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.

more suffocating. “You’re a rockstar! What are you going to do now that you’re an elite

and I were planning on doing something,” Timothy chimed

“Really?” Aria asked.

felt the tension rise once again and I shifted my gaze from Timothy to my friends. A dinner with Timothy felt

his eyes painfully tender. “Of course. The best lawyer in the

know what? That sounds nice!” I said finally. “Would I be able to invite Aria and Lucas?” I asked him after a moment of silence. He eyebrows

his eyes and he kissed his teeth. I noticed hist attention linger on Lucas for a few seconds,

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us down the

said, then grabbed my hand as we followed him out

was the fanciest restaurant I’d ever seen. The ceilings were lined with crystal chandeliers that gave the room an ethereal glow. The walls were an intimate velvet color that had flecks of twinkling

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

a sparkling bottle above my glass. I nodded awkwardly and watched as he poured the amber liquid into my champagne

been to one of these in a while,” Lucas said, already sipping from his drink. “Those burger joints can get pretty

to one of these ever!” Aria spat, flipping through the menu. It had numerous delicacies, half of which I could hardly pronounce. It was all

especially with the table. being so secluded. Even sitting across from Timothy, who

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

wouldn’t mind some buffalo

even have room for dinner. You know how

she said, then clamped her mouth shut and looked shyly at

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

grin upon hearing those words. He picked

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Chapter 36

through it with sudden interest. “Everything,

growled at him,

I lifted my menu

to mask the smile on

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

all startled when Timothy stood suddenly, clearing his throat.

toast,” he said, stealing a glance at me. Lucas

blush dusted his cheeks. “Today is a day I will cherish forever, and I couldn’t let

burying my face in the menu once more. There were

she was exceptional, not just as a lawyer, but as a person. She spent many sleepless night to

wiped them furiously, fearing

stand up for themselves. And I want. everyone to know that this success isn’t

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

you for being an inspiration and a brilliant lawyer. To me,

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

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