The Hockey Star’s Remorse

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Chapter 181

EVIE POV

As the day waned and the evening sun painted the sky in shades of twilight, I found myself in the living room. The atmosphere was filled with tranquility as the girls laughed and chatted, each wrapped in the comforting embrace of their friendship. It was a sight that tugged at my heartstrings, a reminder of the connections I had longed for during my own youth but never truly experienced.

I watched the girls in silence, a pang of regret gnawing at my heart. How different my own childhood had been. I had always felt like an outsider, struggling to find my place among my peers. The idea of having a close–knit group of friends like Olive did seemed like a distant dream–one that I had never been able to realize.

My thoughts shifted to Timothy and the role he had played in making Olive’s birthday special. It was hard to deny the genuine kindness he had shown, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. Despite the complexities of our history, he had stepped up to help out when it mattered.

I considered the idea of approaching him, of breaking the silence that had hung between us for so long. A part of me longed to thank him, to express my appreciation for what he had done. But the fear of reopening old wounds and unraveling the carefully constructed boundaries kept me hesitating.

In the end, I decided on a simple, non–intrusive way to convey my gratitude. I would offer a small token of thanks, a gesture that wouldn’t demand a response or delve into the past. A slice of birthday cake and a handwritten note seemed fitting.

I cut a delicate slice of the birthday cake that Olive had enjoyed so much. It was a sweet, symbolic gesture, a way of reciprocating the kindness Timothy had shown. As I settled in the living room, I took a sheet of paper and penned a short message: “Figured I’d return the favor.”

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With the note and cake slice in hand, I made my way to Timothy’s door. The familiar sensation of anxiety crept up, but I pushed it aside, determined to follow through with my simple act of gratitude. I placed the cake slice and the note outside his door, ensuring it was visible.

I stepped back, taking a moment to reflect on the choice I had made. It was a step, a small one, but a step nonetheless, I had acknowledged the kindness Timothy had shown, and I had expressed my gratitude. There was no need for further action or conversation, just the assurance that my appreciation had been communicated..

The night air was cool, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves as I returned to the living room. I settled into a chair, my gaze once again drawn to the girls. who were now engaged in a game. Their laughter and camaraderie were a bittersweet reminder of the connections I had missed in my own youth.

As I watched them, I found a sense of solace in knowing that Olive had the kind of friendship I had yearned for. I may not have experienced it myself. but seeing her surrounded by friends brought me a profound happiness. The cycle of life continued, and my hope was that Olive’s journey would be filled with the love and support she deserved.

TIMOTHY POV

Duke. Groggily, he dragged himself out of bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. When nature called for his dog, the need for an alarm clock felt

sneakers and hooked Duke’s leash onto his collar. The morning air was crisp, and a

apartment complex as he made his way to the

a small, unexpected surprise waiting for him at his doorstep. It was a slice of birthday cake, carefully placed on a paper plate with a note beside it. His heart swelled

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gesture, but it spoke volumes.

his steps light with a renewed sense of hope. He left it on the kitchen counter before heading apartment with Duke, who was now more than eager

Ut of the

thoughts were occupied by the cake and what it represented. He couldn’t help but wonder about the unresolved tension between him

for Evie’s sake.

with tears, and she seemed to be in distress.

leaned in. “Stella, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine

her eyes red and swollen from crying. “Scarlett’s still in the hospital,” she replied in a

From what he’d seen, the two weren’t close, but Stella still found it in her heart to care. Of course, he quickly remembered that hadn’t heard from Stella in days, and

He had tried to reach her multiple times but had received no response. He

“I… I didn’t realize. My phone was on silent, and I wasn’t taking any calls.”

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then, because Andy seemed far more honest than she was. Even

you been? I’ve been trying to get in touch

replied, “It doesn’t matter where I’ve