The Hockey Star’s Remorse by Riley Above Story novel Chapter 178

Chapter 178 

Olive’s birthday was already off to a chaotic start. I had spent the morning gathering the last–minute supplies and decorating the apartment, ensuring it was a magical setting for her sleepover celebration. As I walked up the stairs to our apartment, the scent of the freshly baked birthday cake wafting in the air, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. 

The apartment was already abuzz with the sound of children’s laughter, echoing through the hallway. Aria was inside, overseeing the activities. 

I struggled to juggle the cake box and my bag of plastic utensils as I approached the door. With my free hand, I tried to turn the doorknob, but it refused to budge. Frustrated, I began to grumble and knock on the door.. 

Just as I was about to attempt a more vigorous push, the door suddenly swung open, taking me by surprise. I stumbled backward, almost dropping the cake, and was saved by a strong hand that reached out to steady me. Startled, I turned to find Timothy standing behind me. 

He grinned, his eyes darting from me to the party supplies tightly clenched in my hands, “What’s the occasion?” he asked enthusiastically. 

I blinked, momentarily lost for words, still processing the shock of seeing him. “Olive’s birthday,’ I replied, finally finding my voice. “We’re having a sleepover party for her.” 

“Oh, nice!” Timothy leaned closer, a hand flying under the cake container before it could tip out of my hand. “Need some help?” 

I hesitated for a moment, not wanting to trouble him. “Oh, that’s sweet of you, Timothy, but I think we’re all set. Thank you, though.” 

דיי 

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He cracked a grin and began reaching over. “You look like you’re about to topple over. Here.” 

Before I could respond, the door to the apartment creaked open wider, and Olive emerged, her bright eyes alight with excitement. “Uncle Timothy, 

hil 

“Hi, Olive!” he said with a smile. He swiftly took the cake out of my hands as she took his hand and dragged him inside. “Happy Birthday!” 

I stood hopelessly by the door before shutting it behind me and following them inside. In the living room, Olive’s friends were playing a chaotic game of Twister. There was lots of shouting and movement, and Aria seemed just as overwhelmed as she helped turn the spinner. 

Timothy set down the cake and gave me an apologetic smile. Olive was right beside him before he could rush away, clenching his arm with her tiny grip. 

“My mom said you had a dog!” she exclaimed. 

Timothy’s. eyes softened as he regarded her kindly, “I do have a dog,” he confirmed. “His name’s Duke!” 

Olive’s delight was infectious. She tugged him over to the living room and her friends paused their game, gathering around him in curiosity.. “This is Timothy! He’s a hockey star!” she told them. 

The girl ogled him, as if a deity had descended upon them unexpectedly. I tried not to laugh as they began circling around him and firing questions. 

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“He has a dog too!” she added, then paused to look at Timothy. “You guys have to meet him!” 

The mention of a dog sent a ripple of excitement through the group of girls, and their chatter intensified. Timothy glanced at Aria and me, silently seeking our approval. 

I looked at the girls. “Well, it’s up to Timothy, girls,” I said, trying to strike a balance. “If he’s okay with it…” 

“Duke would love the excitement,” Timothy said encouragingly, and the girls squealed in response. “I’ll go grab him real quick.” 

Relief washed over me, silently thankful for his willingness to accommodate the girls‘ request. When Timothy came back with Duke hooked to a leash. the girls couldn’t contain their joy as they rushed over to greet him. They knelt beside him, stroking his fur, and Duke responded with affectionate licks and playful jumps. 

“He’s the best dog ever!” Olive exclaimed. 

As the girls played with Duke, I shared a knowing look with Timothy. There was something enchanting about seeing the girls connect with the dog. and it warmed my heart. 

“That Duke of yours is quite the charmer,” I said, watching the girls play with him in the yard. 

Timothy chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Yeah, he has a way of stealing the spotlight. Speaking of which,” he hesitated, scratching his head, “I didn’t get Olive a gift. Of course, it didn’t know she had her birthday today, but it feels weird being empty handed.” 

I frowned, glancing over at him and mimicking his look of concern as a wave of panic surged through me. How had I overlooked such an essential. 

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detail? I had gotten everything but her gift! 

I leaned over and whispered. ‘I have to confess something.” 

He tumed to me, snorted. “What?” 

“I didn’t get Olive a birthday gift. I completely forgot somehow.” 

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Timothy sighed dramatically. “Well, that won’t do. We can’t let her birthday go by without getting a present from everyone, including us.” 

“You’re absolutely right,” I responded, playing along. “It would be a major faux pas.” 

Timothy held his chin and glanced around. “I have an idea,” he said suddenly, a spark of determination in his eyes. “I’ll drive us both to the toy store. and we can pick out something perfect for Olive. Problem solved.” 

I sighed, relief washing over me. “That sounds like a great plan,” I said, smiling at him. “Let’s do it. Olive deserves the best birthday gift!” 

We quickly informed Aria of our plan, making sure she wouldn’t worry about our sudden disappearance. With her approval, Timothy and I slipped. away from the party, the distant sound of music and laughter fading as we hurried towards Timothy’s car. 

As Timothy’s car glided through the night, I couldn’t help but feel slightly tense. The atmosphere inside the car was filled with a comfortable silence compared to the wild energy of the apartment. However, sitting this close to Timothy was far from the plan this evening. 

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Timothy’s hands gripped the steering wheel, and the soft hum of the engine was the only sound that permeated the air. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the evening slowly settling in. 

“You know, Evie,” Timothy said, breaking the silence, “what you did back there for Olive and her mom, Scarlett, was a really good thing.” 

I turned my head to look at him, a slight smile on my lips. “It’s no big deal, Timothy. I mean, Olive is a sweet kid, and Scarlett’s become a good friend. 1 just wanted to help out.”