The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 167

I had been peacefully lost in the pages of a book when the tranquility was shattered by the sound of my door slamming open. Startled, I looked up to find Aria bursting into my room, her face flushed with excitement, and her chest. heaving with anticipation.

“Evie!” Aria cried, her voice tinged with a manic energy that I couldn’t ignore. “You won’t believe it!”

I bookmarked my book, setting it aside, and turned to her, concern etched across my face. “What’s wrong, Aria? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

She didn’t bother with pleasantries. “The holiday market is coming back to town this Saturday!”

I furrowed my brows, my mind racing to make sense of the news. “Holiday market?”

Aria’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she spoke, her words tumbling out in a rush. “They used to set up different shops around town during this time of the year, but they stopped years ago! I guess someone took over the funding because. now they’re coming back and we can’t miss it!”

Her infectious excitement began to wear me down, and I couldn’t help but smile. despite my reservations. The idea of revisiting the holiday market, a place filled. with cherished

admit, it sounds intrigu from Childhood, was enticing. “Okay, okay, Aria. I’ll

admit, it sounds intriguing. But remember, it disappeared for a reason, and that reason might still be there.”

Aria waved her hand dismissively, her enthusiasm undeterred. “Oh, don’t be such a worrywart, Evie! It’s just one day, and it’ll be so much fun! We can’t let this opportunity pass us by.”

As I watched her, I couldn’t help but be drawn in by her excitement. Aria had always been the spontaneous one, dragging me into adventures I would never have dared on my own. She was the embodiment of living in the moment, something I had forgotten how to do. Perhaps it was time for a change.

With a sigh, I gave in to her infectious enthusiasm. “Alright, Aria, you win. I’ll go to the holiday market with you on Saturday.”

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You won’t regret it, Evie! It’s going to be amazing!”

So the ila ught hug.

The day finally arrived, and Aria practically dragged me out of bed with the enthusiasm of a child on Christmas morning. She had insisted we wear matching scarves that she had bought herself, very much giving in to the holiday cheer.

As we approached the entrance to the market, the air was alive with the scent of freshly baked goods and the sound of laughter. The familiar twinkle of lights hung from every stall, casting a warm glow over the scene. It was as if time had stood still, and I couldn’t help but be swept up in the nostalgia.

Aria’s eyes sparkled with delight as she surveyed the scene. “Evie, isn’t it beautiful? It’s just like I remember.”

I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. “It’s gorgeous.”

We strolled through the market, taking in the sights and sounds. There were stalls selling handmade ornaments, artisanal chocolates, and intricate wooden toys. The laughter of children echoed through the air as they rode the carousel, their faces lit up with joy.

As we passed a booth selling hot cocoa, Aria grabbed my arm excitedly. “The hot cocoa was always amazing! Wanna get some?”

warming at her excitement. “Let’s

with each passing minute. Aria chatted animatedly with the vendor, who had a twinkle in his eye as he ladled the rich, steaming cocoa into two Styrofoam cups. As he handed

seemed that everyone in town was just as thrilled as we

sit on, sipping our hot cocoa and watching the world go by. Aria leaned in, her voice filled with wonder. “Evie, I can’t believe we almost

remembering.”

couldn’t help but smile. “You’re right. This was exactly what we

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Chapter 167

we were back on our feet and wandering through the

we approached a booth selling handmade ornaments.

different. designs, I glanced around at the different vendors. My heart nearly stopped beating when I saw a familiar face amongst the crowd,

away.

with a childlike fascination. As it zoomed through the tiny little city, likely meant to emulate our own, I found myself entranced by his interest in something so small

his face, I was stunned to find that he was looking right back at me, his hazel eyes wide with wonder.

“Evie?”

following my pace before I could go any further. I turned to face him, my heart

chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a way that had always made my heart weak. “I could say the same about you. I never

still hadn’t seen the email, likely still diligent about waiting. for some free time in his schedule. I could just tell

complete stranger had sent them.

how have you been, Timothy?” I asked, trying to break the

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Chapter 167

distant. “Same old, same old, I

much I wanted to say to him, so much I wanted to explain, but

the model train set, and he nodded in its direction, “I used to have one of those as a

lifted an eyebrow.

me, a wistful smile on his face. “They were pretty expensive, so I saved up enough money to get my own. I could barely take my eyes off of

still get one,

shaking his head. “Nah, I’m too old for that

him that it was never too reach for the thing that you want…or the person that you want, but

the room. “Timothy, I never congratulated you on your

pat my shoulder, then let his. hand linger. “It’s alright, Evie. You don’t

felt more relieved than what was