The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 48

The hospital room was dimly lit, casting a flourescent glow over Timothy’s frail form lying in the bed. A cry escaped my lips at the sight of him in such a weakened state. His face was pale, and his eyes were heavy with pain.

Fresh tears welled in my eyes as I approached his bedside. As I walked closer, his eyes snapped open and he smiled brightly. It was almost child–like, his eyes full of hope as he caught me standing there,

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice hoarse.

“Hi,” I replied. “How are you feeling?”

“Better now that you’re here,” Timothy said. He tried to sit up but groaned at the pain in his shoulder. I rushed over and adjusted the pillows so that he could be propped up.

When I was sure he was comfortable, I pulled a chair close to the bed and sat down, reaching for the glass of water on the nightstand. “Here, Timothy, you need to stay hydrated,” I said gently, offering him the water.

He smiled weakly and took a few sips, wincing slightly as he moved. “Thank you, Evie,” he whispered.

I shook my head, tears streaming down my cheeks. “I’m sorry I got you involved in all of this. I never thought he would go so far!”

Timothy sighed. “No, Evie, this isn’t your fault. Bruce had the knife and decided to use it.”

“Still,” I looked away from Timothy’s intense stare. “If I hadn’t gone to him on my own, he wouldn’t have been able to kidnap me.”

Timothy’s eyes filled with concern as he looked at me. “How long has he been harassing you for money? Was he like this when you lived with him?”

Taking a deep breath, I looked back at Timothy. It was time to be truthful, even though it was a truth I hardly wanted to acknowledge.

“Bruce was my stepbrother, but I hardly considered him my sibling.” I began, my voice trembling. “He was the reason I left home suddenly all those years ago.”

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Chapter 45

“What?” Timothy’s eyes widened.

1 took a deep breath, mustering the courage to speak on Bruce. It was a reality that I hardly told anyone, not even Aria.

“When I was living at home with my father and stepmother, Bruce

“He

with anger, but he remained silent, encouraging me

explained further. I hugged my torso and looked away as the shame returned in full force. It felt like I always

whisper nasty things in my ear, and he

his fists tightening. “Don’t tell

and stepmother about what he was doing, but they didn’t believe me. Well, they

I was just exaggerating about her son or making it up to get attention. Of course, Bruce

worse.”

head away, like he could visualize the harsh memories

you out with this,” I

You can tell me, if you’re

ran my fingers over his swollen knuckles, which had begun to scab where the skin was torn. I fought the urge to kiss

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Chapter 48

was so

I was in my room, lying down, when I heard Bruce creeping into my room. He kept

The next part could come off unintentionally as a guilt–trip, which didn’t suit the situation with him being confined to a

it was what he asked for. I could set aside my filter for

enough to sleep with you, Timothy, then I’d spread

at that, his entire countenance shrouded in horror at

Not a sound left him as he leaned back against the pillows and stared up at the ceiling. His grip began to slip away from my mine and

There was a lamp on my bedside table I managed to grab and hit him

to ruin my life if I ever told anyone. what

“You did the right thing. I’m so sorry, Evie. You never deserved any of

terrified,” I confessed, tears streaming down my cheeks. “I knew I couldn’t stay there any longer. So, I took what little money I

ran away. I up found myself alone in the

in his and pulled me closer. All at once, I found myself buried in his comforting embrace. “You were protecting yourself,”

“She saved me and took me in. I was able

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Chapter 48

wiping away my tears. “Figures you would