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,

hugged me back tightly, her grip almost desperate. “Please, just try

careful.”

promise, Aria,”

pulled back slightly, her eyes locking onto mine. “And you promise you won’t keep things from me? You’ll let me

swelling with gratitude for her unwavering support. “I

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

behind her ear. “I

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

beside her and pulled my knees to my chest. Aria’s friendship

back of the couch, closing

brow quirked up. “Eventful

café restroom. Aria’s eyes widened, a mixture of shock and anger

small smile tugging at my lips.

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

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Chapter 70

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

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promise me that you’ll stay in contact more

stated. “I’ll make an effort to keep

the day with Timothy? Just the two of

a warmth spread

groan, nudging my arm.

rolled my eyes, a blush creeping onto my cheeks. “Aria, come

skeptically. “Uh–huh, friends who go on totally–non- romantic Walks together and have cute moments

sighed, knowing that arguing with Aria was futile. “Okay, fine. Maybe

“Complicated, huh? Well,

chuckled, shaking my head.

turned thoughtful, and she rubbed her chin. “You know, maybe I

eyebrow. “And how do you

widened. “You could invite me along on your next outing with

a bad idea. I could see if he’s

self in a flash. I

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