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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Chapter 36

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

Evie and I were planning on doing something,”

“Really?” Aria asked.

again and I shifted my gaze from Timothy to

eyes painfully tender. “Of course. The best lawyer in the world deserves a fancy treat.

and Lucas?” I asked him after a moment of silence. He eyebrows shot

seconds, and I saw the

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down the hall did Timothy nod exasperatedly, his

Let’s just get out of here,” he said, then grabbed my hand as we

the fanciest restaurant I’d ever seen. The ceilings were lined with crystal chandeliers that gave the room an

server took us to a round table draped in a white

miss?” asked the server, who held a sparkling bottle above my glass. I nodded awkwardly and watched as he

said, already sipping from his

to one of these ever!” Aria spat, flipping through the menu. It had

alone, especially with the table. being so secluded. Even sitting across from Timothy, who would give me the occasional glance, was pushing

over the menu,” said the waiter, and he pulled out a notepad and pencil.

smiled wide. “I wouldn’t mind some

even have room

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

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

grin upon hearing those words.

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Chapter 36

looking through it with sudden

Timothy growled at

I lifted my menu

mask the smile on my

like a breath of fresh air. Timothy and I were both free to an extent, although that made

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

time as ever to propose a toast,” he said, stealing a glance at me.

for being here tonight,” Timothy continued as a light blush dusted his cheeks. “Today is a day I will cherish forever, and I couldn’t let it

face in the menu once more. There

her, I knew she was exceptional, not just as a lawyer, but as a person. She spent many sleepless

started burning and I wiped them furiously, fearing the tears. ready

stand up for themselves. And I want. everyone

room fell silent, everyone captivated by

“Thank you for being an inspiration and a

his glass and announced his last

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