The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 70

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As | walked through my apartment door, | found Aria sitting on the couch, her brows furrowed in concern. “Where have you been?” she asked worriedly, already rushing toward me.

| sighed, dropping my bag by the door. “Aria, you don’t have to always ask that.”

She shook her head. “Yes, | do. Especially after what happened with Bruce. | need to know you're safe!”

| looked away, memories of that terrifying night flashing before my eyes. Bruce’s menacing presence, the cold fear gripping my heart, and the overwhelming sense. of vulnerability. Twice, I've been found, battered and helpless at the hands ofConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Bruce.

“| can’t get that image of you out of my mind,” she whispered, her voice cracking. She had her hands on my shoulders, her face twisted in pain. “I don’t know what I'd do.”

“I'm sorry, Aria,” | murmured, my voice heavy with regret. “I know you worry about me, but | can’t live my life in fear.”

She sighed, her expression softening. “I know, Evie. But you have to understand that | care about you. We’re family. And after everything that’s happened, | just can’t help it.”

| was taken aback by the depth of her concern. While | had been trying my best to move forward and put the past behind me, | hadn’t realized just how much my experiences had affected Aria as well.

“Aria, | appreciate your concern, but | promise I’m okay,” | assured her.

She shook her head, a tear escaping down her cheek. “It’s just that... I’ve seen you go through so much. And you’ve been getting so much attention lately that it’s been making me even more uneasy.”

My heart clenched at the sight of Aria’s tears. She had always been a pillar of strength, the calm in the storm, and to see her so vulnerable shook me to my core.

| stepped closer to her and gently wiped away her tear. “Aria, | had no idea you were feeling this way. I’m so sorry.” 4/4

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12:21 Fri, 22 Mar Def

She offered me a small smile, her vulnerability making her even more endearing. “Evie, you’re my best friend. Of course, I’m going to worry about you. | can’t help it.”

| wrapped my arms around her in a comforting embrace, feeling the weight of her worry dissipate into the air. “Thank you, Aria. You mean the world to me.”

She hugged me back tightly, her grip almost desperate. “Please, just try to be careful.” “| promise, Aria,” | vowed,

Aria pulled back slightly, her eyes locking onto mine. “And you promise you won't keep things from me? You'll let me in when you're going through something?”

| nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude for her unwavering support. “I promise, Aria. No more keeping secrets. We're in this together.”

Aria let out a relieved sigh, her tension visibly easing. Thank you, Evie. That means more to me than you'll ever know.” | tugged a hair behind her ear. “I appreciate it, Aria. | really do.” Her gaze held mine for a moment before she finally nodded. “So, where were you?”

She moved over to the couch and patted the seat next to her. | plopped down beside her and pulled my knees to my chest. Aria’s friendship was a lifeline, one | refused to break.

| leaned my head against the back of the couch, closing my eyes briefly. “Today was... eventful, to say the least.” Aria’s brow quirked up. “Eventful how?”

| couldn't help but chuckle, recounting the milkshake incident and the subsequent trip to the café restroom. Aria’s eyes widened, a mixture of shock and anger crossing her features. “Someone threw a milkshake at you? That's outrageous!”

| nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Yeah, it was pretty crazy.”

Aria’s expression softened, concern replacing her anger. “Are you okay, though? | mean, physically?” Need Top Metal imping? Get 10% Discount (Start How)

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| assured her that | was fine, but her worry was a testament to the depth of our friendship. “I’m okay, Aria. It’s just been a lot to process.”

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She let out a sigh of relief, her gaze fixed on me. “Evie, promise me that you'll stay in contact more often. With the paparazzi getting more aggressive, | just want to make sure you're safe.”

“| promise, Aria,” | stated. “I'll make an effort to keep you updated.”

Aria’s lips curved into a smile, her relief evident. “So, you spent the day with Timothy? Just the two of you?” she asked, a hint of suggestion in her voice.

| nodded, feeling a warmth spread through me. “Yeah, it was... nice.” Aria let out a playful groan, nudging my arm. “Evie, you’re totally falling for him!” | rolled my eyes, a blush creeping onto my cheeks. “Aria, come on. We're just efriends.”

She raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Uh-huh, friends who go on totally—-non- romantic Walks together and have cute moments in cafés.”

| sighed, knowing that arguing with Aria was futile. “Okay, fine. Maybe there’s a connection there, but it’s complicated.”

Aria’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Complicated, huh? Well, | think you should explore it.

I chuckled, shaking my head. “We'll see.”

Her expression suddenly turned thoughtful, and she rubbed her chin. “You know, maybe | should get to know Timothy better too.” “Oh?” | arched an eyebrow. “And how do you propose to do that?”

Aria’s grin widened. “You could invite me along on your next outing with him!”

| considered her suggestion. “Actually, that’s not a bad idea. | could see if he’s up for it.”

Aria clapped her hands, returning to her old cheery self in a flash. | couldn’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm.

“Oh!” She shot up from the couch and started pacing. “I can’t believe I’m finally

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going to meet Timothy Hayes. | mean, the autographs were nice, but to actually hang out...”

| leaned back against the couch, watching her slowly lose her composure with the matter. “Just remember, he’s just a regular guy under all the fame.”

“Of course!” She sat back down and slapped her knees. “But he’s still hot!” “And nice,” | added with a grin. “He’s a lot more down-to-earth than | expected.” Aria squinted playfully. “So, you’re saying he’s not just a pretty face?”

| laughed, shaking my head. “No, he’s more than that. He’s genuinely kind and easy. to talk to. And he has this adorable golden retriever named Duke.”

Aria’s eyes lit up at the mention of a dog. “Wait, seriously? He has a dog?”

“We could all hang out sometime. You, me, and Timothy. Maybe take Duke for a walk together?”

Aria squealed. “Yes, yes, yes! That sounds amazing.”

| grinned, glad to see Aria’s enthusiasm. “Great! I'll ask Timothy and see if we can arrange something.”

As our conversation continued, | couldn’t help but feel regretful. I'd been so consumed with my own issues, not even realizing that they affected Aria too. When Bruce broke into our old apartment, it was very much Aria’s home as well.

If | couldn’t be safe, there was a good chance that she wouldn't be either. Bruce could have easily kidnapped her or harmed her like he had Timothy. | needed to think more about how | moved from now on.

As the evening continued, Aria and | chatted about our plans for the coming days. The idea of spending time with both Aria and Timothy was a welcome distraction. My favorite person combined with someone | never thought I'd come to

appreciate...it would be quite the experience. a 0

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