The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 155

I had hoped that the chaos in my life would somehow subside, but the next morning, I was met with yet another unsettling surprise. As I retrieved the mail from my mailbox, a white envelope with an official–looking seal caught my eye. I tore it open, my heart pounding with a mix of curiosity and dread.

Inside, I found a legal document–a protective order. My eyes widened as I read the words on the page, bile rose up my throat and I had to shove away the urge to vomit. The order stated that I was prohibited from approaching Stella within a certain distance.

I was being labeled as an “aggravated stalker.”

I clenched my fists, a mixture of disbelief and anger coursing through me. How had it come to this? Stella had taken this step to further distance herself from me for something I had no hand in doing!

I picked up my phone and dialed Scarlett’s number, hoping to find answers. After a few rings, she picked up.

“Your sister sent a protection order, Scarlett!” I practically spat the words out. “Did you know about this?”

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Scarlett’s voice came

through, apologetic and concerned. “Oh, Evie, I didn’t know she was going to take it this far. I’m so sorry!”

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging within me. “Why is she doing this, Scarlett? I never posed a threat to her or her family.”

Scarlett sighed. “She sees you as a threat now, which could work in our favor depending on how we move from here.”

I couldn’t help but scoff at the absurdity of it all. “A threat? I’ve never wanted anything but the truth to come out. She’s the one who’s been deceitful from the start!”

Scarlett’s voice softened. “I know, Evie. But right now, we need to be careful. The last thing we want is for things to escalate even further.”

I knew she was right, but the injustice of it all left a bitter taste in my mouth. “What

O/T

A

Chapter 155

should I do, Scarlett?”

“I’ll talk to her,” she replied. “Maybe convince her to reconsider.”

I nodded, though I doubted Scarlett’s influence over Stella at this point. “Alright. Let me know if there’s any update.”

I paced back and forth in my apartment, the weight of the

protective order from Stella heavy on my mind. I needed someone to talk to, someone who would listen without judgment. Aria was the first person who came to mind, but I quickly remembered our recent fight, and the thought of reaching out to her felt like stepping into a lion’s den.

Instead, I grabbed my phone and dialed Lucas’s number. I know he’d been a bit busy lately, but hopefully he’d lighten up at the sound of my voice. As the phone rang, my anxiety grew, but when he finally answered, his voice was warm and welcoming.

“Evie? Hey, hon, how have you been?”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “Lucas, I… I need to talk to someone. Something’s happened, and I don’t know what to do.”

sensed the urgency in my voice. “I need to hear this

blurting out the news. “Stella got a protective order against me, Lucas. She’s accusing me of being a

line. Then Lucas spoke, his voice laced with disbelief.

accusation even come from?”

had taken this. drastic step to distance herself from

said firmly.

battle would only escalate the situation further. “I don’t want to make things worse,

my hesitation. “Okay, I get it.

2/6

0

Chapter 155

a few drinks, and

offer. “That sounds good, Lucas. I could use

quickly got ready to head to his place. As I left my apartment, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief knowing that I had a friend

greeted me with a warm hug and a sympathetic smile. His place was cozy, filled with the familiar scent

of us with a glass of wine in hand. The atmosphere was comforting, and I finally

don’t look old and decrepit right now. It feels like you’ve

of my wine, trying to find the words to express my frustration. “I never wanted any of this, Lucas. All I wanted was to be a voice for others, but it feels like. my voice is slowly

nodded in understanding. “I’m sorry, sweety. Maybe you’re better

sighed. “I just don’t know how to move forward from

out and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “We’ll figure this out, Evie. You’re not

me a glimmer of hope, and I managed a small smile. “Thank you, Lucas. I

eyes filled with excitement. “How about we plan a day trip? A little change of scenery might do

sigh of relief at the idea. A day away from the constant reminders of all the chaos in my life sounded

A

Chapter 155

fantasized about being pampered, lounging by a pool, and forgetting about all the

like the

hit me. “Lucas, I appreciate the offer, but

his eyes. “Evie, this weekend is on me. Consider it a gift, a chance to relax and recharge. You’ve been through so much, and

there was the looming issue of my strained relationship with Aria. “I don’t know, Lucas. It’s just… It’s

and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You’re not imposing, Evie. I want to do this for you. You’ve been a great

in my life. His genuine kindness and willingness to help were like a lifeline in the storm.

then. We’ll plan a weekend getaway, and you can invite Aria too. It might be a good opportunity for you two

brutal, and I wasn’t sure if she was ready to patch things up. “I don’t

leaned back, considering my words. “About

an attempt at humor, though

said, poking me in the ribs. “Is it another

began bitterly. “She’s been having secret rendezvous with

|||

43%

jerked his head back, as if the news physically slapped him. He turned to look at the coffee table, a strained expression

proof, and after finding them. Aria told me that 1