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.

his hug even more suffocating. “You’re a rockstar! What are you going to

were planning on doing something,” Timothy chimed

“Really?” Aria asked.

and I shifted my gaze from

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

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 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

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down the hall

just get out of here,” he said, then

the room an ethereal glow. The walls were an intimate

took us to a round table draped in a white cloth. I took

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

one of these in a while,” Lucas said, already sipping from his drink. “Those

never been to one of these ever!” Aria spat, flipping through the menu. It had numerous delicacies, half of which I

so secluded. Even sitting across from Timothy,

waiter, and he pulled

wouldn’t mind some

I narrowed my eyes at her. “You won’t even have room for dinner. You

free meal,” she said, then clamped her mouth shut and looked shyly at Timothy. “At least

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

grin upon hearing those

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Chapter 36

and started looking through it with sudden interest. “Everything,

reason,” Timothy growled at him, and Lucas

I lifted my menu

to mask the smile on my face.

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

when Timothy stood suddenly, clearing his throat. He took his champagne glass and lifted it in

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

you all for being here tonight,” Timothy continued as a light blush dusted his cheeks. “Today is a day I will cherish forever, and I

the menu once more. There were some curious. patrons also

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

and I wiped them furiously, fearing the

compassion, and the way she stands up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.

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

to say thank you again, Evie,” he continued. “Thank you for being an inspiration and

glass and announced his last words even

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