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.”

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

tightly, her grip

careful.”

Aria,” I

“And you promise you won’t keep things from me? You’ll let me in

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

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

a hair behind her ear. “I appreciate it,

for a moment before she

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

my head against the back of the couch, closing my eyes briefly. “Today was… eventful, to

quirked up. “Eventful

eyes widened, a mixture of shock and anger

nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Yeah, it was

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

Get 10% Discount (Start How)

22

Chapter 70

but her worry was a testament to the depth of our friendship. “I’m

51%

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

make an

into a smile, her relief evident. “So, you spent the day with Timothy? Just the two of you?” she asked, a hint of suggestion

spread

a playful groan, nudging my

creeping onto my cheeks. “Aria, come on.

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

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

“Complicated, huh? Well, I think you should

my head. “We’ll

chin. “You know,

how do you propose to do

“You could invite me along on

that’s not a bad idea. I could see if he’s up

self in

and started pacing. “I