Karl, standing beside him, was just as overwhelmed.
At first, he had just wanted to enjoy himself, show off a little, and bask in the attention.
But now?
Tonight had turned into something far more special.
More than just fun, more than just business—tonight, he had found something else.
A goal.
A dream.
A happiness he never expected to feel.
Karl exhaled slowly, watching the flickering lantern in his hands, and for once, he didn't have any dramatic words to say.
Because for the first time in his life, he didn't need to say anything.
And Adrian?
He didn't even know how to put his feelings into words.
For so long, his life had been a battle.
A battle against hunger. Against survival. Against fate.
He had lived with envy, bitterness, and exhaustion, watching others enjoy things he never thought he would have.
And yet… here he was.
Standing with people he cared about.
Holding something as fragile as a lantern, yet feeling something as strong as hope.
