The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 57

As I parked my car in front of Linda’s small, unassuming home, a wave of uncertainty washed over me. Doubts crept into my mind, and I couldn’t help but question if I had made the right decision to come here tonight. My feelings for Timothy were becoming more complicated with each passing day, and I worried that spending time with Linda, his “lover“, would only exacerbate my internal struggle.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and walked up to the front door. Before I could even knock, the door swung open, revealing Linda’s warm smile. “Evie!

“Linda!” I forced a smile.

“It’s so lovely to see you. Come on in. I just started dinner!”

Her welcoming words eased some of the tension in my chest, and I stepped inside, feeling grateful for her comforting presence. Hopefully, dinner would provide the solace I needed.

As I followed her into the cozy kitchen, the scent of a home–cooked meal enveloped me, evoking a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. The table was set with care, and the sight brought a small smile to my lips.

“Thank you for having me, Linda,” I said, trying to push aside my worries and focus on the present moment.

She smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting genuine kindness. “You’re always welcome here, Evie. Also, dinner’s almost done.”

As Linda bustled around the kitchen, I couldn’t help but take in my surroundings. Her home was cluttered but inviting, filled with trinkets and photographs. My eyes landed on one particular photo of Timothy, his arms wrapped around Duke as he faced away from the camera.

Their smiles were radiant and seeing Timothy so happy together made my heart. ache with a mix of emotions. There were several others like it with just Timothy in the image. Timothy playing hockey, going grocery shopping, or even brushing his teeth.

He was always facing away in the photos. They could’ve bene candid shots, but not one of them featured Linda. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he didn’t even

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Chapter 47

was there half

could dwell further on the photos, Linda

flakey chicken Wellington on the table. I felt my mouth water as I was drawn toward the delicious looking

It’s one of Timothy’s favorite dishes,”

bond, but I was afraid to pry. I didn’t want to reveal the intensity of my feelings for him,

that danced on my tongue. Linda chatted animatedly about her day, about the people. she had met, and about her latest gardening

me to Linda, if he confided in her about his life. and his hopes and dreams. I felt a pang of jealousy at the thought of him sharing those

up any longer. I needed to at least ask her about how things were between them. Linda.

about something?” I asked tentatively, my heart pounding

course, Evie. You can always talk to me

and Timothy met online. How long

with fondness. “I was just a dumb fan on one of us forums. Most people don’t know this, but secretly goes on those fan pages and masks as a fan, just to

to Aria on

couldn’t help but notice all the photos of Timothy around

Chapter 57

special connection. How

how she and Timothy had met and the memories they had shared.

what I’d do without him,” Linda finished, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

with a vivid display of Linda’s love for Timothy. Every word she uttered seemed to deepen the

in her eyes. “We’ve been through so much together, and he’s

nice,” I

a forced smile, but inside, I was seething. It felt like Linda was gloating about her relationship with Timothy, flaunting their connection in front of me. I didn’t want to hear about all the special moments they

irritation turned to anger. I felt like an outsider in my own friendship with him. It was as if I had been living in a fantasy, believing that our bond

in her memories to notice my discomfort. It felt like she was rubbing salt in the wound, unknowingly

to bear it any longer, I excused myself from the table. “I’m sorry, Linda. I just remembered that I have