The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 60

“Alright, Aria, prepare to be defeated!”

Before us lay a daunting game of chess. Black was currently in the lead, its horde of knights and bishops taking full control of the siege against the white pieces. Aria was down to her measly pawns and a lonely King.

She glared at me as I gloated, twisting her lips. “We’ll see about that. I’m not going down without a fight!”

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the windows of my apartment, creating a cozy atmosphere that was perfect for an impromptu board game session. Aria and I had decided to take a break from our busy lives and enjoy a relaxing afternoon together. The familiar sound

of game pieces shuffling filled the air as we settled down at the coffee table, ready for some friendly competition.

“I can’t believe we finally have some free time to ourselves,” Aria exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I chuckled, nodding in agreement. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to just relax and hang out.”

Aria grinned, leaning forward to examine the board. “It’s also been a while since. I’ve kicked your butt!”

“Well, you’re going to be waiting even longer before you ever defeat me!” I gloated.

As we played, the news on the television in the background served as mere background noise. It had been some simple daily news, up until around 4 o’clock. hit. The mention of Timothy’s name caused my ears to perk, and I drew my gaze away from the board.

“Hey, Aria, do you mind turning up the volume on the TV?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Aria obliged, raising the volume so we could hear the news more clearly. My ears perked up when I heard Timothy’s name mentioned in relation to a scandal.

“Timothy,” I whispered, my heart skipping a beat.

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Aria looked at me, concern evident in her eyes. “What’s going on?”

“They’re talking about Timothy,” I said, my voice tinged with worry. “Something about a scandal.”

As we listened, the news anchor mentioned tabloid accusations of Timothy’s involvement with a woman named Linda. I frowned, not liking where this was going.

“He’s releasing a statement,” Aria added, her eyes glued to the screen.

I suppose the day wouldn’t end on a happy note after all. As I settled onto the couch, my eyes fixed on the television screen, my heart raced with a mix of anxiety and frustration. The news anchor’s voice was calm and measured as he reported on the latest celebrity scandal, involving none other than my closest friend, Timothy.

himself entangled in a media storm over accusations of romantic involvement with

clenched my fists, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. Weren’t

aired Timothy’s press statement. He stood

was my pet–sitter. Nothing more, nothing less. The media hast blown this situation out of proportion, and I want

beat at his words. No romantic involvement at all? Linda had

showed images of Linda in Timothy’s apartment, laughing and tampering with his belongings. They had

had just been nothing more than a

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Chapter 60

for his pet when he was away? Regardless, the media’s insidious whispers had turned their innocent relationship into a

away from the television, my mind

face. “That doesn’t sound good. I hope he’s

in a

Linda had suddenly become popular with celebrity gossip news sites. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration. They were

ridiculous.

know,” I sighed, feeling a sense of helplessness. “I just wish people wouldn’t

on whether Timothy was in love with me or Linda! I scoffed at the absurdity of it all. Timothy and I were just friends, and yet

anything for a juicy story,” Aria

my own.

so unfair,” I muttered, anger bubbling within me. “Timothy doesn’t deserve this, especially

see through the gossip,”

words brought a sense of

to do some research on social media to gauge the public’s reaction to

those who believed the scandal and those who were

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Chapter 60

side, trusting his

to see so many people standing by him,” Aria

nodded, a glimmer of hope returning. “True fans will always support him, no matter

Linda, and Duke

asked, her curiosity

a moment before nodding. “Yes, I did.

leaned in, eager to hear