Fate's Unwritten Path

Chapter Twenty-One

Lucas's POV:

I stared at Sasha as she sat on the edge of the bed, her face a mix of concern and confusion. I hated having to leave, especially when things were starting to settle. But the business never stops, and neither could I. I cleared my throat, trying to mask my hesitation.

"I need to leave for a week, Sasha," I said, rubbing the back of my neck. "I've got business in Los Angeles."

Her eyes widened slightly, but she quickly masked her surprise with a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Lucas. I can manage things here. I'll keep the penthouse clean and take care of Daisy for you."

I raised an eyebrow, unable to hide my surprise. "You sure? I didn't expect you to be so... okay with it."

"Yeah, I'm sure," she replied confidently, though her eyes betrayed a hint of concern. "Just keep me posted on how things are going."

I nodded, unable to suppress a small smile. "Alright. I'll be in touch. Ryan will be checking in with you daily. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call him."

With that settled, I grabbed my leather duffle bag, the weight of the upcoming week pressing down on my shoulders. I said my goodbyes, giving Daisy a final pat before walking out of the penthouse.

---

**Day 1: Monday**

The private jet was a cocoon of luxury as we soared across the country. My men and I settled into the plush seats, each of us busy with our own tasks. I went over the week's agenda with my closest confidants: Sam, my logistics expert, and Tony, my security chief. We had a tight schedule ahead, starting with the acquisition of new shipments.

As we touched down in Los Angeles, the city lights glittered like a sea of diamonds. We headed straight to a discreet warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The shipment was already in transit—a collection of high-grade firearms that needed to be inspected and readied for distribution. I inspected each crate, ensuring everything was in order. Sam handled the paperwork, while Tony organized the security detail to ensure our operation went smoothly.

---

**Day 2: Tuesday**

The day began early with meetings at a local office. We had to finalize the transfer of the firearms to a more secure location. The logistics were complicated, involving multiple transport companies and a series of secure drop-off points. My team and I coordinated with local contacts, making sure every detail was covered. The process was meticulous, requiring constant communication and adjustments.

I took a moment to call Ryan back in New York. "How's Sasha?" I asked, my voice laced with concern despite my efforts to remain composed.

"She's fine, Lucas. Everything's going smoothly. Daisy seems to have taken a liking to her," Ryan reported. His voice was reassuring.

"Good. Keep me updated," I instructed before hanging up. I tried to focus on the tasks at hand, but a part of me remained anchored to the penthouse and Sasha.

---

**Day 3: Wednesday**

Today was dedicated to the final stages of the shipment preparation. We had to ensure that all firearms were properly packed and securely transferred to their respective destinations. The warehouse bustled with activity as my team worked tirelessly. I moved between various checkpoints, overseeing the operations and addressing any issues that arose.

By evening, we were making final arrangements for the shipment's departure. I had a brief moment to check in with Sasha again. "Everything alright?" I asked, my voice crackling through the phone.

"Yes, everything's fine. Just taking care of things here. How's the trip going?" she asked, her tone light and casual.

"Busy, but productive. I'll be back before you know it," I reassured her.

---

**Day 4: Thursday**

We spent the day in meetings with new partners and potential buyers. Negotiations were tense but productive. I had to play my cards right, ensuring that our business deals were advantageous and secure. By the end of the day, we had closed several significant contracts and secured future shipments.

In the evening, I caught up with Ryan again. "How's Sasha holding up?" I inquired.

"She's handling things well. She even managed to get some cleaning done around the penthouse. Everything's under control," Ryan assured me.

---

**Day 5: Friday**

The final day in Los Angeles was a flurry of activity. We wrapped up any remaining business and ensured that all loose ends were tied up. I met with various contacts, finalizing the details of the next shipment and securing additional security measures for future operations.

I made a quick call to Sasha. "Just wanted to check in before the weekend. How's everything?"

"Everything's good. I'm keeping up with work and Daisy is doing well. Looking forward to seeing you," she replied, her voice warm and soothing.

---

**Day 6: Saturday**

The trip was coming to an end, and I was ready to head back to New York. My men and I prepared to leave Los Angeles, making sure all the business was wrapped up. The private jet was prepped and ready, and we boarded for the return flight.

The flight was quiet, with most of us exhausted from the week's activities. I used the time to review the week's progress and make plans for when I got back. I couldn't wait to return to the penthouse and see Sasha again.

---

**Day 7: Sunday**

We landed back in New York, and I headed straight to the penthouse. The familiar sight of the city skyline was a welcome relief after a hectic week. As we arrived at the penthouse, I found Sasha waiting for me in the foyer, a smile lighting up her face.

"Welcome back," she said warmly, her eyes reflecting genuine relief.

"Thanks," I replied, pulling her into a brief, but heartfelt hug. I could see Daisy and Scooby bounding towards me, their excitement palpable. I felt a wave of gratitude for Sasha's care and attention.

As the door closed behind us, I knew that despite the challenges ahead, having Sasha by my side made everything worth it.