IGNORING HER TOO ,2

As Lucian walked out of Ace's office, she couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness that had settled in her chest. She felt like she was walking around with a heavy weight on her shoulders, and she couldn't seem to shake it off.

Sarah, who was sitting at her desk, noticed Lucian's downcast expression and immediately sensed that something was wrong.

"Hey, Lucian, what's up?" Sarah asked, concern etched on her face. "You look like you've lost your last friend."

Lucian tried to force a smile, but it felt more like a grimace. "I'm just having a bad day, that's all," she said, trying to brush it off.

But Sarah wasn't buying it. She got up from her desk and walked over to Lucian, her eyes locked on hers.

"Lucian, I've known you long enough to recognize when something's bothering you," Sarah said gently. "What's going on? Is it something with Ace?"

Lucian's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Ace's name, and Sarah knew she had hit the nail on the head.

"It's just...he's ignoring me," Lucian said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And it hurts, Sarah. It really hurts."

Sarah's expression softened, and she reached out to give Lucian a gentle hug. "I'm so sorry, Lucian. That must be really tough for you."

Lucian nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. She had been trying to hold it together, but Sarah's kindness was making her feel like she was going to break down.

"Why do you think he's ignoring you?" Sarah asked, her voice gentle.

Lucian shrugged, feeling a mix of emotions. "I don't know. I think it's because of what I said to him yesterday. I told him that he was my friend, not Jenny's ex-lover. I think it hit a nerve or something."

Sarah's eyes widened in surprise. "You told him that? Lucian, that's a pretty bold move. But I have to admit, I'm a little proud of you for standing up for yourself like that."

Lucian smiled slightly, feeling a tiny bit better. "Thanks, Sarah. I just wish he would talk to me about it instead of ignoring me."

Sarah nodded sympathetically. "I know, Lucian. But sometimes guys like Ace need a little time to process their emotions. Maybe he just needs some space right now."

Lucian nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe Sarah was right. Maybe Ace just needed some time to think things through. And maybe, just maybe, he would come around eventually.

Lucian took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. She was going to give Ace the space he needed, but she wasn't going to give up on him either.

"Thanks, Sarah," Lucian said, smiling slightly. "Just talking to you makes me feel better."

Sarah smiled back, her eyes warm with friendship. "Anytime, Lucian. That's what friends are for."

Just then, the office door swung open and Ace walked in, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Lucian. For a moment, their eyes locked, and Lucian felt a jolt of electricity run through her body.

But then Ace's expression hardened, and he looked away, striding over to his office without a word.

Lucian felt a pang of disappointment, but she refused to let it get her down. She was going to keep being her usual self, no matter what Ace did.

"Wow, he's really giving you the cold shoulder, isn't he?" Sarah whispered, her eyes wide with concern.

Lucian nodded, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, but I'm not going to let it get to me. I'm just going to keep being me, and eventually he'll come around."

Sarah nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "That's the spirit, Lucian. You go girl!"

Lucian smiled, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. She was going to prove to Ace that she wasn't going to back down, that she was strong and capable.

As the day went on, Lucian went about her work as usual, but she couldn't help but steal glances at Ace's office. She wondered what he was thinking, if he was still ignoring her on purpose.

As the day drew to a close, Lucian finished up her work and headed out of the office, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster she had been on, and all she wanted to do was go home and forget about Ace and his cold behavior.

As she stepped out of the office building, Lucian was greeted by her driver, Mike, who was waiting for her with the car.

"Hey, Lucian, how was your day?" Mike asked, opening the door for her.

Lucian smiled weakly and slid into the car, feeling the warmth of the heated seats envelop her. "It was a long day, Mike. Just take me home, please."

Mike nodded sympathetically and closed the door behind her. As he pulled away from the curb, Lucian gazed out the window at the cold, gray weather. The sky was a deep, foreboding grey, and the wind was whipping through the trees, making them sway and creak. It was a miserable day, and Lucian felt like it was matching her mood perfectly.

She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the car and the gentle hum of the engine lull her into a state of relaxation. Maybe, just maybe, she could forget about Ace and his hurtful behavior for a little while.