The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 165

Chapter 165 As | sat at home, | found myself engrossed in a book, trying to lose myself in its pages and forget about the world around me.

My phone chimed, breaking the silence. | glanced at the screen to see a message from Scarlett saying that she wanted me to come over lunch as a thank you for my help on her case. It was an unexpected invitation, and part of me wanted to decline.

| was tired, emotionally drained, and the idea of socializing felt like a daunting. task. But another part of me, a sense of obligation and curiosity, urged me to go.

After a brief internal debate, | replied with a simple “Sure, |’ll be there,” and received an enthusiastic response from Scarlett. She provided her address and a time, and | reluctantly put my book aside to get ready.

As | parked my car in front of Scarlett’s quaint, cozy home, | took a deep breath to steady myself. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood. | reached for the doorbell and rang it, my heart pounding in anticipation.

Moments later, Scarlett swung the door open with a bright smile. “Evie, so glad you could make it, she greeted, welcoming me inside with a warm hug.

| returned the embrace, surprised by the gesture. “Thank you for having me over.”

Scarlett’s home had a comfortable, lived—in feel to it, filled with an assortment of artwork and eclectic furnishings. It was more modest than the large estate she was fighting for, but it certainly screamed wealth. The aroma of something delicious wafted from the kitchen, making my mouth water.

As Scarlett busied herself in the kitchen, | sat in one of the seats at the dinner table. | watched as she expertly chopped vegetables and prepared the meal, the rhythmic clinking of knives against cutting boards the only sound in the room.

“So, Evie,” Scarlett began, her voice light and conversational, “tell me more about yourself. Why did you decide to become a lawyer?”

| shifted uncomfortably in my seat, wondering how much of my past | wanted to 1/4 Chapter 165

reveal. “Well, it's something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. | began cautiously. “I believe in fighting for justice and giving people hope.”

Scarlett paused, her gaze turning to me with curiosity. “Hope? What do you mean?”

| hesitated, but something in Scarlett’s eyes urged me to share more. “When | was young, | began slowly, “I went through some difficult times. | felt like there was no one there to help me, to give me hope that things could get better. Becoming a lawyer was my way of making sure others don’t have to go through what | did.”

Scarlett’s expression softened as she absorbed my words. “That’s noble of you, Evie,” she said sincerely | smiled gratefully. “Thank you.”

As Scarlett continued to prepare our meal, we fell into a more relaxed conversation. She shared stories from her childhood and talked about her own motivations for becoming a digital marketer. It was a moment of vulnerability and connection that | hadn’t expected, and it eased the tension that had been present since my arrival.

“You know,” | began, a mischievous smile tugging at my lips, “the last time | was invited to dinner with someone, they turned out to be Timothy’s stalker.”

Scarlett burst into laughter as she plopped a lid on the pot, letting the food simmer. “Oh, wow! That’s quite something.” | joined in her laughter. “Believe me, it was quite the experience.”

As her laughter died down, Scarlett suddenly forward with a grin. “So, were you and Timothy always close before Stella squeezed her way in between you two?”

| felt my smile falter, and a sense of unease settled in my stomach. The mention of Timothy and Stella brought back a rush of memories, and | couldn’t help but feel a surge of resentment and anger.

“Not exactly,” | replied, trying to keep my tone light. “We knew each other, and | guess we did become good friends while we worked together on the case. Stella didn’t cause us to fall

out, but she didn’t help.”

Scarlett’s expression shifted to one of curiosity, and she leaned closer, her eyes searching mine. “So what happened?” 24

[e)

My heart raced as | tried to find the right words, desperately wanting to avoid revealing the truth about the depth of my feelings for Timothy. “It's complicated,” | began, my voice trembling slightly. “Let's just say that old wounds were reopened, and we haven't recovered since.”

Scarlett’s eyes sparkled with curiosity and a hint of mischief. “I see. So, you're sure that nothing ever happened between you and Timothy?”

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and | stammered, “N—no, of course not. Timothy and | were just friends. Nothing more.”

Scarlett laughed softly, her amusement evident. “Evie, | can tell from the way you talk about him and the way you look at each other that there’s more to this story than you're letting on.”

| felt my defenses crumble under Scarlett’s probing gaze. She had a way of seeing through the walls | had built. | shifted uncomfortably in my seat, fumbling for a response. “I see, | murmured, feeling suddenly out of place.

Scarlett tilted her head to one side. “You know,” she said, leaning in

conspiratorially, “sometimes, even when two people are close, there’s a lot they don’t say. Sometimes, it’s what’s unspoken that matters.”

Before | could respond, the sound of little feet pattering on the floor interrupted. our conversation. A young girl with a cascade of curly brown hair, practically a miniature version of Scarlett, came running out of her room. “The food smells good!” she declared with unbridled enthusiasm before her eyes. landed on me.

Scarlett’s face lit up with maternal pride as she introduced the girl. “Evie, meet Olive. My little tornado of joy. Olive, this is Evie, the kind lawyer who's going to help us get grandpa’s property back.”

Olive’s eyes widened in wonder, and her round face broke into a wide, gap-toothed. smile. She rushed to my side and extended a hand, as if sealing a pact. “Thank you, Evie,” she said earnestly, her voice carrying an unexpected depth. “If we get grandpa’s house, it'll be like being around him again.”

The sincerity in Olive’s words hit me like a ton of bricks. | glanced at Scarlett, whose gaze bore a mixture of hope and desperation. Suddenly, the weight of this case, of the dreams and memories attached to that piece of land, became all too

Mon, 25 Mal

apparent. It was no longer just a legal matter; it was a lifeline to a past they desperately clung to.

| cleared my throat, my words feeling like heavy stones in my mouth. “I'll do my best, Olive. | promise.” Scarlett’s gratitude shone through her eyes, and she smiled at me in silent appreciation.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Lunch was served, and we settled around the table, savoring Scarlett’s delicious pasta. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The anger and frustration that had defined my relationship with Timothy and Stella had been pushed aside by a deeper sense of purpose and responsibility.

My gaze lingered on Olive for a while, and | pictured the child slowly growing in Stella’s belly. There were two innocent lives that were tangled up in all of this. Unfortunately, things would only get messier from here.

isi)