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

awoke to the persistent whimpering of Duke. Groggily, he dragged himself out of bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. When nature called for his dog, the need for an

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

as he made his way to the

his doorstep. It was a slice of birthday cake,

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was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes. Evie was still considering

renewed sense of hope. He left it on the kitchen counter before heading

Ut of the

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

for Evie’s sake.

face was streaked with tears, and she seemed to

passenger–side door and leaned in. “Stella, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice filled with

in the hospital,” she replied

in her heart to care. Of course, he quickly remembered that hadn’t heard from Stella

calls?” Timothy asked, his frustration seeping into his voice. He had tried to reach her multiple times but had received no response. He suspected Andy

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

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as he realized the gravity of the situation. He felt like testing her then, because Andy seemed far more honest than she was. Even if it was solely so

been trying to get in touch with

she replied, “It doesn’t matter