Chapter 62


    With Aria’s support, I embarked on a mission to uncover Linda’s sinister background. Armed with


    determination and fueled by a desire to clear Timothy’s name, we delved deeper into Linda’s past,


    leaving no stone unturned.


    Days blurred together as we scoured social media tforms, online forums, and news articles for


    any shred of information that could unveil Linda’s background. We sat huddled together on the


    couch, ourptop screens illuminating our faces. We stumbled upon tforms where Linda’s


    obsession with Timothy wasid bare, manifested through fan edits, heart–studded posts, and a


    virtual shrine dedicated to the man who had captured her infatuated heart.


    “It’s like she’s been weaving this twisted narrative in her head for years,” Aria murmured, a tinge of


    unease in her voice.


    I huffed. “She is obsessed with him.”


    We continued to scroll, our eyes scanning post after post that showcased Linda’s unsettling fixation.


    Timothy’s face adorned every corner of her digital realm, a stark reminder of the lengths she had


    gone to maintain her illusion.


    The day turned to dusk, the amber glow of the setting sun casting a warm hue across the room.


    With every revtion, I felt more and more repulsed by this woman. Linda was not just a simple


    pet–sitter.


    “Evie, look at this!” Aria eximed, pointing at herptop screen.


    My eyes darted to the screen, where an article headline caught my attention: “Timothy Hayes: From


    Hockey Star to Family Man?”


    My heart pounded as I read the article, a growing sense of unease settling in the pit of my stomach.


    The paparazzi interview had Linda at the center, her face sshed across the screen as she spoke


    in a tone that was equal parts sharine and calcted.


    “Timothy and I were always thinking of having kids,” Linda went on, flipping her hair. “We figured


    now, with the legal stuff out of the way, we could finally settle down and produce the fruits of our


    love.”


    I nearly gagged at thatst line.


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    “I can’t believe my ears, Aria grumbled, turning away. “As if he’d throw his career away over her.”


    As the interview continued, Linda’s words became more fantastical. She spoke of shared dreams


    and whispered promises, alluding to a future that would never exist. My mind reeled, struggling to


    comprehend the audacity of her self- deception.


    “We can’t let her get away with this,” Aria dered, her eyes zing with determination. “Have you


    already spoken to Timothy about it?”


    I cleared my throat, my fingers intertwining as Timothy’s pained expression swam to the forefront of


    my mind. He hadn’t appreciated what I had done with Linda, although my intentions hadn’t really


    been malicious.


    “I did,” I answered. “But I told him about the dinner and he got upset.”


    Aria nodded, her eyes resting on the coffee table. “Oh. Why did you go to that dinner, Evie? She


    was pretty much a stranger to you.”


    I sighed once more, running a hand through my hair as I gathered my thoughts. “I know. I just… I


    had a feeling that something was off about her, but I let my jealousy cloud my judgment.”


    Aria’s expression softened. “Jealousy is pretty powerful. It’s only natural that it would affect your


    perception.”


    “I know, but looking back, I should have seen through her act,” I admitted. “Linda was acting


    strange, almost obsessive, about Timothy. It’s obvious now.”


    Aria her arm around me and pulled me into a hug. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Evie. And I’m sure


    Timothy isn’t be too upset with you.”


    I frowned at her and narrowed my eyes. “What makes you think that?”


    She gave me a wink. “Because he’s your biggest fan,” she said cheekily, bumping my shoulder with


    hers.


    I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help but consider her words for a moment. He hadmunicated a


    simr sentiment at that dinner after the trial, when he gave me the most heartfelt speech I had ever


    heard. Was he really enthralled by me?


    Têxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    My gaze shifted to the window, where the fading sunlight bathed the city in a soft,


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    golden hue. Aria was right–I couldn’t change the past, but I could y a role in exposing Linda’s


    deception.


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    “You’re right,” I replied, my determination rekindling. “I’ll try talking to him again, see if we can


    brainstorm together.”


    Aria squeezed my arm gently. “That’s my girl!” ***


    Later that day, I stood before Timothy’s apartment door, my heart fluttering with a mixture of nerves


    and anticipation. My knuckles rapped against the wood, the sound echoing through the hallway.


    I waited, my breath held in anticipation. He probably wouldn’t answer. I wouldn’t me him if he


    didn’t, especially if he thought I was in cahoots with Linda the whole time.


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    Momentster, the door swung open, revealing Timothy standing before me. His expression was a


    blend of surprise and relief, a flicker of something familiar in his eyes. Before he could say a word,


    my voice tumbled out in a rush..


    “Hey, Timothy. I’m really sorry about everything,” I began, my words spilling forth with a raw


    honesty. “I know I should’ve been more cautious with Linda, and I would never give her any private


    information about you.”


    Timothy’s gaze softened as he listened, a weight seeming to lift from his shoulders. “Evie, hold on. I


    should be the one saying sorry.”


    I shut my mouth, feeling slightly weightless after such a fast release. Fortunately, he had caught all


    of it, but his apology took me by surprise.


    “I should’ve known better than to jump to conclusions. I know you wouldn’t sabotage me.”


    A small smile yed at the corners of my lips, a glimmer of understanding passing between us.


    “Let’s just say we both let our emotions get the best of us.”


    He chuckled softly, a warmth spreading through the air between us. “Right.”


    As we stood on the threshold of his apartment, the tension that had once strained our connection


    seemed to ebb away. It was a tentative step toward mending the rift between us–a step I was


    determined to take.


    “So,” he continued, rubbing his chin. “Why did you meet with Linda, anyway? Did


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    your parents never teach you stranger–danger – I mean…assuming you never knew her.”


    Iughed nervously, scratching the back of neck as I scrambled for an excuse. “She- just seemed


    nice.”


    Something flickered briefly behind his eyes, but I wasn’t sure what. After staring at me for an


    agonizing couple of seconds, he let go with a sigh.


    “You know,” he began, a hint of mischief in his tone, “I actually started making dinner, and it’s going


    to be a pretty big pot.”


    My eyes widened at the suggestion that hung at the end of his sentence. He dropped his gaze to


    his bare feet, which were crossed at the ankles as he leaned. against the doorframe.


    “I’m no culinary expert, of course, but I make a pretty mean homemadesagna.”


    I couldn’t help butugh, the sound almost foreign to my ears as it rung around us. “Homemade


    lasagna? You’re full of surprises.”


    Timothy gestured toward the open door, an invitation that felt warmer than any words could convey.


    “Well, if you’re willing to take a chance on my cooking, I’d be happy to have you join me.”


    Against my better judgment, a smile tugged at my lips. “You know what? I think I will.” A small


    dinner wouldn’t hurt, right?


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