The Hockey Star’s Remorse

apter 162

TIMOTHY POV

Timothy had been enjoying a rare moment of peace in his apartment, perched on the edge of his leather couch, as Duke chased the toy around. The evening sun cast a warm glow through the open window, and the soothing hum of the city outside served as a pleasant backdrop to his thoughts.

As Duke returned the stuffed toy to him, Timothy couldn’t help but talk to him, as he often did. “I hope Evie’s doing okay after all that crap with the dress.”

Duke cocked his head to the side, his eyes filled with curiosity, but he remained silent, as always, letting Timothy pour out his thoughts without judgment.

Timothy continued, his voice tinged with longing. “I wonder where she is, what she’s doing. Hopefully she liked the cake. I mean, she loves banana nut.”

The memories of her were a bittersweet ache in Timothy’s heart. He had hoped to get to know more about her as the days went on, but that seemed less and less. likely. It felt like having part of himself torn away, and he was left with a gaping. wound.

Duke let out an empathetic whine, nuzzling against Timothy’s leg, as if sensing hist inner turmoil. Timothy knelt down to stroke the dog’s fur, taking comfort in the simple, unconditional love that Duke offered.

“You’re a good listener, Duke,” Timothy murmured, his eyes scanning the walls, as if searching for answers in the generic black and white nature photos. Eventually, he shut his eyes and engaged in the momentary bliss..

This bliss, however, was short–lived.

With an abrupt swing, the front door burst open, revealing a whirlwind of fiery red hair and an exasperated expression. Stella stormed into the apartment as if she owned the place. She didn’t bother knocking; she never did.

“Timothy!” Stella barked, her emerald eyes ablaze with fury. “I need your help!”

Timothy raised an eyebrow as he watched Stella’s dramatic entrance, his peaceful bubble shattered into a million pieces. “What’s the problem, Stella?”

Ignoring his question, Stella strode over to him, her lips curled into a tight frown.

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Chapter 162

aside, causing the dog to whimper in protest. He dashed away as she

me with the wedding invitations,” Stella declared, her tone brimming with

eyes widened in disbelief.

withering look. “Uh,

feet and ruffling Duke’s fur. “You can invite whoever you want. I

have to invite people

mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “My dad

count?”

jabbed a finger at Timothy’s chest. “You better take this seriously, Timothy! You can’t just half–ass this like

it seriously. I’ll even invite someone

narrowed suspiciously.

couldn’t resist

was explosive. Her face turned a shade of red that matched her hair, and she practically spat out her words. “Don’t you dare

heartily, thoroughly enjoying her rage. “Oh, come on. I

about inviting her, I will personally

anger. He had never seen her react this

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Chapter 162

“Timothy, you have no idea what that woman put me through. The pain she caused me, the tears I shed. I can’t bear the thought

him feeling hallow. The way she voiced her threat made it seem like it held a lot of promise, like there was more to Stella’s anger

“is there something

away, her expression guarded. “I just… I had to

in Stella’s tone. He leaned forward, his voice gentle

up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and defiance. “I had to, Timothy. For

a confrontation between Stella and

her that I was pregnant and that I wanted her to stay away from our lives. I filed a protective order against.

abruptly, his chair scraping against the wooden floor. “You

her eyes welling with tears. “I had to protect us, Timothy. She