Chapter 113

TIMOTHY POV A month had drifted by, its days marked by a pervasive tension that hung heavily over Timothy’s shoulders. He had managed to avoid his family and the oppressive embrace of his fanbase, preferring the solitude of his own thoughts and the sanctuary of his secluded apartment. With gossip running rampant once again, not even hockey was safe.

It didn’t help that his father, who was just as stern and imposing man as he had been years before, was insistent on bringing Timothy back into the family’s fold.

That evening, as twilight cast long shadows through his apartment, Timothy sat reclined on his couch. He had become engrossed in a psychological novel, holding it in one hand as he scratched behind Duke’s ear with the other. When his phone buzzed on the coffee table, he looked over with some reluctance.

He shut the book and set it aside before reaching to check his phone screen. At the sight of his father’s name, he hesitated before answering. He brought the phone to his ear, still scratching Duke for comfort.

“Timothy, his father’s voice resonated with authority, “I would like you to join us for dinner.”

“Dad, I’ve already told you,” Timothy began, “I’m not interested.”

His father’s stern voice seemed closer now, as if the man were standing right beside him. It was always Kamran’s specialty, allowing his frustration to spill out of a composed exterior once you defied him long enough.

“You can’t keep avoiding us, son,” Kamran said. “Important business needs to be discussed. One night won’t kill you.”

Timothy’s frustration had begun bubbling to the surface. “Oh, but it will annoy me.”

Kamran groaned on the other end. “I am only asking for a civil dinner, and I want you to bring Stella along as well.”

“Stella?” Timothy nearly choked as her name left his lips. “Jeez…you really know how to make it easy, don’t you?”

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A “Just be over here by seven, Timothy!” Kamran snapped. “And Stella will be accompanying you.”

And before Timothy could refuse, his father hung up.

Timothy clenched his jaw, his frustration mounting. He had hoped for some semblance of understanding from his father, but as always, Kamran’s tone left no room for negotiation. Perhaps he’d heard his father out, or rather, Timothy could use this opportunity to tell them that he wasn’t going to entertain their fantasies about their future.

Of course, agreeing to show up came with a heavy price. Kamran had insisted that he invite Stella to join them for dinner, a prospect that filled Timothy with dread. The thought of spending an evening with her only added to his frustration about the evening.

Begrudgingly, Timothy dialed Stella’s number. He kept the conversation curt, his annoyance thinly veiled. “Stella, my father wants you to come to our family dinner. tonight.”

Stella’s response was immediate, laced with her usual arrogance. “Thank you for the lovely greeting, Timothy. Hello to you too!”

“Stella,” Timothy pinched the bridge of his nose, already feeling the onset of a headache, “Just accept the invitation so we can get this over with.”

She chuckled. “Someone’s feisty today. Kamran must really be twisting your arm on this one.”

“Is that a ‘yes“?” Timothy snapped.

“Obviously I’m going. Although…I won’t budge unless you pick me up, Timothy. Like a gentleman.

Timothy’s irritation flared at her demand. He couldn’t believe that he was being forced into this situation, and the thought of having to fetch Stella only added to his resentment. “Fine, I’ll pick you up.”

With a reluctant agreement in place, Timothy hung up the phone and started his car. As he drove toward Stella’s apartment building, he couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of frustration. He had been thrust into a situation he wanted no part of, and the prospect of spending an evening with Stella filled him with a sense of Need Top Metal Stamping? Get a 10% Discount (Start Now)

A impending doom.

As he pulled up to Stella’s building, he couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that this dinner would only lead to further tension and discord within his already fractured family. His mother had already distanced herself from them, and Timothy could only hope to break free like she had.

After a few minutes, Stella approached the car, her obnoxious demeanor oozing from every step.

She had an air of self–assuredness that had initially intrigued him but had quickly given way to resentment and anger over the years.

As Stella got into the car and settled into the passenger seat, she flashed Timothy a flirtatious smile.

“Well, Timothy, aren’t you a gentleman for picking me up?”

Timothy clenched his jaw, barely concealing his irritation. He had no desire to engage in any form of conversation with Stella. “Let’s get this over with,” he muttered, shifting the car into gear.

Stella, undeterred by his cold demeanor, leaned closer to him, her perfume filling the air. “You know, Timothy, we could make this drive more enjoyable if we talked.”

Timothy’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. He couldn’t believe his father had put him in this situation, forcing him to be in close proximity to the woman he despised. He had tried to put their ill–

fated encounter behind him, but it continued to haunt him.

With a deep breath, he turned to Stella, his voice laced with anger. “Let’s get one thing straight, Stella. I still hate you for what you did.”

Stella’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she brushed her fingers lightly along his arm. “Oh, Timothy, don’t be so dramatic. You always needed a little coaxing when it came to love. I was just helping you relax.”

Timothy’s blood boiled at her audacity. He couldn’t believe she was making light of what she had done to him. “Relaxing is one thing, but drugging someone is a whole other level of manipulation.”

As the car continued down the road, Timothy’s anger gave way to a growing realization. Stella’s words had only confirmed what he had suspected all along. She had indeed drugged him that terrible night, and now she was shamelessly flirting with him as if nothing had happened.

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The rest of the drive was filled with a tense and awkward silence. Timothy couldn’t bring himself to speak to Stella, and she seemed content to bask in his discomfort. The streets passed by in a blur, and the weight of the situation dawned on him.

They arrived at Timothy’s family home, and he parked the car in the driveway, eager to be rid of Stella’s presence. He opened the car door and made his way to the other side, opening her door as well. As she stepped out, Stella gave him a coy smile.

“Thank you for the ride, Timothy,” she purred, her voice dripping with insincerity.

Timothy didn’t respond. He simply turned and walked toward the house, leaving Stella standing in the driveway. Stella followed him up the steps and stood beside him as he rang the doorbell.

“You know,” Stella began, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper, “I’ve missed being close to you.”

Timothy shot her a glare but said nothing. He refused to engage with her in any way, unwilling to give her the satisfaction of getting under his skin.

But Stella seemed unfazed by his anger, and she reached out to brush her hand. against his.

“Maybe we can pick up where we left off later tonight, Timothy.”

the surface.

Timothy’s jaw clenched, his anger simmering just beneath She had a lot of nerve, and he suspected that his father adored that part of her.

Timothy abruptly pulled his hand away, his face contorted with disgust. “You must be out of your mind if you think that’s ever going to happen.”

Stella’s demeanor shifted, and she suddenly looked more serious. “Timothy, I know you’re angry with me, but I did what I did because I care about you. Let’s put the club behind us, okay?”

Timothy barked out a laugh. “Yes, Stella, because I’m still pissed about the club. Never mind the fact that you drugged me against my will and did who knows what afterward. Definitely doesn’t affect my perception of you at all!”

Right at that moment, the front door swung open. Kamran’s stoney face peeked out and observed the two, his expression flat.

“You’re actually on time,” he said coolly, looking Timothy up and down. “Well, don’t just stand there.

Come in.”

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