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

and I were planning

“Really?” Aria asked.

again and I shifted my gaze from Timothy to my friends. A dinner with Timothy felt far

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

moment of silence. He eyebrows shot up at that and I added quickly, “It’s just that they

attention linger on Lucas for a few seconds, and I saw the gears turning in his head. Suppose it would’ve been rude to

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

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

ceilings were lined with crystal chandeliers that gave the room an ethereal glow. The walls

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

the server, who held a sparkling bottle above my glass. I nodded awkwardly and watched as he poured the amber liquid into my

Lucas said, already sipping from his drink. “Those

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

imagine if Timothy and I had come alone, especially with the table. being so secluded. Even sitting across from Timothy, who would

moment to look over the menu,” said the waiter, and he pulled

smiled wide. “I wouldn’t

her. “You won’t even have room for dinner. You know how you

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

waved her off. “It’s

upon hearing those words. He picked up

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Chapter 36

through it with sudden

reason,” Timothy growled at him, and Lucas

I lifted my menu

like “P, trying to mask the smile

air. Timothy and I were both free to an extent, although

stood suddenly, clearing his throat. He took

now was as good a time as ever to propose a toast,” he said, stealing a

dusted his cheeks. “Today is a day I will cherish forever, and

face in the menu once more. There were

was a privilege to work closely with Evie on this case. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was exceptional, not just as a lawyer, but as a person.

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

those who can’t stand up for themselves. And I want. everyone to know that this

Aria pressed a hand to her chest, her eyes glistening. The whole room fell silent, everyone captivated by Timothy’s words. I let out a shaky breath, my bottom lip

he continued. “Thank you for being an inspiration

his glass and announced his last words even

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