The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 222
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5!
The steady hum of the office greeted me as I settled into my desk, the soft glow
of the computer screen casting a familiar light across the workspace. With the
weekend looming ahead, there was an air of excitement that mingled with the
usual workday routine. I was determined to tie up loose ends before my much—
anticipated
escape to a lakeview cabin with friends.
My fingers danced across the keyboard, navigating through documents and
emails, ensuring that everything was in order. The responsibilities of my new role
demanded attention to detail, and I prided myself on leaving no task unfinished.
As I delved into my work, the occasional glance at the clock served as a gentle
reminder that the weekend was drawing near.
The atmosphere in the office seemed different, a subtle shift that brought a sense
of camaraderie among my coworkers. Perhaps it was the impending break or the
shared anticipation of having a more personable boss. overlooking them.
Whatever the reason, the normally polite exchanges took on a warmer tone.
Amid the organized chaos of the office, I found myself engaging in casual
conversations with my coworkers. Beth and Sarah, my trusted confidantes in the
workplace, beckoned me over to their desks. The backdrop of family photos and
quirky desk accessories, which hadn't been allowed previously, created an
atmosphere of familiarity and comfort.
“Evie, you're glowing today,” said Beth, propping her chin up in one hand. “Big
plans for the weekend?”
I chuckled, nodding. “Heading to a lakeview cabin with some friends. Need a
break from the city hustle, you know?”
Sarah leaned in, her eyes filled with curiosity. “Sounds like a dream. Anyone
special joining you? Spill the details, Evie.”
“A special hockey player, perhaps?” Beth added.
A bashful smile crept across my face as I considered how to navigate the
question. “Well, Timothy dropped me off this morning. He's one of the friends
coming along.”
Their eyes widened in unison, and the atmosphere took on a playful energy. Beth
nudged me with her elbow, a knowing smile on her face. “Timothy, huh?”
I nodded, feeling a sudden surge of self-consciousness. “Yeah, he’s coming.
We're all just friends getting together
1/4
Chapter 222
for a weekend getaway.”
Sarah exchanged a glance with Beth, and they shared a subtle grin. “You don’t
look at him like “just a friend,” Beth teased, causing my cheeks to flush.
“Don't be shy, Evie. Any girl would be lucky to wind up with a hockey star like
Timothy,” Sarah added with a playful wink. “Seems like only yesterday, people
were hailing Timothy and Stella as some sort of power couple.”
“Oh, yes! Everyone thought they were meant to be together forever,” Beth added,
taking a sip of her coffee. “But our girl Evie wasn't having any of that,” Sarah
continued, flashing me a knowing smile.
1 felt
my
cheeks flush at the mention. “I-I don't think-"
“No need to be modest, Evie. You and Timothy have something special,” Beth
said, nudging me playfully.
I chuckled nervously; feeling like the center of attention. The conversation veered
toward other topics, but the unease lingered within me. The guilt over the
mention of Stella and the insinuations about Timothy and me gnawed at my
conscience.
I wondered fleetingly if Stella had moved on, if she had found solace with Andy
after the engagement was called off with Timothy. Timothy may have never loved
her, but Stella seemed to be truly attached to him. Not even Andy seemed to be a
factor in her decisions, despite what the two were doing outside of the public's
eye.
My coworkers seemed genuinely delighted by the idea of Timothy and me being
together. Any of the previous shame around it seemed like a distant memory.
As the clock ticked away, the friendly banter created a lighthearted ambiance,
momentarily distracting me from the meticulous work that still demanded
attention.
As I navigated through the remaining tasks, the office buzzed with the collective
energy of a team looking forward to a well-deserved break. My junior attorneys
were eager to help with my workload, desperate to get some experience in the
legal field.
As a senior associate, my schedule had become unpredictable, with cases and
deadlines dictating the rhythm of my day. I had just wrapped up a particularly
intense meeting, thinking I'd be tethered to my desk for at least another hour, but
we managed to finish earlier than expected.
I caught the eye of my remaining co-workers, exchanging exhausted smiles and
nods. As I approached the exit, I called out to the small cluster of colleagues still
immersed in the last throes of the workday.
2/4
Dreame
Emergency calls un
Chapter 222
“I'm going to grab dinner. See you all next week!” I announced.
The chorus of farewells followed me as I made my way to the elevators, the
metallic doors sliding shut behind me with a finality that echoed the end of the
workday. The city outside awaited, its streets alive with the ebb and flow of post—
office life.
Stepping onto the sidewalk, I inhaled the cool evening air, savoring the liberation
that came with shedding the professional armor. The familiar rhythm of my
footsteps echoed in the emptying streets as I headed toward my favorite food
stand down the block.
As I approached the food stand, the savory aroma of grilled delights enveloped
me, and my anticipation heightened. My phone buzzed in my pocket, a message
from Timothy. “Running a bit late. The traffic is awful!” he typed, accompanied by
a sad emoji.
I
A smile tugged at my lips as I replied, “No worries. Take your time, I'm grabbing
dinner.”
Ordering a falafel wrap, I found a quiet bench to enjoy my impromptu meal. The
savory flavors mingled with the crisp breeze, and for a moment, I imagined how
our trip at the cabin would unravel.
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As I made my way back to the firm,
an unsettling feeling crept over me.
The vibrant city hl A
Ny charm, ard } e once—familiar
faces blurred into a sea of strangers.
I quickened my pace, trying to shake
off the unease, but the sensation
persisted like a shadow at my heels.
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My phone buzzed with a message
from Timothy, and as I glanced down
to read it, the hairs on the back ofmy
neck prickled Bad dhs distinct
irpfession that someone was
watching me. A shiver ran down my
spine, and I instinctively looked
around, but the crowded street
offered no clues. The content is on
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chapter there!
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« . oa

Get a grip, Evie,” I muttered to
myself, attributing the paranoia to
stress and an overactive imagination.
I contined walking folders
hinkhed, the click of my heels
echoing in the empty spaces
between my thoughts. Timothy said
he would be arriving soon,
fortunately. The content is on
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When I turned a corner, I heard it-the distinct sound of another set of steps,
matching my pace. My heart raced as the footsteps grew louder, hastening with
every stride I took. Panic surged through me, and I dared not glance
back.
Just as I began to convince myself that I was being ridiculous, a hand clamped
firmly on my shoulder from behind. I gasped, turning around in shock, only to be
met with a sight that both surprised and relieved me.
“Stella?”