ASHLEY’S POV
The next day at school felt heavier than usual. Not because of the rumors or the way people still whispered when I walked by. That part I was slowly getting used to—but because of him. Lucas.
Every time I caught sight of him in the hallway, he’d look straight past me. he wouldn’t look at me for a second with even a small hint of recognition. He’d walk with his teammates, shoulders squared, eyes fixed ahead like I didn’t even exist.
It hurt more than I wanted to admit.
During hockey practice, the sting only grew worse. My job as the assistant meant being around him constantly - handing him water, towels, equipment. Yet every time I stretched something out, his hand would take it without so much as a small in my direction. No thanks. No acknowledgment. Nothing.
Like I was i
