The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 139

TIMOTHY POV

Timothy had grown weary of the constant summons to dinners with Stella. It seemed that she had made it her mission to integrate herself into his life, and it was a mission he had no choice but to begrudgingly accept. So, when yet another dinner invitation arrived, he couldn’t summon the enthusiasm to decline.

As Timothy arrived at his family’s imposing home, he had expected a quiet evening with Stella, Kamran, and Andy. However, the scene that greeted him was far from what he had anticipated. Most of his relatives had gathered in the grand dining room, their animated conversations filling the air.

Timothy’s brow furrowed as he took in the sight. A family gathering was at the bottom of the list of things he could handle now. He had no desire to engage in the social niceties that family gatherings often entailed.

As he entered the dining room, Timothy’s eyes landed on Andy amongst the sea of

atives. He couldn’t help but notice the way his family members fawned over Andy. They spoke on his aspirations and big business deals, and Andy took it all in with a cheesy grin.

His Aunt Margot leaned in to whisper something to Andy, her laughter filling the room. His uncle patted Andy on the back, offering words of praise.

A large hand clapped down on his shoulder and Timothy whirled around. He was met with the stern his father, who greeted him in the most underwhelming way possible.

“You made it. Finally,” Kamran grumbled, downing the rest of his drink. “Wish you could show up on time, like your brother.”

Timothy’s irritation simmered beneath the surface as he watched Andy revel in the attention. It wasn’t that he begrudged his brother’s success or charm, but rather the blatant favoritism that grated on his nerves. He had always felt like the black sheep of the family, the one who never quite measured up to their expectations.

Stella, sitting beside him, seemed unfazed by the family’s adoration of Andy. She carried herself with a grace and poise that had undoubtedly been honed through years of social maneuvering. Her smile was polite, her words carefully chosen.

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Chapter 139

She was made for this world. Timothy couldn’t comprehend it.

“Timothy, darling,” she whispered, her voice laced with a hint of sweetness, “isn’t it wonderful to see your family all in one place?”

Timothy couldn’t muster the same enthusiasm. There were some non–family individuals lingering about. It also wasn’t often that his family came around at all, but they weren’t going to turn down a nice evening in a luxurious mansion.

“It’s something,” he replied, his tone curt.

Timothy’s eyes narrowed as he watched Andy, resplendent in a tailored suit, basking in the attention of their relatives. It was a role Andy had grown. accustomed to

–

the golden boy, the successful businessman, the one who had made all the right choices.

face as he approached the table, trying to muster all

briefly before her attention returned to Andy. “Oh, haven’t seen him in

the opportunist, seized the moment. “Timothy, we were just discussing my

but he couldn’t help himself. “That’s impressive, Andy, but you know, the playoffs are coming up, and we’re working really hard to make it to the finals this

“You’re still doing hockey, Timothy? Isn’t it time you. considered a

which his mother understood. But in the rest of his family’s eyes, it was nothing

him on the shoulder, her smile widening. “It’s just entertaining him for

of his latest achievements and adventures. It was as if he were the center of the universe, and Timothy felt like a mere spectator in his own

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turned to him with a forced smile. “Timothy, dear,” she said, her voice dripping with false cheerfulness, “why don’t you tell us what you’ve been up

jaw, his anger simmering beneath the surface. It was a question he had grown accustomed to, a reminder of his perceived shortcomings in the eyes

work,” he replied tersely, his

further assert his dominance, chimed in. “Ah, Timothy’s work is truly remarkable. He’s

he shot a scathing look in Andy’s direction. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t speak for me, Andy. Like

the room was palpable, and a heavy silence settled over the dining table. Timothy’s outburst had disrupted the

diffuse the situation. “Let’s not ruin this lovely evening with arguments,” she said, her voice calm and composed. “We’re here to celebrate family, after

Timothy couldn’t let it go. The anger and frustration that had been building within him for so long finally spilled over. “Family?” he scoffed. “Don’t kid yourselves. This isn’t about family, especially when their forcing

me.”

Andy barked out a laugh. “Little brother,

just beneath the

raw emotion. “Everyone in this

they adore me because I actually contribute

like a challenge, and Timothy felt a surge

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Chapter 139

often felt like an outsider in the Hayes family, a mere afterthought compared

had anything to contribute,” Timothy retorted, his voice a low growl. “They love you now, but

you should just accept the little bit of attention

turn. “And speaking of Kamran, I can’t wait for the day he finally drops that

been a constant source of pain and worry for him, and the idea that his own brother would wish her, the very women who treated him like a son, harm

anger reaching its breaking point. “I should beat you

lunge at his brother, Kamran’s voice rang out, cutting through the tension in

tone silenced the room, and

one last time, their anger simmering beneath the surface, before they both

commanding presence, with a sharp intellect and