The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 70

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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.”

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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.”

wrapped my arms around her in a comforting embrace, feeling the weight of her worry dissipate into the air. “Thank you, Aria. You mean the

back tightly, her grip almost desperate.

careful.”

promise, Aria,”

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

swelling with gratitude for her unwavering support. “I promise, Aria. No

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

a hair behind her ear. “I appreciate it,

before she finally

to her. I plopped down beside her and pulled my knees to my chest. Aria’s friendship was a lifeline, one

the back of the couch, closing

brow quirked

recounting the milkshake 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 at you? That’s

tugging at

softened, concern replacing her anger. “Are you okay,

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Chapter 70

I was fine, but her worry was a testament to the depth

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me. “Evie, promise me that you’ll stay in contact more often. With the paparazzi getting more aggressive, I just

promise, Aria,” I stated. “I’ll make

evident. “So, you spent the day with Timothy? Just the

nodded, feeling a warmth spread

playful groan, nudging my arm. “Evie, you’re

onto my cheeks. “Aria, come on. We’re just

“Uh–huh, friends who go on totally–non- romantic Walks

that arguing with Aria was futile. “Okay,

mischievously. “Complicated, huh? Well, I think you

chuckled, shaking my head.

thoughtful, and she rubbed her chin. “You

“And how

me

not a bad idea. I could see

clapped her hands, returning to her old cheery self in a flash. I couldn’t help

the couch and