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.”

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

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

set the mixing

look that bordered on smug satisfaction. “You really should pay more attention to what I like, Timothy. It’s not

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

narrowed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh,

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

she savored the food. “Mmm,

that his efforts had paid

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 constant undercurrent in their, interactions. He kept Evie has his

happy Stella meant less trouble for

O

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

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

argument, especially after his attempt to make things

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

It wasn’t what he had

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

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

was quick. “Timothy, this is our wedding, and I want everything to be perfect. I need to be

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

a stark contrast to her earlier anger.

scrambled eggs and avocado

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Chapter 166

last bite, a

brow furrowing in puzzlement at the caller ID. She quickly silenced the ringer and shot

voice tinged with

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

“Business call? Is

avoiding Timothy’s penetrating stare.

skepticism. “You