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 platforms, online forums, and news articles for any shred of information that

could unveil Linda’s background. We sat huddled together on the couch, our laptop screens illuminating our faces. We stumbled

upon platforms where Linda’s obsession with Timothy was laid 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 revelation, I felt more

and more repulsed by this woman. Linda was not just a simple pet-sitter.

“Evie, look at this!” Aria exclaimed, pointing at her laptop 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 splashed across the screen as she spoke in a tone that was equal parts saccharine and calculated.

“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 that last 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 declared, her eyes blazing 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 had communicated a similar 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?

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

Fri, 22 Mar

golden hue. Aria was right-I couldn’t change the past, but I could play 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 blame him if he didn’t, especially if he thought I

was in cahoots with Linda the whole time.

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Moments later, 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.”

Asmall smile played 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.”

I laughed 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.

“Im no culinary expert, of course, but I make a pretty mean homemade lasagna.”

I couldn't help but laugh, 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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