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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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.”

arms around her in a comforting embrace, feeling the weight of her worry

tightly, her grip almost desperate.

careful.”

promise, Aria,” I

won’t

heart swelling with gratitude for her unwavering support. “I promise, Aria. No more keeping secrets. We’re in

sigh, her tension visibly easing. Thank you, Evie. That means more to me

tugged a hair behind her ear. “I appreciate it, Aria. I really

moment before she finally nodded. “So, where

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

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

brow quirked up.

the café restroom. Aria’s eyes widened, a

tugging at my lips. “Yeah, it

softened, concern replacing her anger. “Are you okay, though? I mean, physically?”

imping? Get

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Chapter 70

fine, but her worry was a testament to the depth of our friendship. “I’m okay, Aria. It’s just

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you’ll stay

stated. “I’ll make an effort to

“So, you spent the day with Timothy? Just the two of you?” she asked, a hint of suggestion in her

nodded, feeling a warmth spread through

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

rolled my eyes, a blush creeping onto

go on totally–non- romantic Walks together and have cute moments

knowing that arguing with Aria was futile. “Okay,

Well, I

chuckled, shaking my head.

she rubbed her chin. “You know, maybe I should get to know

arched an eyebrow. “And how do you

could invite me along on your next

a bad idea. I could see if he’s up

old cheery self in

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