Thunder rumbled, and lightning flashed across the vast night sky.

It felt as if the heavens themselves were about to crack open.

"Has this day finally arrived?" Jameson stood with his back to Carl, hands clasped behind him, projecting an image of strength and resolve.

His posture did not hint at defeat, despair, or emptiness.

Yet, a profound loneliness emanated from him, tugging at the heartstrings.

He had been a high achiever, a man of success and ambition.

He had thrived like a firework that rocketed into the sky, exploding in a blaze of color that illuminated Solana City's night.

He had been magnificent, passionate, and impossible to ignore.

But in the end, all he was left with was a wasteland of ash.

"Once, I craved everything.

I yearned to return to Solana City and make the Schmidts pay for what they'd done.

I wanted to reclaim everything that was rightfully mine, and I dreamed of aiding Mr.

Justin in seizing control of Solana City.

"But ultimately, 1 realized that none of it held any meaning.

to be with Lyse." Carl squeezed his eyes shut, a

words of comfort, but nothing felt adequate in that

have just to hear Lyse call me 'Jimmy'

amidst a sea of roses, beckoning him with

and play!"

it's alright even

as your

We'll be friends forever.

Pinky promise!" "Pinky...

railing, and his right hand reached up to

slumped forward bit by bit,

"I never changed, Lyse.

But you...

forward hesitantly,

never witnessed

courage to reveal that even if given another chance, Alyssa would undoubtedly

hand; love was an

and Jasper

toward the same

like two perfectly matched puzzle

were destined

extraordinary anyone else might be,

Mr. Schmidt, it would be best for you to leave

to avoid suspicion." Carl's eyes

will soon be investigating The

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