All Chapters of Ex-Hockey Star Regret: Chapter 201 - Chapter 205

Nicole's POVDays passed and my body was visibly healing. The bruises faded from purple to yellow, then the cuts were increasingly closing. The pain became manageable.But emotionally, I was a mess.I had parents now, I mean real parents. After twenty-two years of being alone, I finally had a family.Mrs. Anders visited every day. She'd bring food; homemade soup and sandwiches. Things she said were my favorites even though she didn't know what my favorites were yet.We'd sit and talk. Although it all felt awkward at first as she'd ask about my childhood, about the orphanage and even about Brad.I'd ask about her about Mr. Anders and about their life generally.You know, it was all strange…getting to know your mother at twenty-two. But at the same time, it was also sweet.She'd hold my hand sometimes, brush my hair back from my face and make other small gestures that felt huge to me.Mr. Anders was more reserved. He'd come with Mrs. Anders but hangs back while he lets her do the talkin

Author's POVWeeks later and in no time, the trial date arrived.Nicole had been discharged from the hospital; her injuries had healed, the bruises were gone and the cuts had closed.But the scars remained. Although, not just physical but emotional too.She'd moved into a new apartment. Mr. and Mrs. Anders had insisted on paying for it. They wanted her to feel more comfortable as their daughter.Brad had been with her through everything. Helping her adjust and also helping her to heal.*****Now they were standing outside the courthouse.The building was massive in stone columns and steps leading up to heavy wooden doors.Nicole's hands were shaking."You okay?" Brad asked."No. But I have to do this."Mrs. Anders was beside her. She had driven them here. As for Mr. Anders, he had gone ahead earlier."You are very brave." Mrs. Anders said. "I'm proud of you."Nicole nodded but couldn't speak.They walked inside, through security…down long hallways.The courtroom was packed and people

Nicole's POVThree months later.The funeral had been painful. You know…a closed casket in a small service. Just family and a few close friends.Mr. and Mrs. Anders had mourned the girl they raised, even knowing the truth. Even knowing she wasn't biologically theirs.Because she was still the child they'd tucked into bed. The teenager they'd taught to drive and the young woman they'd hoped would change.I mourned too. For the sister I never got to know properly, for the tragic end.For what could have been if things had been different.‘But life goes on regardless.’ That was what Mrs. Anders kept telling me."We honor her by living. By being happy and by not letting tragedy define us."And so I tried.I am fully healed now. The physical scars had faded and the emotional ones were still there but getting better.My parents made sure to give me the finest thing of this life. "You're our daughter." Mrs. Anders had said. "We take care of our daughter."I cried, still wasn't used to having