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.

mind drifted to comparisons, a dangerous territory he had ventured into more times than he cared to admit. He couldn’t help but contrast Stella with Evie. Where Evie was grounded and unpretentious, Stella

suffocating atmosphere, gnawed at him. He longed for the simplicity and authenticity that

consequences.

firm. “Stella, you should

I’m doing. I’ve been dreaming of this day for years, and Timothy even told me that I could handle all the

he nodded sadly. “This is her league entirely. Besides, I don’t really

chest, grinning at Lydia. “See? Your son knows.

there, his mind in turmoil, he couldn’t help but wonder if he had. made a grave mistake in putting

asked suddenly, looking Lydia up and down. “I know you have your condition, so it seems a little risky for us to go to

artists‘ sketches. The woman looked slightly uncomfortable, and Timothy gave her a look of sympathy. Somehow, Stella had turned such a sweet place into something disgustingly bitter. Stella’s dismissiveness his mother had struck a nerve, one that he

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Chapter 144

Stella muttered finally, still flipping through the colorful pages. As her gaze flickered back to Lydia, she

too well.”

cough beside him. As he looked to see what was wrong, he found her struggling for breath as the coughs. wracked her body. Her face had taken on a pale pallor,

gently took her arm. “Mom, are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Timothy. Just a bit

wasn’t convinced. He glanced at Stella, a sense of urgency in his

was evident, but she nodded reluctantly, sensing the gravity of the situation. They left the bakery, the fresh

alone, Timothy turned his attention back to his mother, his concern deepening. “Mom, you don’t look

gaze distant. “Timothy, it’s nothing to worry about. Just a minor

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

she said bluntly, her eyes narrowed. “We don’t need to run to the doctor

her back a

and cleared her throat. “I’m sure. Let’s head back

her at the table. She waved him. away as he attempted

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