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.

voice held a note of concern. “Do you know who it could

deep breath.

“I can keep

want.”

“Would you, Penny? Make sure she’s still in sight,

“On it!” she agreed.

needed to handle this situation quietly. I slipped out of the apartment, the

you

stood near the gate area, her posture alert as she scanned the surroundings. “She’s been moving around so quickly, but she’s still here,” Penny reported as I approached. “Come on,

with Penny through the dimly lit pathways of the apartment complex. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on my heart, and

purposeful, her eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. I could tell that she was experienced in this line of work, her instincts finely tuned

her voice barely

and defensive. Her disheveled appearance seemed to blend seamlessly with the darkness. I steadied my

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Chapter 80

me, her eyes a mix of defiance and unease. “What

a deep breath, my voice steady as I responded, “We want to know why you’ve

shrug did little to mask the unease in her expression. “Just unease in her expression. “Just passing

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

51%

5

“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 proper escape route that could evade

patience was wearing thin. “Did you take

something in her pocket. With a triumphant flourish, she pulled out the crystalline balance and dangled it between her fingers. My breath caught in my throat, a surge

meant for me,” Linda declared, her voice infused

and entitlement.

“Meant for you?

with a fierce determination. “He would have given it to me

loud,” I began, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Why would he even give you something

its delicate pieces clink together. “I could