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.”

arms around her in a comforting embrace, feeling the weight of her worry dissipate into the air. “Thank

back tightly, her grip almost

careful.”

Aria,” I

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

with gratitude for her unwavering support. “I

visibly easing. Thank you, Evie. That means more

behind her ear. “I appreciate

gaze held mine for a moment before she finally nodded.

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, one I

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

quirked up.

the milkshake incident and the subsequent trip to the café restroom. Aria’s eyes widened, a mixture of

small smile tugging at my

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

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Chapter 70

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

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

stated. “I’ll make an

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

nodded, feeling a warmth spread through me. “Yeah, it

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

creeping onto my cheeks. “Aria,

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

that arguing with Aria was futile. “Okay, fine. Maybe there’s

huh? Well,

shaking my head.

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

“And how do you propose to

could invite me along on

not a bad idea. I could

in a flash. I couldn’t help but laugh

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