The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 121

Chapter 121

In the solitude of my room, | couldn’t escape the pull of the online world that had beca source of both torment and despair. The relentless scandal that had tainted my life seemed to have taken on a life of its own in the digital realm, and | found myself drawn once more to the comments and conversations that revolved. around me.

As | opened my laptop and navigated to the social media platforms where my online presence had once thrived, | braced myself for the onslaught of negativity that awaited. | knew that the comments would be harsh, that the accusations would sting, but | couldn’t turn away. It was as if | were compelled to confront the depths. of the hatred and hostility that had been directed at me.

The comments were even nastier than | had anticipated, a relentless barrage of insults and demands that | resign from the firm. People | had never met and would likely never meet in person were quick to pass judgment and condemnwithout a shred of evidence. It didn’t matter that they were threatening my livelihood.

“Evie should be ashamed of herself. Resign already!” “She's a disgrace to the legal profession. How could anyone trust her as a lawyer?” “Timothy was better off without her. She should disappear.”

The words cut deep, each comment a fresh wound that leftfeeling more disgraced and isolated than ever. The online harassment was unrelenting, and | couldn't escape the feeling that | was drowning in a sea of anger and resentment.

The anger that had been simmering beneath the surface since our confrontation. in the parking lot now surged to the forefront. How could Timothy, of all people, doubt my integrity and question my commitment to my legal career?

Eventually, | closed my laptop and set it aside. | was starting to feel like a prisoner in my own life.

As | stared up at the ceiling, my phone suddenly rang, its shrill ringtone cutting through the silence of my room. | glanced at the screen and saw an unknown number flashing, my curiosity piqued. | hesitated for a moment before answering, wondering who could possibly be callingat this hour.

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Chapter 121

“Hello?” | said.

The voice on the other end sent a shiver down my spine. It menacing,

as raspy and unmistakably familiar. “Evie,” it hissed, “I didn’t appreciate the little stunt you pulled.”

My heart skipped a beat as | recognized the voice-it was Bruce. The man who had once been my tormentor, the one | had thought was out of my life for good. But here he was, on the other end of the line, a sinister presence that | had hoped to never encounter again.

“How are you still alive?” | asked breathlessly. The memories of our last encounter, of the violence and terror he had subjected me to, cflooding back.

Bruce chuckled, a cold and humorless sound. “Let’s just say | have some... connections. I’m not as easy to get rid of as you might think.”

The vague response only deepened my unease. | couldn’t fathom how he had managed to survive, let alone resurface in my life. The sense of dread that had settled overgrew more profound with each passing moment as his ragged breaths passed through the speaker.

“What do you want?” | asked, my voice trembling. Bruce’s tone turned menacing. “I want you to know that I’m watching, Evie. I’ve got eyes everywhere. You can’t hide from me.”

The words sent a chill down my spine, and | felt a rising sense of paranoia. How had he managed to find me? What did he want fromnow?

Before | could respond, Bruce hung up, leavingwith a sense of dread that clung tolike a shadow. The room felt suffocating, and | couldn’t escape the feeling that | was being watched, that danger lurked around every corner.

| tried to calm my racing heart, to rationalize the situation and find a logical explanation, but Bruce’s reappearance defied all reason. Not even getting hit by a card could stop him from ruining my life.

| needed to take steps to protect myself. Between Bruce and Timothy’s psychotic fans, | was more vulnerable than ever. His sinister call had lefton edge, and the feeling of being watched was relentless.

| couldn't afford to dismiss his warning as an idle threat; | had to be proactive.

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A

Chapter 121

That afternoon, | headed out to purchase security equipment that would hopefully offerspeace of mind. The very act of

leaving my apartment was a daunting task in itself, given the relentless online harassment and the hostile public sentiment that had been directed at me. Showing my face might as well have been a death sentence.

As | walked the city streets, it didn’t take long forto be bombarded by a throng of people, their cellphone cameras thrust in my face. Their accusing voices rang in my ears, accusingof betraying Timothy, demanding that | quit my job, and labeling me a sellout. The jeers and taunts were like daggers to my heart, and the sense of isolation deepened.

| tried to shield my face from the intrusive cameras and navigate my way through the crowd, but it felt like an impossible task. The world that had once embracedas #TEVIE’s champion had now turned againstwith a vengeance.

Finally, | managed to escape the crowd and find a moment of peace inside the electronics store. After acquiring the necessary equipment, | returned to my apartment as quick as | could.

As soon as | pathed through the door, | was tearing open the box and pulling out its contents. | read through the directions in a haste before tossing them to the side. As | began setting up the security measures, | couldn’t help but notice Aria hanging around.

“Think of it as a safety precaution,” | said, straining as | screwed the security panel into the wall. Aria nodded, her concern evident. “I get it, but you shouldn't even have to go this far.

My arm grew tired as | continued turning the screwdriver. Aria’s support meant the world to me, but she could only do so much. Her choice to stay alongside me, even in all this chaos, was more dangerous than she could comprehend.

“I'll go as far as | need to,” | told her, not meeting her eyes. She didn’t need to know about Bruce right now. He would make himself known eventually.

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