Fate's Unwritten Path

Chapter Eighteen

Sasha's POV:

The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as I slowly woke up, the events of the night before feeling like a distant memory. Scooby was still curled up at the foot of the bed, his chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. I sighed, knowing I had to get up and face the day. It felt strange, waking up in someone else's home—Lucas's home. But it was temporary, I reminded myself. Just until we figured out what was going on.

I slid out of bed, trying not to disturb Scooby, and padded over to the dresser where I'd unpacked my clothes. I quickly dressed in a fitted black pencil skirt and a white blouse, something simple yet professional. As I fastened the buttons on my blouse, I wondered where Lucas was. I hadn't seen him since last night when he'd told me to get some rest.

Heading out to the kitchen, I found my answer. There, on the counter, was a note in Lucas's handwriting:

*"Had to take care of something. Breakfast is in the microwave and your coffee is in the fridge. Make sure you eat something. Already fed Scooby and Daisy, so don't worry. Ryan will drive you to work."*

A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I read it. Lucas had thought of everything. I wasn't used to someone taking care of me like this, and the gesture felt oddly comforting.

I walked over to the microwave, opening it to find a warm croissant waiting for me. The smell of buttery pastry filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I quickly heated it up and grabbed my coffee from the fridge—a caramel macchiato, just the way I liked it.

As I sat down to eat, I couldn't help but think about how different this morning felt compared to others. Normally, I was rushing out the door, skipping breakfast, and barely managing to grab a coffee on my way to work. But today, there was a sense of calm, a moment to breathe before the chaos of the day began.

Once I'd finished eating, I grabbed my bag and said goodbye to Scooby, who was still dozing on the bed with Daisy. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt leaving him, but I knew he was in good hands.

When I stepped outside, Ryan was waiting for me, just as Lucas had promised. He was leaning against the sleek black SUV, looking every bit the part of a professional bodyguard. He straightened up as soon as he saw me.

"Good morning, Ms. Sasha," he greeted, opening the car door for me.

"Morning, Ryan," I replied, sliding into the backseat. "And it's just Sasha, by the way."

He nodded with a small smile before closing the door and getting behind the wheel. The drive to the office was smooth, and I found myself relaxing a bit more with each passing minute. Maybe it was knowing that I had someone looking out for me, or maybe it was the lingering warmth from Lucas's note, but either way, I felt more at ease than I had in days.

When we pulled up to the office, Ryan turned to me. "I'll be here to pick you up whenever you're ready. Just give me a call."

"Thanks, Ryan," I said, giving him a grateful smile before stepping out of the car.

The day passed in a blur of paperwork, phone calls, and meetings. Case after case piled up on my desk, and I barely had time to catch my breath. But it was the kind of busy I thrived on, the kind that made me forget everything else and focus on the task at hand. By the time noon rolled around, I'd already gotten through half of my workload.

That was when he walked in.

He looked to be about forty-two, with sharp features and an air of importance that was impossible to ignore. His suit was tailored to perfection, and his eyes held a steely determination that told me he wasn't here for a simple consultation.

"Sasha...?" The receptionist's voice came through the intercom, a hint of uncertainty in her tone. "There's a Mr. Caldwell here to see you. He says it's urgent."

I pressed the button on the intercom. "Send him in."

The door opened, and Mr. Caldwell stepped inside, his presence filling the room. There was something about him that felt... off. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but the way he carried himself, the way his eyes darted around the room before settling on me, set off a warning bell in my mind.

"Ms. Sasha, thank you for seeing me on such short notice," he began, his voice smooth yet calculated.

"Of course," I replied, gesturing for him to sit. "What can I help you with?"

He sat down, placing a thick file on my desk. "I have a case that requires someone with your expertise. It's sensitive and will require a significant amount of time and effort. But I believe you're the right person for the job."

I opened the file, skimming through the details. It was complex, involving high-stakes negotiations, potential legal loopholes, and a lot of money on the line. Definitely not a case for the faint of heart.

"I see," I said, closing the file and meeting his gaze. "This is... substantial. But I'm confident I can handle it."

Mr. Caldwell's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. "I knew I could count on you, Ms. Sasha. I look forward to seeing how you handle this."

As he left, I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right. But I pushed it aside, chalking it up to the stress of the day. I had a job to do, and that was all that mattered.

By the time the workday ended, I was exhausted. My mind was still reeling from the sheer amount of information I'd taken in, and all I wanted to do was go home and collapse. Ryan was waiting for me when I left the office, just as he'd said he would be. The drive back to Lucas's penthouse was quiet, and I was grateful for the silence.

When we arrived, I headed straight to the guest bedroom, too tired to do anything else. Scooby and Daisy were already there, waiting for me like they knew I needed the comfort. As I lay down on the bed, they both jumped up and curled up beside me, their warmth a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves.

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but think about the day, about the strange man with the important case, and about Lucas. There were so many unanswered questions, so many things I still didn't understand. But for now, all I could do was close my eyes and hope that tomorrow would bring some clarity.