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.”

the weight of her worry dissipate

grip almost desperate. “Please, just try to

careful.”

promise, Aria,” I

you won’t keep things from me? You’ll let me in when you’re

with gratitude for her unwavering support. “I promise,

her tension visibly easing. Thank you, Evie. That

ear. “I

a moment before

couch and patted the seat next to her. I plopped down beside her and pulled my knees to my

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

brow quirked up.

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 my lips. “Yeah, it

her anger. “Are

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22 Mar

Chapter 70

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

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out a sigh of relief, her gaze fixed on me. “Evie, promise me that you’ll stay in contact more often. With the

Aria,” I stated. “I’ll make

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

a warmth spread

my arm. “Evie, you’re totally falling for

onto my

raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Uh–huh, friends who go on totally–non- romantic

was futile. “Okay, fine.

“Complicated, huh? Well, I think you

shaking my head. “We’ll

chin. “You know, maybe I should get to

arched an eyebrow. “And how do you propose

grin widened. “You could invite me

suggestion. “Actually, that’s not a bad idea. I could see if he’s up

cheery self in a flash. I couldn’t help but laugh

from the couch and started pacing.