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.

over accusations of romantic involvement with a woman named Linda Thompson. The tabloids have been

whirlwind of emotions. Weren’t they dating? Why was

report continued, they aired Timothy’s press statement. He stood tall and composed, his eyes

set the record straight,” Timothy’s voice echoed through the room. “Linda Thompson was my pet–sitter. Nothing more, nothing less. The media hast blown this situation out

heart skipped a beat at his words. No romantic involvement at all? Linda had seemed so

report showed images of Linda in Timothy’s apartment, laughing and tampering with his belongings. They had turned ordinary moments into something sensationalized, and

than a friend, a person Timothy trusted

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

away from the television, my mind

eyebrow, concern etched on her face. “That

a daze. “I hope

become popular with celebrity gossip news sites. I couldn’t help but feel a

is ridiculous. They’re totally

of helplessness. “I just wish people

with me or Linda! I scoffed at the absurdity of it all. Timothy and I were just friends, and yet the media was trying to create a love triangle out

for a juicy story,” Aria commented, her

my own.

me. “Timothy doesn’t deserve this, especially right

hand on my shoulder. “People who truly know him will. see through the gossip,” she said. “You know the truth, and so do his real

sense of comfort, and I nodded in

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

factions- those who believed the scandal and those who were

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side, trusting his

people standing by him,” Aria

glimmer of hope returning. “True fans will always

showed blurred picture of what might have. been Timothy, Linda, and Duke standing at a park, laughing and chatting. Aria furrowed her eyebrows, studying the

ever meet Linda?” she asked, her curiosity getting the best

moment before nodding.

widened, and she leaned in, eager to hear