The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 80

Timothy’s words about his challenging childhood had sparked a curiosity within me, a desire to understand the layers that he guarded so fiercely.

I couldn’t help but wonder if his childhood secrets mirrored my own – dark, sleepless days with only small glimmers of joy in the mix. It was clear that his past was a realm he kept well- hidden.

―

As I smoothed on a rich moisturizer, I pondered the significance of his fleeting confession. A strict father, an absence of fun these were mere fragments of a story that begged to be illuminated. But how could I breach the walls he had erected, a challenge that seemed as daunting as my own struggles with vulnerability?

The moon’s gentle radiance cast a silvery glow across my room as I slipped into bed. I closed my eyes and allowed the weight of the day to settle. Timothy’s guarded past was a puzzle that tugged at my thoughts, a mystery that I was determined to unravel, not just for my own curiosity, but for the connection that I sensed between us.

Just as I was about to shut my eyes, my phone lit up on the nightstand. The unexpected ring jerked me out of my state of calm, prompting me to answer with a quick swipe. “Hello?” “Evie, it’s Penny,” came her voice, sharp and focused.

I sat up against the headboard, a brief yawn coming over me. “Penny, it’s late. What’s going on?”

There was a moment of hesitation before Penny spoke, her tone measured. “I’ve been keeping an eye on the apartment area, and I noticed something… off. There’s a woman who’s been lurking around, but she hasn’t actually gone inside any of the buildings.”

A shiver danced down my spine as her words sank in. “A woman? Can you describe her?” Penny hummed. “She’s pretty far away, so I can’t get too specific. She’s thin, with really long hair, and she’s wearing dark clothes.”

My heart quickened. There was a certain woman that had been around out apartments before, her hair long and her body stick–thin. I bit my lip and looked at the empty velvet box that rested on my nightstand.

With the way she’d attempted to pick Timothy’s lock, it didn’t seem too far-

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Chapter 80

fetched that she

3

could scale her way into a gated community and pick the lock to my home… And steal my gift.

a note of concern. “Do you know

a deep breath. “I

laced with determination. “I can

want.”

you, Penny? Make sure she’s still in

“On it!” she agreed.

needed to handle this situation quietly. I slipped out of the apartment, the cool night air sending a shiver down my

you

she scanned the surroundings. “She’s been moving around so quickly, but she’s still here,” Penny reported as I approached. “Come on, then,” I told her, already

I walked with Penny through the dimly lit pathways of the apartment complex. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on

any sign of movement. I could tell that she was experienced in this line of work, her instincts finely tuned to detect even the

her voice barely audible

seamlessly with the darkness. I steadied my breaths as we closed the distance, losing my resolve with each

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Chapter 80

Penny to me, her eyes a mix of defiance and unease. “What do you

voice steady as I responded, “We want to know why you’ve been lurking around

to mask the unease in her expression. “Just unease in her expression. “Just passing

my voice firm. “Cut the act, Linda. I know you were in my apartment the other

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a hint of vulnerability flickering in her gaze. “So what if I was?” Penny’s voice cut through the tension, her tone sharp. “Well, that’s illegal, for starters.” Linda’s bravado wavered, a hint of uncertainty dancing across her features. Her eyes darted around, searching for a

wearing thin. “Did you take something from my

Linda’s lips, her fingers curling around something in her pocket. With a triumphant flourish, she pulled out the crystalline balance and dangled

me,” Linda declared, her voice infused with a strange mixture of

and entitlement.

you? That gift

defiant, her eyes ablaze with a fierce determination. “He would have given it

crying out loud,” I began, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Why would he even give you something like that? You don’t practice

I heard its delicate pieces