The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 58

As I sat curled up in bed, engrossed in a book, my phone buzzed. An unknown number popped up on the screen and a chill ran up my spine, finding it all too familiar.

Tentatively, I opened the message to find a simple, yet intriguing question: “Are you still willing to go on that date with me?”

Confusion washed over me as I tried to recall any recent interactions that could lead to this message.

Who are you? I asked.

He texted back, My apologies. It’s Alex.

I gasped, my mind racing to figure out how he had gotten my number. The last time I had seen him was at the trial weeks ago, but I hadn’t given him my contact information.

My thoughts inevitably drifted to Timothy. He had been on my mind so much lately, and our complicated relationship made the idea of going on a date with -someone else feel like a betrayal.

However, the memory of Linda and their close bond surfaced, and a hint of frustration followed. Perhaps going out with Alex would be an opportunity to make Timothy realize what he could be missing. It wasn’t about playing games or seeking revenge, but rather asserting my worth and reminding myself that I deserved genuine affection and attention.

Feeling more confident, I typed back, Sure, I’ll go on that date with you.

We arranged to meet at a nice restaurant, and I rushed to get ready for the evening. I stood in front of my closet, carefully inspecting the array of dresses. hanging before me. As I fussed over which dress to wear, I felt my stomach churning with anxiety.

Part of me hoped that this date would be a fresh start, a chance to move on from the complex web of feelings I had for Timothy. But another part of me, buried deep within, didn’t want the date to go well at all.

Shaking off those thoughts, I decided on a simple but elegant black. As I slipped it

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1. on. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. My dark hair cascaded down my shoulders, and I tried to style it in a way that exuded grace and poise.

Maybe this wasn’t the right thing to do. Alex was a charming and successful hockey player, admired by many, but I knew that he had his own baggage and history with Timothy. Would going out with him just be a way to provoke Timothy, or was I genuinely interested in seeing where this date could lead?

With a final adjustment to my hair, I took a deep breath and reminded myself that this date was simply casual. If I was lucky, maybe something would come out of it. I needed to give Alex a fair chance and not let Timothy’s presence overshadow the evening.

A while later, Alex sent a text asking for my address. After receiving it, he arrived exactly thirty minutes later in a sleek, gray car. He stopped just at the entrance of the apartment gates and stepped out.

I walked over and activated the gates with the code. After they slid open, squealing on their hinges, I passed through and waved at Alex. He was leaning on the side door, hands in his pockets, as he smiled at me.

I said,

you, Evie,” he replied with a

you,” I stuttered, walking

me inside. As I settled into the passenger seat, I noticed a bouquet of roses

asked, feeling a blush

grinned. “Yes, they are. A little something to start the evening off

that he had put thought into tonight, and I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. Maybe this evening would be more enchanting than

restaurant, Alex asked, “So, how have you

response casual, not wanting to divulge too much information. “I’ve been alright, trying to focus

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Chapter 38

site in the country, Evic.

in my chin and nodded. “I

city lights danced outside the window, and I found myself lost in thought, wondering where this evening would

a palace, with ornate decorations and

twinkling in the night sky. Soft, ambient

Alex said, his

captivated

gentle hum of conversations and the aroma of delectable dishes wafting through the

smile, “tell me more

since I was a child, I’ve had a strong sense of justice. I always wanted to stand up for those who couldn’t defend themselves,

I spoke, Alex’s eyes remained fixed on me,

nod. “You must have worked

stronger. I’m sure you know

enough,” Alex said with a shrug. “I’m no social hero,

bites of delicious food, we laughed and shared anecdotes from our

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Chapter 58

an intimate bubble amid the bustling

soft and tender. “Evie, I can’t remember the last time I had such a magical evening. You are truly one

my cheeks flush with a mixture of joy and nervousness. “Thank you, Alex,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

in his, and I felt a gentle spark of electricity pass between us. His touch was tender and reassuring, and in that moment, it felt as if

and probing, “tell me about Timothy. What’s he really

cheerful demeanor had shifted to something darker. The soft candlelight cast flickering shadows across the table, reflecting the unease that had settled between

respond. “He’s a complicated person,” I finally replied, choosing my words

you’re