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.

hug even more suffocating. “You’re a rockstar! What

planning on

“Really?” Aria asked.

my gaze from Timothy to my friends. A dinner with

tender. “Of course. The best lawyer in the

silence. He eyebrows shot

on Lucas for a few seconds, and

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members of the press spotted us down the hall did Timothy nod

then grabbed my hand as we followed him out

the room an ethereal glow. The walls

the server took us to a round table draped in a white cloth. I

glass. I nodded awkwardly and watched

Lucas said,

never been to one of these ever!” Aria spat, flipping through the menu. It had numerous delicacies, half of which I could hardly pronounce. It

couldn’t imagine if Timothy and I had come alone, especially with the table. being so secluded. Even sitting across from

to look over the menu,” said the waiter, and he pulled out a notepad and pencil. “In the meantime,

wouldn’t

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

and looked shyly at Timothy. “At least I assumed it was…I can

laughed and waved her off. “It’s my treat. I’ll

gave him a mischievous grin upon

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Chapter 36

looking through it with sudden interest.

at him, and

I lifted my menu

like “P, trying to mask the smile

an extent, although that made me wonder about where we’ll be once

startled when Timothy stood suddenly, clearing his throat. He took his

as ever to propose a toast,” he said, stealing a glance

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

in the menu once more. There were

I knew she was exceptional, not just as a lawyer, but as a person. She spent many sleepless night to get us to this

and I wiped them furiously, fearing the

her brilliance that I admire. It’s her kindness, her compassion, and the way she stands up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. And I want. everyone

to her chest, her eyes glistening. The whole room fell silent, everyone captivated by Timothy’s words. I let out a shaky

he continued. “Thank you for being an inspiration

his last words

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