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.

smile onto his face as he approached the table, trying to

before her attention returned to

“Timothy, we were just discussing my recent deal with

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 to make it to the finals

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

sport, which his mother understood. But in the rest of his

her smile widening.

of his latest achievements and adventures. It was as if he were the center of the universe,

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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 to

surface. It was a question he had grown accustomed to, a reminder of his perceived shortcomings

he replied

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

appreciate it if you didn’t speak for me,

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

to diffuse the situation. “Let’s not ruin this lovely evening with

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.”

barked out a laugh. “Little

feel his anger simmering just beneath

Timothy said, his voice hoarse with raw emotion. “Everyone in this family adores you. Why do you insist on

as he responded, “Maybe they adore me because I actually contribute something to this family,

air like a challenge, and Timothy felt a surge of

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Chapter 139

that he had often felt like an outsider in the Hayes family, a mere afterthought

anything to contribute,” Timothy retorted, his voice a low growl. “They love you now, but what would happen if

than you. Maybe you should just accept the little bit

respond, Andy’s words took a darker turn. “And speaking of Kamran, I can’t wait for the day he finally drops that sick

and the idea that his own brother would wish her, the very women who treated him like

its breaking

as Timothy was prepared to lunge at his brother, Kamran’s voice rang out, cutting through the tension in the room like a

commanding tone silenced the room, and all eyes turned to

Andy locked gazes one last time, their anger simmering beneath the surface,

of the Hayes family, had a way of demanding attention and respect. He was a commanding presence, with a sharp