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.

me after, his hug even more suffocating. “You’re a rockstar! What are you going to do now

Evie and I were planning on doing

“Really?” Aria asked.

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

his eyes 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 helped so much, moral support and all. They should celebrate with us too, if that’s

his teeth. I noticed hist 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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the press spotted us down the hall did Timothy nod exasperatedly, his

of here,” he said, then grabbed my hand as we followed him out of

crystal chandeliers that gave the room an ethereal

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

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

haven’t been to one of these in a while,” Lucas said, already sipping from his drink. “Those burger joints can

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

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

menu,” said the waiter, and he pulled

smiled wide. “I wouldn’t mind

eyes at her. “You won’t even have room for

and

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

grin upon hearing

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and started looking through it with sudden interest.

Timothy growled at him, and

I lifted my menu

felt like “P, trying to mask the smile on

I were both free to an extent, although that made

Timothy stood suddenly, clearing his throat. He took his

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

as a light blush dusted his cheeks. “Today is a day I will cherish forever,

burying my face in the menu once more. There

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 tears. ready to

her kindness, her compassion, and the way she stands up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. And I want.

hand to her chest, her eyes glistening. The whole room fell silent, everyone captivated by Timothy’s

he continued. “Thank you for being an inspiration and a brilliant

his glass and announced his last words

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