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.”

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

a moment before replying with a haughty air, “Eggs.

frustration. “Alright, eggs and toast it is.” He set the mixing

eggs into 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 I like,

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

narrowed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I’m sure

avocado. He placed the dish in front of Stella, trying to maintain a semblance of composure. “Here you

as she savored the food. “Mmm, not bad,” she

his efforts had

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

for Evie, it seemed. Besides, that

O

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

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

an argument, especially after his attempt to make things right. “Look, Stella, I’ve

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

wasn’t what he had

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

He had agreed to them having a wedding shower, and he would stick to his word. But

usually the maid of honor

quick. “Timothy, this is our wedding, and I want everything to be perfect. I need to be in control of the arrangements to

that arguing with Stella about this wouldn’t get him anywhere.

stark contrast to her earlier anger. “Don’t worry. It’ll

scrambled eggs and avocado

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Chapter 166

As she took the last bite, a sudden vibration from

puzzlement at the caller ID. She quickly silenced the ringer and

asked, his voice

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

“Business

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

skepticism. “You look pretty