The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 182

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I woke up to the gentle aroma of sizzling bacon wafting through the air, accompanied by the sound of laughter and soft chatter. The morning sun was gentle as it stretched across my face. I stretched and yawned, feeling content with the new day.

“Evie!” Aria’s voice called out as I entered the kitchen. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. She was standing there in her pajamas, flipping pancakes with a sense of grace and expertise that made it look like she had been a chef in a past life.

“Morning, sunshine,” she greeted me with a smile, a strand of hair escaping her loose bun.

“Wow, you’re quite the cook,” I marveled, walking over to her, careful not to disrupt the wild pancake flipping she had going

She laughed. “Well, I have an audience to impress. They’re playing around in the living room.”

1. on.

She gestured to the girls, who were playing with Olive’s new toys in the living room, their giggles and laughter making the morning even brighter. Once the food was ready, Aria and I served it to the kids, and they devoured it with the enthusiasm only kids could muster. As they finished. leaned over to me and said, “I can take the girls home after breakfast.”

up, Aria

The apartment really was so quiet sometimes.

“Oh, thank you…” I hadn’t even thought of that, having already grown accustomed to them being there. “Also, I heard Olive talking to the other girls about her mom,” Aria added then in a whisper, and that made my ears twitch in alert.

Emergency calls only

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I turned to look at Olive, who was deep in conversation with Lily, her eyes dancing with excitement and determination.

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The morning continued to pass with laughter and love as we cleaned up, and Aria prepared the girls as they were ready to head home. I stood at the entrance to the kitchen, watching as they gathered their things and exchanged hugs and goodbyes with Olive. The house was gradually emptying, returning to its quiet state, and the familiar sense of emptiness tugged at my heart..

Aria approached me, her eyes filled with warmth and concern. “You two gonna be okay while I’m gone?”

I smiled at her. “Yeah. We should be fine.”

T’ll be back as soon

room, a thoughtful expression on her face. She was growing up so quickly it

the couch, my arm wrapping around her

my face. “I’m okay,

raised an eyebrow. “And

huffed, her gaze unwavering. “I

took a deep breath, the knot of anxiety in my stomach tightening. “Of course, you can.

you want?”

Emergency calls only O

Chapter 182

eyes filled with determination. “Yes,

her forehead. “I’m proud of

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anxiety almost mingling with my own. I couldn’t blame her for feeling on edge; the last time she’d been

the steering wheel tight. We were a silent duo, our minds preoccupied with the weight of the possibilities

couldn’t help but feel my breath growing more labored by the second. Scarlett had been through so much, and the incident would leave both her and Olive emotionally

undone.

and foreign as Olive and I made our way to the front desk. The hum of fluorescent lights overhead, the soft whispers of

hand was strong, her fingers intertwined with mine as if seeking reassurance. I offered

I said to the nurse behind the desk, trying to keep my voice steady. “Can you tell me her room number?” The

gency calls only

Chapter 182

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I

to o

number. “Room 305, just

and I thanked the nurse and made our way to the designated room. As we approached,

infinitely as we approached Scarlett’s room, each step weighed down by the anticipation of what lay ahead. I was caught

was slightly ajar, and

It was Stella.

her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Olive and

through the air like a sharp blade. Her eyes, sharp and