The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 70

白号.51%

As I walked through my apartment door, I found Aria sitting on the couch, her brows furrowed in concern.

“Where have you been?” she asked worriedly, already rushing toward me.

I sighed, dropping my bag by the door. “Aria, you don’t have to always ask that.”

She shook her head. “Yes, I do. Especially after what happened with Bruce. I need to know you’re safe!”

I looked away, memories of that terrifying night flashing before my eyes. Bruce’s menacing presence, the cold fear gripping my heart, and the overwhelming sense. of vulnerability. Twice, I’ve been found, battered and helpless at the hands of

Bruce.

“I can’t get that image of you out of my mind,” she whispered, her voice cracking. She had her hands on my shoulders, her face twisted in pain. “I don’t know what I’d do.”

“I’m sorry, Aria,” I murmured, my voice heavy with regret. “I know you worry about me, but I can’t live my life in fear.”

She sighed, her expression softening. “I know, Evie. But you have to understand that I care about you. We’re family. And after everything that’s happened, I just can’t help it.”

I was taken aback by the depth of her concern. While I had been trying my best to move forward and put the past behind me, I hadn’t realized just how much my experiences had affected Aria as well.

“Aria, I appreciate your concern, but I promise I’m okay,” I assured her.

She shook her head, a tear escaping down her cheek. “It’s just that… I’ve seen you go through so much. And you’ve been getting so much attention lately that it’s been making me even more uneasy.”

My heart clenched at the sight of Aria’s tears. She had always been a pillar of strength, the calm in the storm, and to see her so vulnerable shook me to my core.

I stepped closer to her and gently wiped away her tear. “Aria, I had no idea you were feeling this way. I’m so sorry.”

1/4

Heed Top Metal Stamping? Get 10% Discount (Start Now)

12:21 Fri, 22 Mar Def

Chapter 70

She offered me a small smile, her vulnerability making her even more endearing. “Evie, you’re my best friend. Of course, I’m going to worry about you. I can’t help it.”

of her worry dissipate into the air. “Thank you, Aria. You mean the

grip almost desperate. “Please, just try

careful.”

promise, Aria,” I

mine. “And you promise you won’t keep things

heart swelling with gratitude for her unwavering support. “I

let out a relieved sigh, her tension visibly easing. Thank you,

tugged a hair behind her ear. “I appreciate

mine for a moment before she finally nodded. “So, where

patted the seat next to her. I plopped down beside her and pulled my knees to my chest. Aria’s friendship was

leaned my head against the back of the couch, closing my eyes

quirked up.

incident and the subsequent trip to the café restroom. Aria’s eyes widened, a mixture of shock and anger crossing her features. “Someone threw a milkshake

smile tugging at

anger. “Are you okay, though? I mean,

imping? Get 10% Discount (Start

Fri, 22 Mar

Chapter 70

the depth of

51%

promise me that you’ll stay in contact more often. With

I stated. “I’ll make

with Timothy? Just

spread through me.

out a playful groan, nudging my arm. “Evie, you’re totally falling

eyes, a blush creeping onto my cheeks. “Aria, come on. We’re

raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Uh–huh, friends who go on totally–non- romantic

arguing with Aria was futile. “Okay, fine. Maybe there’s a connection there, but

huh? Well, I think you should explore

chuckled, shaking my head.

chin. “You know, maybe I should get to know Timothy

an eyebrow. “And how

grin widened. “You could invite me along on your next

that’s not a bad

in

shot up from the couch and started pacing. “I can’t believe