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.

of concern. “Do

a deep breath. “I have my

with determination. “I can keep an eye on

want.”

Make sure she’s still

“On it!” she agreed.

of apprehension and resolve settle over me. With Aria already in bed, I needed to handle this situation quietly. I slipped out of the apartment, the cool night air sending a shiver down my spine as I headed toward the

you

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

the apartment complex. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on my heart, and I wondered how dangerous this idea might have been. Linda didn’t

of movement. I could tell that she was experienced in this line of work, her instincts finely tuned to detect even the slightest anomaly. As we approached the dumpster area, a flicker of movement caught my eye, and my heart raced in

voice barely audible above the rustling of the

blend seamlessly with the

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Chapter 80

shifted from Penny to me, her eyes a mix of defiance and unease. “What

took a deep breath, my voice steady as I responded, “We

her expression. “Just unease in her expression. “Just passing by. What’s it to

my voice firm. “Cut the act, Linda.

51%

5

illegal, for starters.” Linda’s bravado wavered, a hint of uncertainty dancing across her features.

patience was wearing thin. “Did you take something from my

flourish, she pulled out the crystalline balance

meant for me,” Linda declared, her voice infused with a

and entitlement.

for you? That

fierce determination. “He would have given it to me had you not

my nose. “Why would he even give

clutched the figure in her hands. I cringed as I heard its delicate pieces clink together. “I could if that’s what he likes in