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. “What do you

replying with a haughty air, “Eggs. Scrambled, with

suppressed a sigh of frustration. “Alright, eggs and toast it is.” He set the mixing bowl aside and reached for the eggs in the refrigerator, his

watched him with a look that bordered

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

dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I’m sure

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

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

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

unspoken tension. Timothy couldn’t help but wonder if his attempts to please Stella

for Evie, it seemed. Besides,

O

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

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

hated the 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,

her lips. “You can make it up to me

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

edge of determination. “Good. I’m going to start planning it right now. It’s going

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

usually the maid of honor who

perfect. I need

arguing with Stella about this wouldn’t get him anywhere. “Alright, Stella.

was lighthearted, a stark contrast to her

finished her breakfast of scrambled eggs and

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Chapter 166

overall. As she took the last bite, a sudden vibration from her

in puzzlement at the caller ID. She quickly silenced the ringer and shot a nervous glance in Timothy’s direction. He met her gaze with curiosity as

voice

fingers absently tapping the edge of her phone.

eyebrow. “Business

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

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