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?”

heart warming at her excitement. “Let’s

eye as he ladled the rich, steaming cocoa into two Styrofoam cups.

I exchanged surprised glances before thanking him profusely. It seemed that everyone in town was just as thrilled as we were to

the world go by. Aria leaned in, her voice filled

remembering.”

but smile. “You’re right. This was exactly

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Chapter 167

sips of cocoa, we were back on our feet and wandering through the stalls once

other hand, was practically bouncing with excitement as we approached a booth selling handmade

admiring the delicate craftsmanship. As she drooled over the different. designs, I glanced around at the different vendors. My

away.

model train set, his eyes fixed on it with a childlike fascination. As it zoomed through the tiny little city, likely meant to emulate our own, I found myself entranced

face, I was stunned to find that he was looking right back at me, his hazel eyes wide with wonder. I turned away, pretending to occupy myself with the ornaments before eventually abandoning that stall altogether and drifting along with

“Evie?”

any further. I turned to face him, my heart racing, and forced

heart weak. “I could say the same about you. I

in his schedule. I could just tell him to his face, but he looked like

them. I’d

Timothy?” I

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Chapter 167

“Same old, same

much I wanted to explain, but I didn’t know how to broach

set, and he nodded in its direction, “I used to have one of

an eyebrow.

his face. “They were pretty expensive, so

a smile. “You could still get

“Nah, I’m too old for

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

address the elephant in the room. “Timothy, I never congratulated you on your engagement and pregnancy. I should

and he reached out to pat my shoulder, then let his. hand linger. “It’s alright, Evie. You don’t need to. But I

than what was probably appropriate.