The Hockey Star’s Remorse

TIMOTHY POV

Timothy had never been much of a chef. He could whip up something decent, much like he had when he’d cooked for Evie, but that was a loving gesture fueled by his own need to impress her. He had to impress Evie in other ways now, which included getting on Stella’s good side and getting her to sign those authorization

papers.

With a newfound determination, Timothy stood in Stella’s apartment, a mismatched apron hanging awkwardly from his tall frame, and a mixing bowl in one hand. He had brought the ingredients for pancakes, imagining that a homemade breakfast would impress her. Pancakes seemed like a safe choice simple, delicious, and universally beloved.

–

Stella watched him with a mixture of amusement and curiosity, her arms folded across her chest. He had let himself in, attempting to surprise her, but he hadn’t known she was an early riser. “What are you doing?” she asked.

Timothy tried to keep his enthusiasm from waning as he held up the mixing bowl. “I’m making you breakfast,” he declared with a smile.

Stella raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a faint smirk. “Really? You’re cooking for me?”

He nodded. “Yep. Thought I’d surprise you.”

Stella’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she sauntered over, her gaze fixed on the contents of the bowl. “Well, I’m intrigued. What’s on the menu?”

“Pancakes,” Timothy replied hesitantly, watching her response closesly.

Her expression quickly shifted from joy to annoyance as she saw Timothy

preparing the pancake batter. She put her hands on her hips, her annoyance clear. “Pancakes? Seriously?”

Timothy blinked, his heart sinking at the abrupt change in her demeanor. “Uh, yeah. Is that a problem?”

Stella sighed, her irritation becoming more pronounced. “I don’t eat carbs, Timothy. I’ve told you that before.”

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Chapter 166

He felt his frustration bubbling beneath the surface but forced a tight smile. He didn’t recall hearing that at all. “Right. But I thought maybe just this once…”

She interrupted him with a sharp gesture. “No, Timothy. I don’t make exceptions when it comes to my diet.”

bit his tongue immediately. He had gone out of his way to make a special breakfast for her, and her dismissive attitude stung. “Okay, fine,” he said, his tone terse.

replying with a haughty air, “Eggs.

the mixing bowl aside and reached for the eggs in

a bowl and started whisking them, Stella watched him with a look that bordered on smug satisfaction. “You really should pay more attention to what

gritted his teeth, the edge of his patience fraying. “I’m trying,

voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I’m sure you’re

tension in the room hung heavy as Timothy finished cooking the eggs and plated them with a side of sliced avocado. He placed the dish in front of Stella, trying to maintain

expression softening slightly as she savored the food. “Mmm, not bad,” she admitted,

efforts had paid off,

ate, the air between them remained charged with an unspoken tension. Timothy couldn’t help but wonder if his attempts to please Stella were worth

meant less trouble for Evie, it

O

forced Evie to stay away from Stella, not Timothy. It wasn’t the win that Stella

was presenting. She had made it clear that Timothy had to cater to her preferences, and he

was palpable as Timothy tried to find the right words. He hated the idea of starting the day with an argument, especially after his attempt to make things right.

lips. “You can make it up to

had expected, but if that’s what it

edge of determination. “Good. I’m going to start planning

plans, Timothy couldn’t help but feel a mixture of relief and resignation. He had agreed to them having a wedding

the maid of honor who

perfect. I need to be in control of the arrangements to

about this

a stark contrast to her

her breakfast of scrambled eggs and

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Chapter 166

bite, a sudden vibration

her brow furrowing in puzzlement at the caller ID. She quickly silenced the ringer and shot a nervous glance

voice tinged with a hint

her fingers absently tapping the edge of her phone. “Just a business call,” she finally replied, attempting to

raised an eyebrow. “Business call?

penetrating stare. “It’s nothing, really. Just a work–related

couldn’t hide his skepticism. “You look pretty nervous