The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 178

Olive’s birthday was already off to a chaotic start. I had spent the morning gathering the last–minute supplies and decorating the apartment, ensuring it was a magical setting for her sleepover celebration. As I walked up the stairs to our apartment, the scent of the freshly baked birthday cake wafting in the air, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation.

The apartment was already abuzz with the sound of children’s laughter, echoing through the hallway. Aria was inside, overseeing the activities.

I struggled to juggle the cake box and my bag of plastic utensils as I approached the door. With my free hand, I tried to turn the doorknob, but it refused to budge. Frustrated, I began to grumble and knock on the door..

Just as I was about to attempt a more vigorous push, the door suddenly swung open, taking me by surprise. I stumbled backward, almost dropping the cake, and was saved by a strong hand that reached out to steady me. Startled, I turned to find Timothy standing behind me.

He grinned, his eyes darting from me to the party supplies tightly clenched in my hands, “What’s the occasion?” he asked enthusiastically.

I blinked, momentarily lost for words, still processing the shock of seeing him. “Olive’s birthday,’ I replied, finally finding my voice. “We’re having a sleepover party for her.”

“Oh, nice!” Timothy leaned closer, a hand flying under the cake container before it could tip out of my hand. “Need some help?”

I hesitated for a moment, not wanting to trouble him. “Oh, that’s sweet of you, Timothy, but I think we’re all set. Thank you, though.”

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Chapter 178

He cracked a grin and began reaching over. “You look like you’re about to topple over. Here.”

Before I could respond, the door to the apartment creaked open wider, and Olive emerged, her bright eyes alight with excitement. “Uncle Timothy,

hil

“Hi, Olive!” he said with a smile. He swiftly took the cake out of my hands as she took his hand and dragged him inside. “Happy Birthday!”

I stood hopelessly by the door before shutting it behind me and following them inside. In the living room, Olive’s friends were playing a chaotic game of Twister. There was lots of shouting and movement, and Aria seemed just as overwhelmed as she helped turn the spinner.

Timothy set down the cake and gave me an apologetic smile. Olive was right beside him before he could rush away, clenching his arm with her tiny grip.

“My mom said you had a dog!” she exclaimed.

kindly, “I do have a

their game,

I tried not to laugh as they

his way.

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Chapter 178

a dog too!” she added, then paused to look at Timothy. “You guys have to

of a dog sent a ripple of excitement through the group of girls, and their chatter intensified. Timothy glanced at Aria and me, silently

“Well, it’s up to Timothy, girls,” I said, trying to

Timothy said encouragingly, and the girls

willingness to accommodate the girls‘ request. When Timothy came back with Duke hooked to a leash. the girls couldn’t contain their joy as they rushed over to greet him.

best dog ever!”

I shared a knowing look with Timothy. There was something

Duke of yours is quite the charmer,” I said, watching the girls play with him

way of stealing the spotlight. Speaking of which,” he hesitated, scratching his head, “I didn’t get Olive a gift. Of course, it didn’t know she

him and mimicking his look of concern as a wave of panic surged

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Chapter 178

I had gotten everything but her

whispered. ‘I have to

to me, snorted.

a birthday gift. I

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her birthday go by without getting a present from

responded, playing along. “It would be a

“I have an idea,” he said suddenly, a spark of determination in his eyes. “I’ll drive us both

me. “That sounds like a great plan,” I

she wouldn’t worry about our sudden disappearance. With her approval, Timothy and I slipped. away from the party, the

atmosphere inside the car was filled with a comfortable silence compared to the wild

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wheel, and the soft hum of the engine was the only sound that

back there

at him, a slight smile on my lips. “It’s no big deal, Timothy. I mean, Olive is a