13. The Hockey Man

Jayden had stumbled through life making countless mistakes, each one a testament to his recklessness. But Rose—oh, sweet Rose—had managed to make one error that could overshadow all of his combined: she reached out to Rita for help. That single decision was like handing a blade to someone already eager to twist it. Rita, ever the opportunist, didn’t just stop at offering assistance; she orchestrated a party at her place, a stage set for chaos. Neither Jayden nor Rose knew they were both on the guest list. Rose, however, had decided it was time to let go of her pain. She had learned something recently—something that cut deep but pushed her to move forward. Determined to reclaim her joy, she prepared herself for the evening with care. She chose an outfit that reflected her spirit: a delicate balance of grace and simplicity. Rose was never one for heavy makeup or bold dress; instead, she favored elegance, an understated beauty that made her look like a living fairy tale. Tonight, she dres