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

haughty

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 movements sharp

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, Timothy. It’s not

patience fraying.

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

plated them with a side of sliced avocado. He placed the dish in front of Stella, trying to maintain a

bite, her expression softening slightly as she savored the food. “Mmm, not

sighed in relief, glad that his efforts had paid

his attempts to please Stella were worth the frustration and anger that seemed to

less trouble for

O

Stella, not Timothy. It wasn’t the win that Stella thought

her preferences, and he complied for now, albeit begrudgingly. It was a small

tension in the room 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

finger against her lips. “You can make it up to me by letting me throw a wedding shower for

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

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

excitedly 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 shower, and he would

cautiously, “isn’t it usually the maid of honor who throws the

I want everything to be perfect. I need to be in control of the

about this wouldn’t get him anywhere.

her earlier anger.

her breakfast of scrambled

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Chapter 166

overall. As she took the last bite, a

brow furrowing in puzzlement at the caller ID. She quickly silenced the ringer and shot a nervous glance in Timothy’s direction.

his voice tinged with

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

“Business call? Is

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

hide his skepticism. “You look pretty