The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 40

Two days had flown by since our last–minute decision to move. We were prepared to toss it all out in exchange for the furnished luxury apartment that awaited us downtown.

Lucas insisted on helping out, which made the move even smoother. We were able to clean and leave the old place in semi–decent condition before driving the moving truck all the way to the new place. Perhaps it was the bright new day, but I felt like a brand–new person as I walked into the luxury apartment building alongside my friends.

It looked even more endearing than the last time we visited. The new place was a haven of elegance and comfort, a stark contrast to the cramped and worn–out apartment we had left behind. I took a deep inhale in and spread my arms out.

Lucas chuckled as he walked by and sat the last box of our personals beside the TV. The TV itself was a huge contrast, a wide flatscreen that made our little box of static back at the old apartment look embarrassing.

“Thank you so much for all your help, Lucas,” I said gratefully.

He wiped a bead of sweat from his brow and grinned. “No problem at all. I am always willing to help with an upgrade.”

Aria came in after him, drenched in sweat as she tossed down the last box. She cut her eyes to me and sneered. “Glad you’re enjoying the air conditioning.”

I laughed and grabbed her shoulders before positioning her in front of the vent by the near wall. “You can too. And it’s actually cold!”

Upon feeling the cool rush of air blasting through the vents, Aria began to melt under my grip.

We spent the next hour wandering around, just enjoying the beauty of it all. I’d never felt more excited to sleep in a bad that didn’t look like it had springs sticking out of it. Aria, of course, was fascinated by the bathroom, and Lucas was just used to the luxury of it all.

Suddenly, Lucas jerked to life and hopped off the couch.

“I almost forgot!” he exclaimed, rushing out of the living room. I heard the door

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Chapter 40

slam and I turn to give Aria a questioning look.

her, and she simply shrugged. Oddly enough, there was a hint of a

only he had a bottle of champagne in one hand and a large cake teetering in the other. I gasped as he set

continue the celebration,” he said,

move to the spacious balcony, taking in the breathtaking view of

champagne. The clinking of glasses then

as the bubbles tickling my tongue. The sensation would never get

replied, her gaze wandering across the cityscape. “It

to ditch my place for this one.” As we laughed, Lucas offered to

the soft cadence of the city below. The lights twinkled the sky darkened to a deep blue. The stars peeked out one by one, adding a touch of

so grateful to have both of you in my life,” I said softly. “Moving here. wouldn’t have been half as fun without

and squeezed my hand. “Glad we could make things easier. You

know we’re going to

Chapter 40

champagne flowed, and the cake disappeared, but

the living room, we set up the bar by the kitchen with an array of drinks. Aria prepared a platter of finger foods that we could snack on, especially since no one

the bar, mixing up delightful cocktails with flair. I sat back and watched the two work

on those fancy speakers that came with the

the sleek control panel on the wall, adjusting the volume and selecting a playlist full of pop music. As the first beats of music filled the

showcasing some of his well–practiced

trying to outdo the other before realizing how silly it had

once. The contrast was so great between them. Bruce was that dark shadow that haunted me, but Timothy was like a flickering candle, casting both warmth

of my head!” I clenched my hair and shook my head, as if the thoughts could escape through

eyes, trying to push the intrusive thoughts away, but the memories. played like a movie in my mind. I could feel Timothy’s strong hands working their magic on my feet, the gentle pressure releasing the knots in my muscles. Alongside the soothing memory came that familiar

well–intentioned. I couldn’t lie to myself about that. There had been moments when Timothy’s touch

Chapter 40

my head and ran over to the control panel. I