The Rise of Lucas

Chapter 72

The morning light painted shades of gold over the metropolitan skyline, putting a warm glow on the familiar surroundings of Lucas's apartment.

Birds chirped outside, and the promise of a fresh day hovered in the air. As Lucas shook awake, his first reaction was to go for his phone, a habit formed out of the digital era.

With a yawn and a stretch, Lucas found himself browsing across the internet, lazily wandering through the sea of updates and headlines. The reality beyond his window appeared regular, but the virtual universe had the opportunity for surprises—both delightful and tragic.

As he read absentmindedly through social media channels, a headline grabbed his attention, and time appeared to pause for a second. The words were like an unexpected punch to the belly, a strike that left him gasping. "Isabella Engaged to Business Tycoon Trump: A Union of Power and Prestige."

Lucas's heart fell, as a sensation of desolation swept over him. The words blurred on the screen as he strained