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, I
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, I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer. “Timothy,” I began
tentatively, “how is it that you didn’t know about Olive before? I 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. I 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? I never intended for things to
go in this direction.”
Timothy's words echoed in my mind. “Timothy,” I 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. I probably should've expected it all
Emergency calls only Chapter 179
along.”
37021
His admission hung heavily in the air, and I 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.”
I knew all about sacrifices when it came to family. Of course, some choices were
more selfish than others. I 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, I 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.
I 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, I didn’t know that. What
would you recommend, then?”
I 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 her.”
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Chapter 179
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1 frowned, reluctant to accept his offer. “I appreciate that, Timothy, but it's a bit
expensive. I 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 I
could do.”
1 bit my lip, feeling a mix of emotions. Timothy's willingness to help was
heartwarming, but I didn’t want to burden him with the cost. “Alright, but I'll pay
you back,” I relented, a sense of gratitude washing over me.
Timothy smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. “Don’t you dare. I'm being
charitable.”
I 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.”
1 bit my lip, trying to hide the shiver down my spine as he smiled at me. “I see.”
“Though I 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.”
I 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 I watched the snowflakes fall. The
cold air nipped at my cheeks, and I couldn't help but smile. Snow had a 1 way of
making everything feel calm and serene.
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I extended my hand to catch a few
snowflakes, the delicate crystals.
pe 0) (@)
melting on my palm véhow the
i) : »
chy Roky When it's covered in snow,
I said, my voice filled with wonder.
a . "
It's like a different world.” The

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As I spoke, I noticed Timothy staring at me, his gaze intense and unwavering. It
made my heart race, and I felt a rush of warmth rise to my cheeks. It suddenly
became self-conscious under his watchful eyes.
“Is there something on my face?” I asked, grazing my cheek with one hand.
Timothy shook his head rapidly. “No. It's just...it really is beautiful out here.”
I 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,” I said, my voice a little unsteady. The intensity of his
gaze had overwhelmed me, and I 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.”
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*D21% # 13:32
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As we made our way to the car, the

: ,
snow continued to fall, and I couldn't
help but feel a serog af peace seltle
within rhe Ghe world was hushed
and still, and it was as if the snow
had temporarily muted the chaos of
the city. The content is on
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chapter there!
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Once inside the car, Timothy blasted
the heaters. I began assembling.

Sw 5
Olive's u as Nie-dokédovn the
rqad)l.co id corner him now and ask
what he was going to say, but it
’ B .

seemed I didn't have the nerve either.
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Even with so many obstacles breaking down before us, a dreadful distance was
left in their wake.
SEND GIFT