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

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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.”

in my voice. “I need to hear this one. What’s

for a moment before blurting out the news. “Stella got a protective order

end of the line. Then Lucas spoke, his voice laced with disbelief. “What?

accusation even come from?”

to distance herself from me after the dress debacle. Lucas listened attentively,

he said firmly. “We need to fight

but I knew that a legal battle would only escalate the situation

I get it. How about you come

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Chapter 155

drinks, and take your mind off of

grateful for the offer. “That sounds good, Lucas. I could use

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of

a sympathetic smile. His place

hand. The atmosphere was comforting, and I finally felt like

with concern. “I don’t get how you don’t look old and decrepit right now. It feels like you’ve lived a whole life these past couple of

to find the words to express my frustration. “I never wanted any of this, Lucas. All

“I’m sorry, sweety. Maybe

move forward from here.

on my shoulder. “We’ll figure this out, Evie. You’re not alone in this. We’ll find a way to

words offered me a glimmer of hope, and I managed a small smile. “Thank you, Lucas. I don’t know what I would do

sudden, Lucas leaned forward, his brown eyes filled with excitement. “How about we plan a day trip? A little change of scenery might do you

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

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Chapter 155

lounging by a pool, and forgetting about all the troubles that had plagued me. “Actually, a weekend spa retreat sounds

eyes widened in surprise, and he grinned. “I like the sound of that. A

“Lucas, I appreciate the offer, but I can’t afford something like that

is on me. Consider it a gift, a chance to relax and recharge. You’ve been through so much, and you deserve a

generous offer. Plus, there was the looming issue of my strained relationship with Aria. “I don’t know, Lucas. It’s just… It’s been a rough time, and I don’t

my shoulder. “You’re not imposing, Evie. I want to do this for you. You’ve been a great friend to me, and I hate seeing you like this. Besides, I already have the perfect place in

my life. His genuine kindness and willingness to help were

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

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

leaned back, considering my

humor, though it died out quickly. “I found

in the ribs.

began bitterly. “She’s been

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him. He turned to look at the coffee table, a strained expression on

I said. “I have photos as proof, and after finding them. Aria told me that 1