The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 144

TIMOTHY POV

The scent of freshly whipped icing and berry jams tickled Timothy’s nose as he sat amongst the various cakes and pastries scattered about.

He found himself once again dragged into the world of wedding preparations, a realm he had never imagined himself entering so soon. The prospect of cake testing, of all things, seemed incongruous with the chaos that had come to define his life. Yet, there he was, seated in a bustling bakery, surrounded by towering confections in all shapes and sizes.

Stella was the picture of enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she perused the extensive menu of cake options. She had insisted on bringing Timothy along, and he had reluctantly agreed, partly to appease her and partly because he had given his word.

Beside him sat his mother, Lydia, a woman whose presence had become increasingly important in his life. She had insisted on meeting Stella in person before they tied the knot, and Timothy had reluctantly obliged, hoping to bridge the gap between the two most important women in his life.

As Stella engaged in a fervent discussion with the baker about flavors and designs, Lydia sat quietly, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to Stella’s frenetic energy. Timothy watched as his mother observed Stella with a keen eye, her polite smile never wavering.

Stella’s voice cut through his thoughts, pulling him back into the moment. “Timothy, what do you think of this one?” she asked, holding up a sketch of an ornate cake adorned with cascading fondant flowers.

He blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question. He glanced at the sketch, the intricacy of the design overwhelming his senses. “It looks… impressive,” he offered, his tone lacking enthusiasm.

Stella’s disappointment was evident, and her eyes narrowed as she turned her attention back to the baker. “Let’s go with something simpler,” she said, her voice. tinged with irritation.

Stella’s dismissive attitude toward Lydia had not gone unnoticed by Timothy. She had barely spoken or looked at the woman since they had arrived. He knew that.

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Chapter 144

Stella harbored doubts about his mother’s longevity in their lives, assuming that Lydia wouldn’t be around for long.

to admit. He couldn’t help but contrast

bakery, to flee from the suffocating atmosphere, gnawed at him. He longed for the simplicity and authenticity that had defined his connection. with Evie. But he had made a choice, and now he had to contend with

consequences.

but firm. “Stella, you should consider

with irritation, and for a moment, Timothy feared that an argument was imminent. “Lydia, I know what I’m doing. I’ve been dreaming of this day for years, and Timothy even told me that I could handle

league entirely. Besides, I don’t really have a cake preference. I don’t eat sweets

her arms across her chest, grinning at Lydia. “See? Your

tension in the room was palpable as the two women leered at each other. As Timothy sat there, his mind in turmoil, he couldn’t help but wonder if he had. made a grave mistake in

have your condition, so it seems a little risky for us to go

a disinterested glance before returning to the cake artists‘ sketches. The woman looked slightly uncomfortable, and Timothy gave her a look of sympathy. Somehow, Stella had turned such

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Chapter 144

through the colorful pages. As her gaze flickered back to Lydia, she added, “She doesn’t

too well.”

see what was wrong, he found her struggling for breath as the coughs. wracked her body. Her

took her arm.

a weak smile. “I’m fine, Timothy. Just a bit tired, that’s

He glanced at Stella, a sense of urgency in his eyes.

nodded reluctantly, sensing the gravity of the situation. They left the bakery, the fresh air providing some relief from the stifling.

back to his mother, his concern deepening. “Mom, you

for a moment, her gaze distant. “Timothy, it’s

couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to her condition than she was letting on. “Mom, you can’t

narrowed. “We don’t need to run to the doctor every time I so much as

pressed, giving her back a

cleared her throat. “I’m sure.

led her back inside and sat her at the table. She waved him. away as he attempted to adjust her, mumbling that

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