The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 36

As soon as that gavel hit the table, it was like waking up from a nightmare.

“Evie, you did it,” Timothy exclaimed, rushing toward me. I gasped as he wrapped me in a tender hug, twirling me around. I returned the hug, feeling the swell of pride and relief.

He set me down and I couldn’t help but laugh at the sudden look of embarrassment on his face, like he just realized what he had done.

“UH, sorry. Got a little excited…” He rubbed the back of his neck and I nudged him in the arm.

“It’s fine.” I kept my hands on his arms, steadying myself with his weight or I’d tip over otherwise. I was still winded by the exhilaration of it all. “We’re okay.”

As we pulled apart, the atmosphere shifted. Linda approached with a tight–lipped smile. Her tone was laced with sarcasm as she said, “Well, well, Evic. I have to admit, I’m surprised. I didn’t think you had it in you.”

I shot back with a smile of my own, “Well, Linda, let this be a lesson in not underestimating others. Especially if they were given the opportunity over you.”

The retort hung in the air, leaving Linda stunned. Timothy snorted beside me and I couldn’t help but smile myself.

Linda scowled. “You two clowns deserve each other,” she grumbled.

With that curt comment, Linda stomped away. It certainly didn’t dampen our spirits.

As we began to make our way down the courthouse steps, the paparazzi descended upon us like a swarm of hungry vultures. Flashbulbs popped, and a barrage of questions assaulted our ears. The sudden attention left me feeling sheepish, as I had never been one to seek the spotlight.

“Evie, how does it feel to have won such a high–profile case?”

“Mr. Timothy, what are your plans now that you’ve been cleared of the charges?”

The questions were relentless, and I did my best to answer with composure. “I’m just glad justice was served. Timothy’s future is bright, and I’ll continue to support

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him in any way I can.”

Timothy flashed a confident smile at the cameras. “Agreed. I’m looking forward to moving on and getting back to the game I love, and I presume Ms. Sinclair’s career will prosper all the same.”

As we attempted to make our way through the paparazzi gauntlet, it was clear that the victory had thrust us into the public eye. It seemed like the whole city was standing in the entryway.

Once we managed to break free from the paparazzi, Timothy turned to me with a smile. “So, about dinner tonight, what do you say?”

The question stunned me, and I found myself stuttering. Timothy peered down at

his expression hopeful, as he awaited my response.

me,

The silence would have lasted a lifetime if Aria and Lucas hadn’t cut–off the silence as they stormed in squealing. I hadn’t even realized they had come.

“I knew you could do it!” Aria cheered, wrapping me in a hug.

a rockstar! What are you going to do now that

were planning on doing something,” Timothy

“Really?” Aria asked.

I shifted my gaze from Timothy to my friends. A dinner

course. The best lawyer

said finally. “Would I be able to invite Aria and Lucas?” I asked him after a moment of silence. He eyebrows shot up at that and I added quickly, “It’s just that they helped so much, moral support and all. They should celebrate with us too, if

flickered behind his eyes and he kissed his teeth. I noticed hist attention linger on Lucas for a few seconds, and I saw the gears turning in his head.

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of the press spotted us down

here,” he said, then grabbed my hand as we followed

were lined with crystal chandeliers that gave the room an ethereal glow. The walls were an intimate velvet color that had flecks

a round table draped in a white cloth. I took my napkin and laid it in

I nodded

one of these in a while,” Lucas said, already sipping from his drink. “Those

ever!” Aria spat, flipping through the menu. It had numerous

the table. being so secluded. Even sitting across from Timothy, who would give me the

look over the menu,” said the waiter, and he pulled out

“I wouldn’t mind some

narrowed my eyes at her. “You won’t even have room for

meal,” she said, then clamped her mouth shut and looked shyly at Timothy. “At least I assumed it

waved her off. “It’s my treat. I’ll pay for

a mischievous grin upon hearing those words. He picked

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Chapter 36

it with sudden

reason,” Timothy growled at him,

I lifted my menu

trying to mask the smile on my face. After everything,

fresh air. Timothy and I were both free to an extent, although that made me wonder about where we’ll be once this dinner

startled when Timothy stood suddenly, clearing his throat. He took his champagne glass and lifted

time as ever to propose a toast,” he said,

here tonight,” Timothy continued as a light blush dusted his cheeks. “Today is a day I will cherish

groaned, burying my face in the menu once more. There were some curious. patrons

moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was exceptional, not just as a

I wiped them furiously, fearing the tears. ready to

and the way she stands up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. And I

eyes glistening. The whole room fell silent, everyone captivated

to say thank you again, Evie,” he continued. “Thank you for being an inspiration and a brilliant lawyer. To me, you will always represent true

his glass and announced his last words even louder. “To

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