Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

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, I realized that none of it held any meaning. From the very beginning, all I ever desired was to be with Lyse."

Carl squeezed his eyes shut, a wave of sorrow washing over him. He longed to offer words of comfort, but nothing felt adequate in that moment.

"If I could rewrite the past, I'd gladly trade everything I have just to hear Lyse call me 'Jimmy' once more."

Jameson closed his eyes slowly, conjuring an image of his beloved. Her clear, bright eyes sparkled as she stood amidst a sea of roses, beckoning him with joyful abandon.

"Jimmy, come over here and play!"

afraid, Jimmy.

ignores you. You have me as your

"Pinky... promise."

and his right hand reached up to rub his stinging eyes. His tall,

shuffled forward hesitantly, unsure of how close to tread.

if given another chance, Alyssa would undoubtedly choose Jasper. It

common vision, aspired toward the

two perfectly matched puzzle pieces. They were destined to be together. No matter how extraordinary anyone else might

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

eyes betrayed

"The police

officially under your name, the connection is undeniable. We can't afford their scrutiny.

immediately!"

the city's elite. Countless Solana City officials have

here, exchanging money fore pleasure. Wealthy scions have squandered their fortunes on drugs, prostitutes, and gambling.

swiths, orig