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.”

make a special breakfast for her, and her dismissive attitude stung. “Okay, fine,” he said, his tone terse. “What

considered for a moment before replying with a haughty air, “Eggs. Scrambled, with some avocado toast on the

the mixing bowl aside and reached for the

and started whisking them, Stella watched him with a look that bordered on smug satisfaction. “You

his patience fraying. “I’m trying, Stella. But

dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I’m

hung heavy as Timothy finished cooking the eggs and plated them with a side of sliced avocado. He placed the dish in

took a bite, her expression softening slightly as she savored the food. “Mmm, not bad,” she admitted, her tone

efforts had paid off, albeit grudgingly. “I’m glad

air between them remained charged with an unspoken tension. Timothy couldn’t help but wonder if his attempts to please Stella were worth the frustration and anger that seemed to be a

meant less trouble for Evie, it

O

stay away from Stella, not Timothy. It wasn’t the win that Stella thought it was, and he

other hand, seemed to relish in the power dynamic he was presenting. She had made it clear that Timothy had to cater to her preferences, and he complied for now, albeit begrudgingly. It was a small victory in her eyes, a way to assert her dominance, which she seemed to

the day with an argument, especially after his

moment, tapping a finger against her lips. “You can make it up to me by letting me throw

A wedding shower? It wasn’t what he had expected, but if that’s what

an edge of determination. “Good. I’m going to

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

it usually the maid of honor

our wedding, and I want everything to be perfect. I need to be in control

this wouldn’t

a stark contrast to her earlier anger.

her breakfast of scrambled eggs

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Chapter 166

overall. As she took the last bite, a

quickly silenced the ringer and shot a nervous glance in Timothy’s direction. He

that?” Timothy asked, his voice tinged with

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

“Business call?

gaze darted around the room, avoiding Timothy’s penetrating stare. “It’s nothing, really. Just a

skepticism. “You look pretty nervous