FORTY SIX

Lucas smiled , relief washing over him. He stood up, pulling her into a warm embrace. “Thank you, Pretty doll.” I promise you won't regret it .

She rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. “I trust you, Lucas. I just need to feel like we’re making progress, you know?”

Lucas lifted her chin , looking deeply into her eyes. “I understand. And I promise you , we are. But sometimes , the best way to keep forward is to take a step back.”

He kissed her softly,his lips tender against hers. Olivia melted into the kiss , her worries momentarily forgotten. When they pulled apart , Lucas took her hand, leading her out of the study and towards the stairs .

“Come on,” he said. “Let's pack a few things and get out of here.”

Lucas and Olivia made their way to their respective rooms to pack. Olivia carefully selected a few outfits , opting for light , comfortable clothing suited for a warm destination.

She packed a couple of sundresses, swimsuits, and her favorite pair of sandals. Lucas, ever the meticulous planner, packed a mixture of casual wear and a couple of more formal outfits just in case . He threw a few linen shirts , shorts,and his trusty aviator sunglasses.

Once packed, they met downstairs. Lucas was dressed in a crisp white shirt with sleeves rolled up, paired with tailored beige chinos.

Olivia couldn't help but admire how effortlessly stylish he looked. She herself had opted for a flowy , floral sundress that danced around her knees with every step she took, making her look radiant and carefree.

Vincent was already waiting by the car, ensuring everything was in order for departure . As they stepped out of the mansion to the car. Lucas turned his gaze to Vincent, “Make sure Olivia's friend is safe and comfortable,” he said , more like an order before stepping into the car with Olivia by his side.

The drive to the private airstrip was smooth and uneventful , the tension of the past few days melting away as they left the city behind. As they approached the airstrip , Olivia could see the private jet waiting for them, its sleek design a promise of comfort and luxury.


The private jet was a gleaming marvel of modern engineering. As they stepped out of the car, the gentle breeze carried the scent of jet fuel, and distant murmur of other aircraft .


Lucas helped Olivia out of the car, his hand firm and reassuring . They made their way to the jet, the crew greeting then with polite nods and welcoming smiles.

The interior of the desk was even more impressive,polish leather chairs and wooden tables.

Once they were seated ,Lucas took Olivia's hand again, giving it a gentle reassuring squeeze. “You know, ” Lucas said leaning closer to her ear, “I can't remember i gave myself a break.” He said ,plating a soft kiss at the back of her palms.

She turned to him, her eyes filled with gratitude, “ That's cause you don't let yourself Lucas, But… thank you for this, I didn't realize how much I needed this.”


He smiled, brushing a strand of her hair from her face, “Anything for you, Olivia.”

The jets engines rotund to life, the blades now spinning with purpose as the aircraft began to depart the runway .

Olivia watched through the window as the ground fell lower in rank , the city shrinking into the distance. She leaned back in her seat feeling a sense of freedom she hadn't experienced in a long time.

Vincent watched as the jet carrying Lucas and Olivia disappeared into the horizon. The airstrip was now quiet , the only sound being the hum of the wind. Suddenly the responsibility of checking up on Monica tugged at his mind.

The drive to the penthouse was quick . Vincent navigated through the city’s bustling street with practiced ease , his mind racing with thoughts of the recent events. Massiomo’s threats, Marco's betrayal and now Lucas's unexpected vacation with Olivia, above all Monica's safety was paramount.

As Vincent pulled up to the penthouse, he parked the car and took the elevator to the top, the door opened with a soft chime revealing Monica sitted on the couch, her legs curled beneath her, dressed in a simple white t- shirt and jeans. Her hair tied back in a loose ponytail . She was reading a message on her phone, her eyes widening as she took in the content.

“Vacation with Lucas,” she muttered to herself, a mix of surprise and concern crossing her face .

Vincent cleared his throat, causing Monica to look up. Her eyes met his, and she quickly set her phone aside, rising to greet him.

“Vincent,” she said, her voice tinged with relief, “I wasn't expecting you.”

“I wanted to make sure you're okay ,” Vincent replied , his voice steady but laced with concern, “It's been chaotic lately.”

Monica nodded, her expression softening, “I appreciate it, I just got a message from Olivia. She’s gone on a vacation with Lucas.”

Vincent sighed, “Yeah Monica, they went on a vacation. There's a lot going on, they needed a break. It's been intense”

Monica stepped closer, her hand resting in his arm, “And what about you, Vincent? You’re always so busy taking care of everyone else, who's taking care of you?”

He wasn't expecting the sincerity in her voice. He locked his eyes into hers, seeing the concern and cordiality there, It had been a long time since someone had asked him that with so much genuineness.

“I’m fine,” he said, “In our world you don't need care.”

Monica shook her head, “No you’re not, and you absolutely need care, you’ve been under a lot of pressure . You need to take a break too.”

Vincent felt a surge of emotion, the constant vigilance, the stress, the responsibility - it all weighed on him, he hadn't allowed himself to feel anything beyond duty for a long time .


“Monica,” he began,his voice low, “I…..”

Before he could finish, Monica closed the distance between them , her lips capturing his in a soft unexpected kiss. It was gentle at first , Vincent's heart pounded in his chest as he responded , deepening the kiss, allowing himself to let him, even if it's just for a moment.

When they finally pulled away , both of them were breathless . Monica's eyes wide, her cheeks flushed. Vincent's gaze was intense , a mixture of surprise and longing.

“Vincent,” Monica whispered,her hand resting on his chest, “I care about you.”