The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 67

That evening, a heavy cloud of regret settled over me as I sat on the edge of my couch, my thoughts swirling in a chaotic dance. I had really messed up. Exposing even a sliver of my relationship with Timothy had left me feeling as though I had betrayed our private moments, and the weight of it pressed down on my heart like a leaden weight.

The room around me was dimly lit, the soft glow of a lamp casting long shadows on the walls. I absently picked at the edge of a cushion, my gaze distant and lost in a labyrinth of self- recrimination. I replayed the conversation I had had earlier with the homeless woman, Maria, and how my emotions had carried me away, revealing a part of my life I had sworn to keep hidden.

The sound of a distant car horn jolted me from my thoughts, and I sighed heavily, running a hand through my hair. How had I allowed myself to be so careless? My relationship with Timothy was fragile enough. However, I had let my guard down, exposing a glimpse of our connection to a complete stranger.

The memory of Maria’s probing questions echoed in my mind, and I realized how obvious her intentions should have been. She had just seemed so innocent and open to what I had to say. She had also appeared vulnerable, so I couldn’t have possibly refused to help her.

With the curiosity eating away at me, I checked every social media app for even a slight shift in the #TEVIE narrative. Everything was relatively the same. Fans were still praising our supposed love while posting fan–edits.

I set my phone aside and reclined against the couch cushions, my heart a little lighter. At least the damage hadn’t taken form yet. I couldn’t expect that to last too long though.

With a sigh, I allowed my gaze to drift toward the window, where the night sky stretched out like an endless canvas of twinkling stars.

Lost in my thoughts, I was shaken by a hesitant knock on my apartment door. I glanced at the clock, surprised by the lateness of the hour. Who could it be at this time?

Heart pounding, I hurried to the door, my curiosity piqued. But to my bewilderment, when I swung the door open, I found no one there. Instead, a neatly folded letter caught my eye, placed just on top of the doormat. My fingers

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Chapter 67

trembled slightly as I reached down to retrieve it.

My name was elegantly scrawled across the envelope, and my breath caught in my throat as saw who the sender was. My heart was beating a mile per minute- anticipation, curiosity, and a flicker of nervousness. With the letter clutched in my hand, I retreated into my apartment, my heart racing.

Sinking back onto the couch, I carefully opened the envelope, my fingers trembling slightly as I unfolded the neatly handwritten pages. After drawing in a shaky breath, I began to read:

“Dear Evie,

I hope this letter finds you well. First and foremost, I wanted to thank you for joining me for dinner the other night. It was nice being able to share a meal with someone other than the guys on the team. I’m hoping we can make these kinds of nights habitual.

Additionally, I wanted to apologize again for making assumptions about you and Linda. I’m the last person that should be judging anybody, especially someone as well–meaning as you. Please know that I never meant to doubt your intentions or question your loyalty.

Also, the cake you made me was delicious! I’m technically supposed to have a strict diet for practice, but there are certain things that I can’t refuse. I’m hoping to return the favor soon enough, hopefully a surprise that is equally as sweet.

Throughout all this drama, you’ve shown me kindness and understanding when I needed it the most, and I want you to know that I am sincerely grateful. You could have left me to fend for myself, and I wouldn’t have blamed you for it. Still, you chose to help me out after everything I’d done.

it’s not too much to ask, I’m hoping that we can start anew from here. I don’t want to be the boy that broke you over a stupid bet. You mean more

Sincerely, Timothy”

phrase. My heart seemed to melt within my chest. The sincerity

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Chapter 67

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set it down, a sudden commotion outside caught my attention. I rushed over and parted the curtains before pureeing out, my eyes widening in surprise.

Duke who determinedly dashed to reach the flying disk before it touched the grass. The scene before me was heartwarming–the easy smiles, the playful interaction, the genuine joy in the simple act of spending

I felt a cool sensation on my cheeks, and I went to dab it away, my fingers pulling back with a distinct wetness. Tears were pouring out of my eyes, and I rushed

the front door swung open, and Aria breezed in, her energy contagious as always. She carried a bag of take–out in one

shoved the letter between the couch cushions and

bag on the table. “Chinese

blush coloring my cheeks. “Yeah, I did.

curiosity. “Really? That’s great!

you

memory of Timothy’s heartfelt letter playing in my mind. “He said he liked it a lot,” I replied, deciding to keep the details of the letter to

playfully. “Just liked it a

of amusement and happiness. “Well, he also thanked me for believing in

nudged me with an elbow. “Sounds

set them

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Chapter 67

the home–cooked delicacy Timothy had made. We were probably a little too

Was.

I could eat more of that lasagna,”

me, a potsticker dangling from between her teeth.

playful pout on my lips. “Oh, Aria, I didn’t tell you. Timothy

Aria’s

surprise. “Lasagna? At Timothys’s

a hint of

grin transformed into one of excitement. “Evie, spill the details! How was it? What did you guys

My

flushed, and I tried to contain my growing smile. “It was… nice. We

her

gaze held a mischievous glint as she raised an eyebrow. “Uh–huh, just friends. Just

“Aria, don’t start with that. We’re really just friends. Besides,