The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 62

With Aria’s support, I embarked on a mission to uncover Linda’s sinister background. Armed with determination and fueled by a desire to clear Timothy’s name, we delved deeper into Linda’s past, leaving no stone unturned.

Days blurred together as we scoured social media platforms, online forums, and news articles for any shred of information that could unveil Linda’s background. We sat huddled together on the couch, our laptop screens illuminating our faces. We stumbled upon platforms where Linda’s obsession with Timothy was laid bare, manifested through fan edits, heart–studded posts, and a virtual shrine dedicated to the man who had captured her infatuated heart.

“It’s like she’s been weaving this twisted narrative in her head for years,” Aria murmured, a tinge of unease in her voice.

I huffed. “She is obsessed with him.”

We continued to scroll, our eyes scanning post after post that showcased Linda’s unsettling fixation. Timothy’s face adorned every corner of her digital realm, a stark reminder of the lengths she had gone to maintain her illusion.

The day turned to dusk, the amber glow of the setting sun casting a warm hue across the room. With every revelation, I felt more and more repulsed by this woman. Linda was not just a simple pet–sitter.

“Evie, look at this!” Aria exclaimed, pointing at her laptop screen.

My eyes darted to the screen, where an article headline caught my attention: “Timothy Hayes: From Hockey Star to Family Man?”

My heart pounded as I read the article, a growing sense of unease settling in the pit of my stomach. The paparazzi interview had Linda at the center, her face splashed across the screen as she spoke in a tone that was equal parts saccharine and calculated.

“Timothy and I were always thinking of having kids,” Linda went on, flipping her hair. “We figured now, with the legal stuff out of the way, we could finally settle down and produce the fruits of our love.”

I nearly gagged at that last line.

1/4

@51%D

12

Chapter 62

“I can’t believe my ears, Aria grumbled, turning away. “As if he’d throw his career away over her.”

As the interview continued, Linda’s words became more fantastical. She spoke of shared dreams and whispered promises, alluding to a future that would never exist. My mind reeled, struggling to comprehend the audacity of her self- deception.

eyes blazing with determination. “Have you already spoken to

Timothy’s pained expression swam to the forefront of my mind. He hadn’t appreciated what I had done with Linda, although

“But I told him

on the coffee table. “Oh. Why did you go to that dinner, Evie? She was pretty much a

through my hair as I gathered my thoughts. “I know. I just… I had a feeling that something was off about her, but I let

pretty powerful. It’s only natural that it would affect your

back, I should have seen through her act,” I admitted. “Linda was acting strange, almost obsessive, about

a hug. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Evie. And I’m sure Timothy isn’t be too upset

my eyes. “What makes

me a wink. “Because he’s your biggest fan,” she said

for a moment. He had communicated a similar sentiment at that dinner after the trial, when

to the window, where the fading

2/4

Fri, 22 Mar

Chapter 62

the past, but I

51%/

talking to him again, see if we can

arm gently. “That’s

that day, I stood before Timothy’s apartment door, my heart fluttering with a mixture of nerves and anticipation. My knuckles rapped against

breath held in anticipation. He probably wouldn’t answer. I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t, especially if he thought I was in cahoots with Linda the whole

25 200

surprise and relief, a flicker of something familiar in his eyes. Before he

forth with a raw honesty. “I know I should’ve been more cautious with Linda, and I would never give her any private

to lift from his shoulders.

release. Fortunately, he had caught all

should’ve known better than to jump to

passing

warmth spreading through the air between us.

threshold of his apartment, the tension that had once strained our connection seemed to ebb away. It was a tentative step toward mending the rift between us–a step

continued, rubbing his chin. “Why did you meet with Linda,