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

0

A

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.

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

and I were planning

“Really?” Aria asked.

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

abruptly, his eyes painfully tender. “Of course. The best lawyer in the world deserves

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

seconds, and I

2/6

O

Thu, 21 Mar G

Chapter 36

555

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

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

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

soon as Lucas and Aria arrived, the server took us to a round table draped in a white cloth. I took

a sparkling bottle above my glass. I nodded

of these in a while,” Lucas said, already sipping

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

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

the waiter, and he pulled out a notepad and pencil. “In the

wide. “I wouldn’t mind

won’t even have room for dinner. You

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

waved her off. “It’s

mischievous grin upon hearing

3-6

21 Mar G

Chapter 36

looking through it with

at him,

I lifted my menu

the smile on my

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

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

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

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

more. There were some curious. patrons also

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. She spent many sleepless night to get us to this

My eyes started burning and I wiped them furiously, fearing the

it’s not just 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 know that this success isn’t just a win for our clients; it’s a

eyes glistening. The whole room fell silent, everyone captivated by Timothy’s words. I let out a shaky breath, my bottom

continued. “Thank you for being

announced his last words even louder. “To

4/6

A