The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 165

As I sat at home, I found myself engrossed in a book, trying to lose myself in its pages and forget about the world around me.

My phone chimed, breaking the silence. I glanced at the screen to see a message from Scarlett saying that she wanted me to come over lunch as a thank you for my help on her case. It was an unexpected invitation, and part of me wanted to decline.

I was tired, emotionally drained, and the idea of socializing felt like a daunting. task. But another part of me, a sense of obligation and curiosity, urged me to go.

After a brief internal debate, I replied with a simple “Sure, I’ll be there,” and received an enthusiastic response from Scarlett. She provided her address and a time, and I reluctantly put my book aside to get ready.

As I parked my car in front of Scarlett’s quaint, cozy home, I took a deep breath to steady myself. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood. I reached for the doorbell and rang it, my heart pounding in anticipation.

Moments later, Scarlett swung the door open with a bright smile. “Evie, so glad you could make it, she greeted, welcoming me inside with a warm hug.

I returned the embrace, surprised by the gesture. “Thank you for having me over.”

Scarlett’s home had a comfortable, lived–in feel to it, filled with an assortment of artwork and eclectic furnishings. It was more modest than the large estate she was fighting for, but it certainly screamed wealth. The aroma of something delicious wafted from the kitchen, making my mouth water.

As Scarlett busied herself in the kitchen, I sat in one of the seats at the dinner table. I watched as she expertly chopped vegetables and prepared the meal, the rhythmic clinking of knives against cutting boards the only sound in the room.

“So, Evie,” Scarlett began, her voice light and conversational, “tell me more about yourself. Why did you decide to become a lawyer?”

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, wondering how much of my past I wanted to

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Chapter 165

reveal. “Well, it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I began cautiously. “I believe in fighting for justice and giving people hope.”

to me with curiosity. “Hope? What

but something in Scarlett’s eyes urged me to share more. “When I was young, I began slowly, “I went through some difficult times. I felt like there was no one there to help me, to give me hope that things could get better. Becoming a lawyer was

expression softened as she absorbed my words. “That’s

gratefully. “Thank

becoming a digital marketer. It was a moment of vulnerability

began, a mischievous smile tugging at my lips, “the last time I was invited to

plopped a lid on the pot, letting the food simmer.

laughter. “Believe

her laughter died down, Scarlett suddenly forward with a grin. “So, were you and Timothy always close

my stomach. The mention of Timothy and Stella brought back a rush of memories, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of

“We knew each other, and I guess we did become good friends while we worked together on the case. Stella didn’t

she didn’t

of curiosity, and she leaned closer,

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Chapter 165

my feelings for Timothy. “It’s complicated,” I began, my voice

with curiosity and a hint of mischief. “I see.

“N–no, of course not. Timothy and I were just

way you talk about him and the

under Scarlett’s probing gaze. She had a way of seeing through the walls I had built. I

one side. “You know,” she

close, there’s a lot they don’t say. Sometimes,

conversation. A young girl with a cascade of curly brown hair, practically a miniature version