The Hockey Star’s Remorse by Riley Above Story

Chapter 189

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I spent the day walking with Olive around the city. I figured she’d enjoy seeing some sights after being cooped up in our little apartment most days. It was nothing like the spacious home and large, open backyard she had with her mom.

I also longed for a few moments of peace, and feeding bread to the ducks with her seemed to accomplish exactly that. After a quick meal and another long walk, we returned home with her ready to retreat to my room for a nap.

As I sank into the worn–out sofa, half–asleep, I picked up the remote control and turned on the television as some background noise.

The news anchor’s voice filled the room, and my attention was instantly drawn to the screen. The headline flashed in bold letters: “Affair Scandal Rocks Prominent Family.”

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I squinted at the television, my heart pounding with trepidation. Stella’s face appeared on the screen. She was seated in an elegant living room, her tearful eyes staring directly into the camera.

“What on earth?” I muttered to myself, my heart racing. I had no idea what could have brought Stella into the spotlight.

The news anchor began to narrate the story. Apparently, an anonymous source had leaked scandalous photos and information about an alleged affair involving Stella, a prominent political figure, and a prominent businessperson. I watched in shock as the photos emerged on the screen, depicting Stella in intimate situations with none other than Andy Hayes

As the images unfolded, my mind raced to the thumb drive I had retrieved from Andy’s office. Those photos didn’t match the ones on the screen at all, though I’d made my own share of threats. Either way, it was perplexing.

Evidently, Stella’s PR team had gone into damage control mode. They issued a statement, denying the authenticity of the photos and calling them “baseless fabrications.” The lawyer in me couldn’t help but analyze the situation,

The power of denial and deflection was a powerful tactic, especially when someone’s reputation was at stake. But the photos seemed so real, and the media’s response was mixed. Some outlets were skeptical, while others chose to give Stella the benefit of the doubt.

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I watched in awe as Stella, looking disheveled and emotionally distraught, appeared on the screen. Her voice

trembled as she spoke to the media.

“I can’t believe someone would do this to our family,” she sobbed, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “Timothy and I were just on the brink of a new beginning, a fresh start, and now someone is purposefully trying to tarmisin our reputation before we can even begin.”

Her words were delivered with such raw emotion that it was hard not to feel sympathy for her if you didn’t know the truth. Stella was just as much of an actress as she was a model, and she knew how to work the media. Her heartfelt plea tugged at the heartstrings of the public, and many people began to question the authenticity of the affair scandal.

But I couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in the pit of my stomach. I knew the truth about the thumb drive, and I had seen the evidence. How had the photos of Stella ended up there, and who was behind this leak?

The news anchor continued to narrate the story, emphasizing Stella’s emotional state and her plea for understanding in the face of the scandal. The cameras panned over a sea of reporters, each eager to ask their own questions.

To everyone’s shock, a lone reporter broke the scripted manrative. He asked a question that cut through the carefully constructed image of Stella Fitzgerald.

“Ms. Fitzgerald,” the reporter inquired, “is it not a strange coincidence that this affair scandal has come to light so soon after the passing of your fiancé’s mother? Could you clarify the timeline for us?”

The room fell silent as Stella stared at the reporter, her face contorted in shock. My own heart skipped a beat as his words started to sink in.

“Could you please repeat that question?” Stella’s voice trembled as she spoke, and she appeared just as confused.

The reporter obliged, and his words hung heavy in the air. “Is it not a strange coincidence that this affair scandal has come to light so soon after the death of Mrs. Hayes? Her death was declared this morning, and now that this has spilled out, it wouldn’t look to good on your part.”

Stella hesitated, her composure faltering. The reporter had cast a shadow of doubt over the situation, and the media room buzzed with whispers and speculation.

I tore my eyes away from the screen, my heart racing. I needed answers

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Without thinking, I rushed to the door and dashed down the hall to Timothy’s apartment. Panic set in, and I knocked incessantly, calling his name.

“Timothy! Timothy, are you there?” I yelled, my voice frantic.

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But there was no response. The apartment remained silent, the shades drawn, and no sign of life behind the door.

I stepped back, my mind racing with worry. I couldn’t help but wonder if Timothy was aware of the news, and if he was okay. My concern grew with each passing second.

Desperation pushed me to call Timothy, and my fingers shook as I dialed his number. The phone rang several times, but it eventually went to voicemail.

“Timothy,” I began, my voice wavering with concern. “It’s Evie. I just saw the news, and I’m so sorry about your mother. Please, call me when you get this. I’m here for you.”

I ended the call, my heart heavy with worry, and immediately dialed Penny. Maybe she had some insight into the situation.

Penny answered after a few rings, her voice laden with sadness. “Evie, I just heard about Mrs. Hayes. It’s terrible, and I can’t believe this is happening.”

“I know,” I replied, my voice choked with emotion. “But have you spoken to Timothy? I’ve been trying to reach him, and he’s not answering.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and I could sense the concern in Penny’s voice. “No, I haven’t heard from him either. But I’m sure he’s just overwhelmed right now. Evie, he’ll reach out when he’s ready.”

I knew Penny was trying to comfort me, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. The timing of it all was too intense, and the connection between Mrs. Hayes‘ passing, the affair

scandal, and Timothy’s unresponsiveness gnawed at my mind.

I thanked Penny for her support and hung up, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over me. There was nothing I could do but wait and hope that Timothy would reach out when he was ready.

I walked back to my apartment and plopped back down on the couch. I just couldn’t sit idly by, I needed to keep myself occupied, though I wasn’t sure with what.

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I glanced over at the clock on the wall, and sighed. It was still fairly early for dinner. Still, I needed to do something with my hands. Anything.

After mustering up the strength, I got up to prepare some dinner. Hopefully, Aria would be home to push away the silence soon. Until then, all I could do was wait.

I just hoped Timothy was okay.

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