Chapter 149
EVIE POV
Ste dropped the singed photos into the nearby trash can and let them burn. The mes danced
and consumed the images, leaving behind nothing but charred remnants. Ste’s eyes were aze
with a mixture of anger and triumph as she watched the photos disintegrate.
“Evie, you really shouldn’t threaten me like that,” Ste said coolly.
I couldn’t hide the shock and disappointment on my face. The evidence had been destroyed, but I
still had the digital copies on a hard drive.
“Well, Ste, technology is a wonderful thing. Those photos may be gone, but there are digital
copies that can be easily shared.”
Ste’s triumphant expression faltered, her eyes widening in realization. “You don’t know when to
quit, do you?”
Before I could respond, the dressmaker called for Ste. “Miss Fitzgerald! I found another style that
may please you!”
I grinned. “Better run along.”
Furious, Ste took the cigarette and stubbed it out with her heel, her voice. trembling with rage.
“Our conversation isn’t over. You’ve pissed off the wrong person.”
Ste shot me onest seething re before turning to leave.
As I watched Ste disappear around the corner, I let out a long–needed exhale. There was no
reason for her to deny her wrongdoings, given that she was staring right at the evidence of them.
Still, she’d been so callous toward it all, and even acknowledged that she would use the baby to
trap Timothy.
While my feeling for him were troubled, my heart still clenched to see him in such a hopeless
situation.
TIMOTHY POV
The tailor shop was a sanctuary of quiet elegance amidst the chaos that hade to define
Timothy’s life. As the tailor meticulously adjusted the cor of his suit,
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Timothy couldn’t help but be consumed by his thoughts, his mind a swirling tempest of uncertainty.
“It’s a little snug around the neck area. Nothing a little needle and thread couldn’t fix,” the tailor told
Timothy, shing him a smile.
The suit was immacte, a testament to the craftsmanship that had gone into its creation. Its sharp
lines and tailored fit were meant to exude confidence and elegance, to make him look every bit the
groom for the uing wedding. But as Timothy gazed at his reflection in the full–length mirror, he
couldn’t shake the nagging feeling of doubt that had taken root within him.
Who would he invite to this wedding? It was a question that had gued him for weeks, a question
that revealed the tangled web of emotions and conflicts that hade to define his life.
Ethan, his best friend and fellow yer, was a shoo–in as his best man. Their bond had been
forged on the field, and Ethan’s unwavering support had been a constant source of strength. But
beyond that, Timothy found himself struggling toe up with a list of guests, a list that should
have been easy topile for what should. have been the happiest day of his life.
He nced at his barren ring finger. Ste wanted him to take care to scope out some wedding
rings. Of course, there hadn’t been any engagement ring since hist father had sprung this
engagement on him. He had been even more surprised to find out that Ste wanted the wedding
date so soon, and on Evie’s birthday.
December 15(th). He’d remember that.
With the wedding date looming closer, those doubts that he had tried to ignore. had blossomed into
full–fledged terror. It was his responsibility to stay and help raise the child, prevent another broken
home. However, how healthy could a life with Ste be for the child?
He couldn’t help but wish for a different bride, a different future. A future where his heart didn’t ache
with the weight of unresolved emotions and unspoken truths. A future where he didn’t feel torn
between two worlds.
The tailor continued his work, oblivious to the turmoil that raged within Timothy. He knew what
woman he wanted to see walking down that aisle, and she’d been just at arm’s reach before he
shattered it all with the stupidity of his teen years.
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Timothy was pulled from his thoughts when he heard his phone chiming on the chair with his
belongings. He excused himself before grabbing his phone and seeing the name “Ethan” shing
across the screen.
When he picked up, he heard his friend’s voice trembled with urgency. “Timothy, you need to get to
the yton Sports Center right now. They’re calling all the yers in for an investigation.”
Timothy’s heart raced at the news. “What’s going on, Ethan? Why the investigation?”
Ethan’s voice was heavy with frustration. “I wish I knew, Tim. But the rumors are spreading like
wildfire. They’re saying there’s been match–fixing behind the scenes. and they’re looking into it.”
Match–fixing. The words hung in the air like a dark cloud. He couldn’t ignore the implications of
what he’d expected all along, and a sense of dread settled in his
chest.
As Timothy arrived at the yton Sports Center, he was greeted by a swarm of reporters, their
cameras and microphones thrust in his direction. The atmosphere was charged with tension and
spection, and Timothy couldn’t help but feel a growing anger at the situation.
“Mr. Hayes, how do you feel about the match–fixing spections?” one reporter asked, her voice
relentless.
Timothy struggled to maintain hisposure. his jaw tightening with frustration. “I can’tment
on rumors, but I believe in the integrity of the game. I’ve always yed fair and with the utmost
sportsmanship.
Another reporter pressed, her tone usatory. “But Mr. Hayes, it’s been reported. that a member of
your team was involved in match–fixing. Spections are pointing toward you, given your history of
causing problems with your teams.”
The usation hit Timothy like a sucker punch. He had always been a passionate yer, driven by
his love for the game and his desire to win, but he had never engaged in match–fixing. The
insinuation felt like a betrayal of everything he
stood for.
As the reporters continued to hound him. Timothy’s thoughts turned to Alex, who had been
sneaking around a lottely. Timothy had no doubt that Alex might be
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involved.
The anger within Timothy grew as he considered the possibility that someone was trying to tarnish
his reputation and that of his team. He had worked tirelessly reach the pinnacle of his career, and
now, it was all at risk.
The onught of reporters continued to press Timothy with questions about match–fixing scandal,
their voices insistent and probing. He had always been poised andposed in the public eye, but
the weight of the usations and th cloud of suspicion had begun to wear on him.
“Mr. Hayes, can you tell us how these allegations might affect your engagement ns with Ste?”
one reporter asked, breaking the cycle of consistent questions.
Timothy felt the spotlight on him intensify, and for a moment, he hesitated. The mention of Ste
pierced through his guarded demeanor like a dagger. The engagement was a far moreplicated
matter, and Timothy couldn’t help but recall the hurt he had seen in Evie’s eyes when she’d found
out..
He wondered if he should call off the engagement right then and there. recognizing the turmoil it
had caused in both of their lives. The truth of it all lingered just at the tip of his tongue, ready to spill
out.
Before Timothy could respond to the reporters, a familiar face emerged in the sea of people. It was
Ethan, one of his closest friends and a fellow yer. Ethan waved him over urgently, and Timothy
seized the opportunity to escape the relentless questioning.
“I have no furtherments at this time. Timothy dered, his voice firm as he turned away from
the reporters and approached Ethan.
Ethan’s expression was grave, and he wasted no time in getting to the point. Timothy, something’s
happened. It’s your mother She’s in the hospital.”
Timothy’s heart sank at the news, his anger and frustration momentarily forgotten. “What
happened? Is she okay Timothy asked urgently.
Ethan shook his head, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. “She copsed at home, and
they rushed/her to the hospital. They re running tests, but they don’t know what’s wrong yet.
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