

you know…” Lucas flicked his wrist. “We figured it

shot Aria a look and she

and we’d barely have room to walk around the living room, and I didn’t want

evenly, maximizing the image. They gave me some expectant glances and

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