Fate's Unwritten Path

Chapter Twenty-Four

I woke up early on Sunday morning, the sun barely rising over the city. The penthouse was quiet, save for the soft rustling of the dogs as they shifted in their sleep. The day ahead was a mix of planned activities and unexpected interruptions. The first thing on my mind was Sasha, who had been feeling unwell the previous day.

I walked into the guest room where Sasha was resting. She looked pale and fragile, her fever evident even under the thick blankets. I approached her quietly, not wanting to disturb her too much. As I sat on the edge of the bed, I gently placed my hand on her forehead. It was warm to the touch, and I could feel the heat radiating from her.

"Hey, Sasha," I said softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I brought you some water and medicine."

I reached over to the nightstand and set down a glass of water and a couple of pills. She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open as she glanced at me with a weak smile.

"Lucas...," she mumbled, her voice hoarse.

"Hey," I said, trying to keep my tone reassuring. "How are you feeling?"

"Not great," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "My head hurts, and I'm so cold."

"I know," I said, handing her the water and the medicine. "Take these. They should help with the fever. I'll be back later today to check on you. I have to go visit Ashley for a bit. She's been asking to see me, and it's been a while since we caught up."

Sasha nodded, taking the water and pills with a grateful look. "Thank you. You don't have to—"

"It's fine," I interrupted gently. "You need to rest. I'll make sure the dogs are taken care of and that everything's alright here. Just focus on getting better."

I left the room, feeling a mix of concern and frustration. I had hoped to spend the day with her, but family obligations came first. As I moved around the penthouse, feeding the dogs and tidying up a bit, my mind kept returning to Sasha. The thought of her being sick and alone was unsettling.

Once everything was in order, I headed out to visit Ashley. The drive to her place was a welcome distraction from the worries that plagued my mind. Ashley was a constant source of support, and her company always helped ground me.

As I arrived at her apartment, I took a deep breath and tried to push away the lingering concern for Sasha. I needed to focus on the day ahead and ensure that my sister was doing well. We spent the day catching up, discussing various aspects of our lives, and enjoying each other's company. It was a welcome reprieve from the stress and uncertainties that had been weighing on me.

---

Stranger's Point of View-

In a dimly lit room cluttered with papers and old photographs, a man sat hunched over a desk. His name was William Lawson, and he had become fixated on a single obsession—Sasha. The break-in at her apartment had been just the beginning. His intense dislike for Lucas Carter, the mafia leader connected to Sasha, had driven him to a dangerous path of obsession.

Lawson, a 42-year-old man with a steely gaze and a meticulous mind, was now pouring over photographs of Sasha. Each image was scrutinized with an unsettling intensity. He had gathered a collection of her public appearances, snippets from social media, and even some photos taken discreetly. His actions were driven by a deep-seated grudge against Lucas and a twisted sense of possessiveness over Sasha.

"Look at you," Lawson muttered, his voice low and menacing. "So close to everything I want, but always just out of reach."

He had spent hours researching Sasha's life and her connection to Lucas. The more he learned, the more determined he became. Lawson's disdain for Lucas was not just about their professional rivalry; it was personal. The very fact that Sasha was involved with Lucas was enough to fuel his anger and jealousy.

Lawson's eyes lingered on a photo of Sasha and Lucas together. He clenched his jaw, his frustration palpable. "Lucas Carter," he growled. "Always getting in my way. But not for much longer."

He spent several more hours devising a plan, his mind working with calculated precision. He needed to ensure that his actions would be effective, that his plan would hit Lucas where it hurt the most. Lawson was determined to outwit Lucas and claim Sasha for himself.

The plan was elaborate, designed to take advantage of both Sasha's current vulnerability and Lucas's absence. Lawson was convinced that if he acted quickly and strategically, he could execute his plan without being detected. He was a man of action, and the idea of confronting Lucas head-on was both thrilling and terrifying.

His research revealed weaknesses in both Sasha's and Lucas's lives. Lawson was particularly focused on Sasha's routine and her current state of health. He knew that with Lucas away, it was the perfect opportunity to put his plan into motion.

Lawson's thoughts were dark and twisted, driven by a desire to manipulate and control. His mind raced with possibilities as he crafted his scheme. He would strike while the iron was hot, ensuring that his plan would have the desired effect.

After finalizing his plan, Lawson took a moment to reflect on his motivations. He was driven by a mix of hatred and obsession, a dangerous combination that fueled his every action. The idea of defeating Lucas and taking Sasha for himself was both intoxicating and terrifying.

As the day drew to a close, Lawson felt a sense of satisfaction. He had laid the groundwork for his plan, and he was ready to put it into action. The next steps would be crucial, and he needed to be precise in his execution.

He glanced at the clock and realized that time was slipping away. He needed to be ready for what came next. The plan was set, and Lawson was determined to see it through to the end.