STALKING

Lucian's hands trembled as she held her phone, her mind racing with fear and anxiety. She knew she had to get out of there, to find a safe place where Ace couldn't find her.

She quickly scanned her surroundings, looking for a place to hide. That's when she saw it - a small coffee shop just a block away. She quickly made her way towards it, hoping to lose herself in the crowd.

As she pushed open the door and stepped inside, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. The coffee shop was bustling with people, and she knew she could blend in here.

She made her way to the counter and ordered a coffee, trying to calm her nerves. As she waited for her drink, she couldn't help but glance over her shoulder, wondering if Ace's man was still following her.

But as she looked around, she saw something that made her heart skip a beat. A familiar face, sitting in the corner of the coffee shop, watching her.

It was Sarah, But what was she doing here? And why was she watching Lucian with such an intense gaze?

Lucian's mind was racing with questions as she made her way over to Sarah's table. "Sarah, what are you doing here?" Lucian asked, trying to keep her voice low.

Sarah looked up at her, a mixture of concern and curiosity on her face. "I could ask you the same thing, Lucian," Sarah replied. "I saw you rush in here and I was worried about you. What's going on?"

Lucian hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about Sarah's expression made her trust her. "It's Ace," Lucian said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's been stalking me, sending me threatening messages. I don't know what to do."

Sarah's eyes widened in shock, and she reached out to grab Lucian's hand. "Oh my god, Lucian, I'm so sorry. I had no idea it was that bad."

Lucian felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Sarah. "You don't understand, Sarah. Ace is...he's not a normal person. He's got a lot of power and influence, and he's not afraid to use it."

Sarah's expression turned serious, and she leaned in closer to Lucian. "I think I understand more than you think, Lucian. And I'm here to help you."

Sarah's expression softened as she looked at Lucian. "Hey, it's okay," Sarah said, her voice gentle. "You're safe now. I'm here for you."

Lucian felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Sarah. She was grateful for her friend's support and concern.

"Let me drive you home," Sarah said, standing up and gathering her things. "You're not in any state to be alone right now."

Lucian nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She was glad to have Sarah by her side.

As they walked out of the coffee shop, Lucian felt a sense of safety with Sarah. She knew that she could trust her friend to take care of her.

Sarah led Lucian to her car and opened the door for her. "Get in," Sarah said, smiling. "I'll get you home safely."

As they drove through the quiet streets, Lucian felt a sense of calm wash over her. She was grateful for Sarah's company and support.

Sarah chatted quietly as she drove, asking Lucian about her day and listening attentively to her responses. Lucian appreciated her friend's gentle probing, and she found herself opening up to Sarah in ways she never had before.

As they approached Lucian's apartment building, Sarah turned to her with a concerned expression. "Do you want me to come up with you?" Sarah asked. "I don't want you to be alone right now."

Lucian hesitated, unsure of what to say. But as she looked at Sarah, she knew that she couldn't face the night alone. "Yes, please come up," Lucian said, smiling weakly.

Sarah nodded and parked the car. Together, they walked into the apartment building, Lucian feeling a sense of gratitude and relief with her friend by her side.