The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 180

*完日21%

13.33

When Timothy and I returned to the party, Aria greeted us with a smile as bright as the candles she was about to light. “The girls are ready to cut the cake!” she announced, her excitement more pronounced now that she was comfortable.

Timothy looked at me and whispered, “I think I’d better head out,” then made his way over to Duke. The dog looked burnt out, like the girls did a number on him. Timothy grabbed his leash and practically had to coax him to move from his place of comfort.

Timothy then walked over to Olive and knelt down to her level, wishing her a heartfelt, “Happy birthday, sweetheart,” before embracing her tightly. “Goodnight!” Olive told him. “Don’t let the bedbugs bite.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for ‘em.” As he pulled away from the hug, I noticed his gaze linger on me. It was an intense, lingering look, filled with a depth of emotion that I couldn’t quite place. My heart raced as our eyes locked for a moment, and then he turned and headed for the door.

“Night, Aria. Night, Evie.” He smiled at me as he passed the threshold and shut the door behind him. For some reason, I felt more affronted by the

gesture.

I couldn’t deny the way his gaze had affected me. It was a mixture of curiosity and frustration, leaving me torn between wanting to know what he was thinking and being furious with him for what he had done. I had no intention of letting him off the hook easily. There was unfinished business between us, and that gaze had only added to the growing pile of questions in my mind.

Once Timothy had disappeared from sight, I turned my attention back to Aria, who was now ready to light the candles on Olive’s cake. The girls fell

Emergency calls only Chapter 180

#021% # 113.33

silent as the flames flickered to life, casting a warm, golden glow on Olive’s delighted face. We all sang a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday.” and Olive beamed as she made a wish before blowing out the candles.

As the

party continued, Olive began opening her birthday presents, a chorus of excitement accompanying each unwrapping.

reaching her last friend’s gift, Olive turned to me, her

an amazing birthday!”

at her, my heart swelling with affection. “You’re welcome, sweetie. But don’t thank me just yet.” I reached into my bag and pulled out the wrapped gift. “This is

widening with curiosity. She eagerly tore open the wrapping, revealing the toys inside. Olive’s face lit up with. delight, and she hugged the action figure to her chest,

you, Evie!” Olive

feeling a sense of happiness. “You’re welcome, Olive. I’m glad you

Uncle Timothy’s nice. Maybe him and Aunt Stella should get married after all.” My heart sank at her words. I glanced at Olive, unsure of how to respond. Her innocent remark had touched on something that I hadn’t expected. I leaned down to Olive’s

Emergency calls only.

Chapter 180

thing that ever

021% 13:3

innocent perspective. Even if Timothy kept Stella calm, he certainly couldn’t convince her to be loyal at

was too young to understand the complexities of adult relationships, and it wasn’t the time or place to dive into that conversation. Instead, I gave her a soft smile and said, “Well, sometimes, people find silver

empathy. The intricacies of family

and I, both worn out from the day’s festivities, set about the task of getting the girls to sleep. We shared stories and bedtime rituals, gradually coaxing

the girls were finally asleep. Aria and I retreated to the living room, where the warm glow of the table

and she shot

I just said I’d take care of the

it’s been so long since I’ve even seen

Emergency calls only

Chapter 180

that ended with a cheating boyfriend

021% 13.31

to share my own birthday anecdotes. “That’s awful. I guess I’ve

with empathy. “No birthdays? Was it because

sighed, the frustration and anger of my past resurfacing. “I could never really get one, though I

indulge in more of my life story, though I’ve told her very little throughout the