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 the

further on

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

dear. It’s one

to know more about their relationship, about the depth of their bond, but I was afraid to pry.

to focus on the meal, on the flavors and textures that danced on my

wonder if he ever talked about 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

any longer. I needed to at least ask her about how

talk to you about something?” I asked tentatively, my heart

softened. “Of course, Evie. You can

said you and Timothy met online. How long until you

just a dumb fan on one of us forums. Most people don’t know this, but secretly goes

wondered if he’d reacted to Aria on some occasions.

right words. “I couldn’t help but notice all the photos of Timothy around your home, and the way you talk about him,

Chapter 57

connection. How did

lit up with joy as she began to recount the story of how she and Timothy had met and the memories they had shared. She spoke with such passion

her voice tinged with nostalgia. “I

confronted with a vivid display of Linda’s love for Timothy. Every word she uttered seemed to deepen the chasm between us, and my

eyes. “We’ve

nice,” I gritted

with Timothy, flaunting their connection in front of me. I didn’t want

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 was unique and special, only to discover that

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

sorry, Linda. I just remembered that I have an