Fate's Unwritten Path

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Lucas's POV:

Three days before the masquerade ball, the crisp fall air was a reminder of how quickly the seasons were changing. Sasha and I had decided to spend the day together shopping for outfits for the upcoming event. It was a rare day off for both of us, and we were determined to make the most of it. 

I picked Sasha up around mid-morning, and we drove to one of the upscale shopping districts in Manhattan. I had my mind set on finding something that would suit both of us, and I could tell Sasha was equally excited. 

We started at one of the high-end boutiques known for its elegant evening wear.The boutique was a haven of luxury—plush carpets, glittering chandeliers, and rows of meticulously arranged gowns and suits. Sasha's eyes lit up as we entered, and I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. 

"Alright, let's find you something that'll turn heads at the ball," I said, guiding her toward a rack of dresses.Sasha browsed through the selection, pulling out a few options that she thought might work. 

We started with a striking emerald green dress that was beautiful but didn't quite hit the mark. 

Next, she tried on a classic black gown, elegant but not quite exciting enough for the occasion. 

After a bit of searching, Sasha found a dress that made her eyes sparkle—an extravagant red-black gown that was both daring and elegant. The rich color seemed to enhance her features, and the flowing fabric was stunning. The gown had intricate beading and it wasn't very long but it was a beautiful dress that fit her well.

"That's the one," I said, admiring her in the mirror. "It's perfect."Sasha smiled, clearly pleased with the choice. She twirled in front of the mirror, her laughter filling the boutique. "I love it too," she said, then added, "What about you? We need to find you a suit that matches." 

We moved to the men's section, and I picked out a suit that complemented Sasha's dress—a sharp, tailored suit in a matching red-black tone. It had a modern cut with a subtle sheen that paired perfectly with her gown. I had a feeling this would look fantastic together.After selecting the suit, we turned our attention to masks. 

The masquerade ball required something extravagant, and I was determined to make this night unforgettable. We found a pair of ornate masks—one for Sasha with elaborate red and black detailing, and one for me with a matching design. 

The masks were intricate, with delicate gemstones that added a touch of opulence. 

"This is going to be so much fun," Sasha said, admiring the masks."I agree," I said, slipping the mask on. "You look stunning."She blushed, and I could see how excited she was for the ball. The whole shopping experience had been enjoyable, but I knew she was looking forward to having a relaxing evening afterward. 

As we left the boutique with our purchases, I insisted on treating her to dinner. We went to a charming little restaurant not too far from the shopping district. It was a cozy spot with warm lighting and a relaxed atmosphere.We settled into a corner table, and the waitress brought us menus. 

We ordered a couple of salads with grilled chicken and a bottle of wine. The conversation flowed easily as we enjoyed our meal, and the simplicity of the evening felt refreshing after a day of shopping."This was a perfect day," Sasha said, taking a sip of wine. "Thank you for making it special.""I wouldn't have had it any other way," I replied, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. "I'm looking forward to Friday night." 

After dinner, we headed back to the penthouse. The evening was still young, and we decided to spend the rest of the night relaxing. We settled onto the couch, and I put on a classic horror movie called Scream. It was fitting with Halloween approaching, and I could tell Sasha was a little nervous about watching it. 

As the movie played, Sasha curled up next to me, her head resting on my shoulder. Daisy and Scooby had made themselves comfortable on the other side of the couch, snuggling up to me as if they were part of our little movie night.Sasha's reactions to the movie were adorable. 

Whenever a particularly scary scene came on, she would hide her face in my shoulder, her grip on my arm tightening. I found it both endearing and amusing. Her playful fear made the night more enjoyable."Lucas, this is so scary," she whispered, her voice muffled as she buried her face in my shoulder."Just remember, it's only a movie," I said, trying to sound reassuring. "I know, but it's still creepy," she replied, peeking out with wide eyes. 

We laughed together as the movie's tension eased, and I found myself enjoying these moments of closeness. Sasha's vulnerability in the face of a scary movie was a contrast to her usual strong demeanor, and it made me appreciate her even more.By the time the credits rolled, Sasha had completely relaxed. 

The movie was over, and we were both ready to wind down for the night. I turned off the TV and gave Sasha a quick hug, feeling a warmth and contentment that I hadn't fully acknowledged until now."I guess we should get some sleep," I said softly.Sasha nodded, her eyes already heavy with sleep. "Goodnight, Lucas." 

"Goodnight, Sasha," I replied, giving her a final squeeze before we both settled into a comfortable silence as we both walked away into our rooms.

As I lay there, I reflected on how much the past few months had changed. Spending time with Sasha, and sharing these quiet moments had become a treasured part of my life. The masquerade ball was just around the corner, but for now, I was content to simply enjoy these peaceful evenings with her.The night drew on, and Sasha seemed to have slept well as she had, Daisy and Scooby by her side, I drifted off to sleep, feeling more at ease than I had in a long time.

(Images of the dress, suit, and masks)