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

she was there half

could dwell further on

back into the dining room and found her setting the steaming plates of flakey chicken Wellington on the table. I felt my mouth water as I was

it, dear. It’s

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

on the meal, on the flavors and textures that danced on my tongue. Linda chatted animatedly

to Linda, if he confided in her about his life.

to at

talk to you about something?” I asked tentatively,

Evie. You can always

met online. How long until you made things

of us forums. Most people don’t know this, but secretly goes on those fan pages and masks as a fan, just

on some occasions. She

trying to find the 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

very special connection. How did

she began to recount the story of how she and Timothy had met and the memories they had shared. She spoke with such passion and love, like a woman reliving the most cherished moments of

don’t know what I’d do without him,” Linda finished, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “I

I had hoped for some clarity, but instead, I was confronted with a vivid display of Linda’s love for Timothy. Every word she uttered seemed to deepen

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

I gritted

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 had shared or how much

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 he had another person in his life

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

I excused myself from the table. “I’m sorry,