The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 179

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The toy store loomed before us, a kingdom of childhood dreams. Colorful displays filled the large windows, and the sound of laughter and excitement reached our ears even before we stepped inside. We entered the store, and the magic of the place washed over me.

As we walked down the aisles, our footsteps echoing on the linoleum floor, | couldn’t help but wonder about Timothy’s earlier confession. The kind words had touched my heart, and despite the winter cold, the warmth from them only seemed to spread.

Turning to Timothy, | couldn’t contain my curiosity any longer. “Timothy,” | began tentatively, “how is it that you didn’t know about Olive before? | mean, she’s Stella’s niece. She never mentioned her?”

Timothy's gaze shifted towards the colorful array of toys, his expression troubled. “I barely know anything about Stella, Evie. We've only met a few times over the years, purely as eye-candy for the tabloids, and we weren’t close. | hardly knew she had a sister until Scarlett sued her.”

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “So you two were going to get married while hardly knowing each other? That sounds... hopeful.”

Timothy's shoulders slumped, and a shadow passed over his face. “It does sound strange when you say it out loud, doesn't it? | never intended for things to go in this direction.”

Timothy's words echoed in my mind. “Timothy,” | began, my voice tinged with concern, “it’s not just strange that you didn’t know about Olive. If Stella can’t even tell you about her own family, there’s probably other things she’s hidden. Like-”

“Like her affair.” Timothy’s gaze shifted to a colorful doll on the shelf, his expression troubled. “I know, Evie. | probably should've expected it all

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His admission hung heavily in the air, and | couldn't help but feel angry for him. “But now that you know, you can get yourself out this. Family is important, Timothy, but not if you have to sacrifice your livelihood.”

| knew all about sacrifices when it came to family. Of course, some choices were more selfish than others. | couldn’t imagine abandoning my child, but escaping my step—brother that one terrible night was necessary. Timothy’ situation didn’t sound as clear—cut.

He nodded, his voice tinged with regret. “You're right, Evie.”

The weight of our conversation still weighed on my shoulders as we continued our search for the perfect gift for Olive. The shelves were brimming with possibilities, and as we strolled through the store, | kept an eye out for something that would truly resonate with her.

We came across a display of dolls, and Timothy’s eyes landed on one with braided pigtails and a bright smile. “I think Olive would love this one,” he suggested.

| couldn't help but chuckle, shaking my head. “Timothy, Olive isn’t into dolls. She’s more of an action figures and adventure kind of girl.” Timothy blinked in surprise, as if he hadn’t expected such a response. “Oh, | didn’t know that. What would you recommend, then?”

| pointed to a shelf nearby, where a limited edition Galactic Heroes action figure stood, its packaging adorned with vivid colors and bold illustrations. “That’s more her style. She loves space adventures and superheroes. But be warned, it’s a bit pricey.”

Timothy's eyes flicked to the price tag, and he hesitated, concern etching his features, “I can cover it, Evie. It’s the perfect gift for

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1 frowned, reluctant to accept his offer. “I appreciate that, Timothy, but it’s a bit expensive. | don’t want you to feel like you have to spend so much. Timothy’s determination shone through as he insisted, “I want to do this, Evie. It’s the least | could do.”

| bit my lip, feeling a mix of emotions. Timothy’s willingness to help was heartwarming, but | didn’t want to burden him with the cost. “Alright, but I'll pay you back,” | relented, a sense of gratitude washing over me.

Timothy smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. “Don’t you dare. I’m being charitable.”

| nodded. “Ah. So you're aware that I’m a charity case. Does my poorness come with an alarming smell?” He leaned in and took a dramatic sniff before pulling away. “You smell quite nice, actually. Like peppermint.” | bit my lip, trying to hide the shiver down my spine as he smiled at me. “I see.”

“Though | highly doubt you're wallowing in poverty,” he added, grabbing the action figure off the shelf. “Certainty won’t be after you win this case. against Stella.”

| laughed softly. It felt good to hear him be so sure.

With the action figure in hand, we made our way to the checkout counter, our mission to find the perfect gift complete. The conversation about Timothy’s family had left me with a lingering sense of unease, but for now, we were focused on making Olive’s birthday special.

As we left the toy store, our hands laden with tissue paper and a vibrant gift bag, we were met with a wondrous sight. Outside, the night had

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transformed the city into a tranquil winter wonderland. Snowflakes drifted gently from the dark sky, blanketing the world in pristine white. The streetlights cast a soft glow on the snowy landscape, and the muffled sounds of the city seemed to fade away.

I stood there, caught in a moment of awe, as | watched the snowflakes fall. The cold air nipped at my cheeks, and | couldn’t help but smile. Snow had a 1 way of making everything feel calm and serene. | extended my hand to catch a few snowflakes, the delicate crystals melting on my palm. “I love how the city looks when it’s

covered in snow,” | said, my voice filled with wonder. “It’s like a different world.”

As | spoke, | noticed Timothy staring at me, his gaze intense and unwavering. It made my heart race, and | felt a rush of warmth rise to my cheeks. It suddenly became self-conscious under his watchful eyes.

“Is there something on my face?” | asked, grazing my cheek with one hand. Timothy shook his head rapidly. “No. It’s just...it really is beautiful out here.”

| parted my lips, awaiting his next words as held my gaze. There was a long stretch of silence, both of us holding our breaths. After a moment, my resolve began to fizzle.

“We should head back,” | said, my voice a little unsteady. The intensity of his gaze had overwhelmed me, and | needed to break the spell. “Aria and Olive are probably waiting for us.”

Timothy blinked, as if he had been lost in thought. He nodded, a faint smile on his lips. “You’re right, Evie. Let’s get back.” Emergency calls only Chapter 179 *D21% # 13:32

As we made our way to the car, the snow continued to fall, and | couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace settle within me. The world was hushed and still, and it was as if the snow had temporarily muted the chaos of the city.

Once inside the car, Timothy blasted the heaters. | began assembling Olive’s gift as he drove down the road. | could corner him now and ask what he was going to say, but it seemed | didn’t have the nerve either.

Even with so many obstacles breaking down before us, a dreadful distance was left in their wake.

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