Chapter 149

Chapter 149

EVIE POV

Stella dropped the singed photos into the nearby trash can and let them burn. The flames danced and consumed the images,

leaving behind nothing but charred remnants. Stella’s eyes were ablaze with a mixture of anger and triumph as she watched the

photos disintegrate.

“Evie, you really shouldn't threaten me like that,” Stella 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 ona

hard drive.

“Well, Stella, technology is a wonderful thing. Those photos may be gone, but there are digital copies that can be easily shared.”

Stella’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 Stella. “Miss Fitzgerald! I found another style that may please you!”

I grinned. “Better run along.”

Furious, Stella 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.”

Stella shot me one last seething glare before turning to leave.

As I watched Stella 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 had come to define Timothy's life. As the tailor

meticulously adjusted the collar 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, flashing him a smile.

The suit was immaculate, 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 upcoming 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 plagued him for weeks, a question that revealed the tangled web

of emotions and conflicts that had come to define his life.

Ethan, his best friend and fellow player, 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 to come up with a

list of guests, a list that should have been easy to compile for what should. have been the happiest day of his life.

He glanced at his barren ring finger. Stella 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 Stella 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 Stella 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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A

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” flashing across the screen.

When he picked up, he heard his friend’s voice trembled with urgency. “Timothy, you need to get to the Clayton Sports Center

right now. They’re calling all the players 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 Clayton 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 speculation, and Timothy couldn't help but feel a growing anger

at the situation.

“Mr. Hayes, how do you feel about the match-fixing speculations?” one reporter asked, her voice relentless.

Timothy struggled to maintain his composure. his jaw tightening with frustration. “I can’t comment on rumors, but I believe in the

integrity of the game. I’ve always played fair and with the utmost sportsmanship.

Another reporter pressed, her tone accusatory. “But Mr. Hayes, it’s been reported. that a member of your team was involved in

match-fixing. Speculations are pointing toward you, given your history of causing problems with your teams.”

The accusation hit Timothy like a sucker punch. He had always been a passionate player, 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 lot lately. 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 onslaught of reporters continued to press Timothy with questions about match-fixing scandal, their voices insistent and

probing. He had always been poised and composed in the public eye, but the weight of the accusations and th cloud of suspicion

had begun to wear on him.

“Mr. Hayes, can you tell us how these allegations might affect your engagement plans with Stella?” 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 Stella pierced through his guarded

demeanor like a dagger. The engagement was a far more complicated 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 player. Ethan waved him over urgently, and Timothy seized the opportunity to escape the relentless

questioning.

“I have no further comments at this time. Timothy declared, 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 collapsed 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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