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.”

her, and her dismissive attitude stung. “Okay, fine,” he said, his tone terse. “What do you want

before replying with a haughty air, “Eggs. Scrambled, with some avocado

the mixing bowl aside and reached for the eggs in

whisking them, Stella watched him with a look that bordered on smug satisfaction.

gritted his teeth, the edge of his patience fraying. “I’m trying, Stella. But I can’t

with sarcasm.

cooking the eggs and plated them with a side of sliced avocado. He

as she savored

glad that his efforts had paid off, albeit grudgingly. “I’m glad you like

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 constant undercurrent in their,

Stella meant less trouble for Evie,

O

wasn’t the win that Stella thought it was, and he was perfectly fine with

was presenting. She had made it clear that Timothy had to cater to her preferences, and he complied for now, albeit begrudgingly.

idea of starting the day with an argument, especially after his attempt to make things right. “Look, Stella, I’ve been pretty short with you lately, and

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

by her request. A wedding shower? It wasn’t what he had expected, but if that’s what it would take,

response was swift, and her words carried an edge of determination. “Good.

and resignation. He had agreed to them having a wedding shower, and he would stick to his word. But one thought nagged at

usually the maid of honor who

everything to be perfect. I need to be

Stella about this wouldn’t

stark contrast to her earlier anger.

scrambled eggs and avocado

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Chapter 166

last bite,

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

his voice tinged with

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

“Business

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

hide his skepticism. “You