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.

the table, trying to muster all the charm he could summon. “Hey, everyone,” he

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

just discussing my recent deal with that new tech place,”

try and compete with Andy in conversation, but he couldn’t help himself. “That’s impressive, Andy, but you know, the playoffs are coming up, and we’re working really hard

hockey, Timothy? Isn’t it time you. considered a more stable

sport, which his mother understood. But in

widening. “It’s just entertaining him for the time

in the spotlight, regaling the family with stories of his latest achievements and adventures. It was

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turned to him with a forced smile. “Timothy, dear,” she said,

had grown accustomed to, a

with work,” he replied tersely, his gaze fixed on

Timothy’s work is truly

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

outburst had disrupted the carefully orchestrated harmony of the evening, and he could feel

not ruin this lovely evening with arguments,” she

building within him for so long finally spilled over. “Family?” he scoffed. “Don’t kid yourselves. This isn’t about family, especially when their

me.”

Andy barked out a laugh. “Little

beneath the

his voice hoarse with raw emotion. “Everyone in this

me because I actually contribute something to

words hung in the air like a challenge, and Timothy felt a surge

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Chapter 139

outsider in the Hayes family, a mere afterthought compared to

retorted, his voice a low growl. “They love you now, but what would happen if your bank account was just a

you. Maybe you should just accept

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

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

his anger reaching its breaking point. “I should beat you

his brother, Kamran’s voice rang

tone silenced the room, and all eyes turned

one last time, their anger simmering beneath the surface, before they both stepped back, unwilling to defy their father any

was a commanding