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

it aside, causing the

you to help me with the wedding

widened in disbelief.

a withering look. “Uh,

and ruffling Duke’s fur. “You can

still etched with irritation. “You have to invite

twinkle in his eyes.

count?”

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

I’ll take it seriously.

narrowed

resist

of red that matched her hair, and she practically spat out

rage. “Oh, come

an alarming level. She advanced on him, her voice a dangerous hiss. “If you even think about inviting her, I will

amusement faded, replaced by genuine concern at the intensity of Stella’s anger. He had never seen her react this viciously before. “Stella, calm down. I

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Chapter 162

suddenly replaced by something akin to sadness. She lowered her voice, almost whispering. “Timothy, you have no idea what that woman put

threat made it seem like

Timothy began cautiously, “is there something you’re

I had to do something to protect

tone. He leaned forward, his voice gentle but probing. “Stella, have you spoken to

spoke volumes. She finally looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and defiance. “I had to, Timothy. For my sake

as he considered the possibility of a confrontation between

that I wanted

he stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the wooden floor. “You did what?

looked up at him, her eyes welling with tears. “I had to protect us, Timothy.