Chapitre 228: Feel better

Train Wreck - James Arthur

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Lucas's name was everywhere on social media in the United States, even reaching the top 2 trending spot on Twitter. As a rising star, it came as a shock to many that he faced struggles just like everyone else, especially since his father was a well-known director. The diary entries revealed the harsh reality of Lucas's life behind the glitz and glamour, debunking the myth that having a famous father meant an easy life.

The entries spoke of the strained relationship between father and son, detailing how Lucas had eventually kicked him out of the house. Netizens who could relate to his situation flocked to support him, and his fan base grew.

Meanwhile, his stepmother, who had previously accused Lucas unfairly, received a barrage of hate comments. She took to social media, demanding to know how TMZ had obtained the diary. The public shared her curiosity, but TMZ had already provided an explanation.

Journalist Ian stepped forward, revealing that he'd come across the diary during a chance encounter with Lucas when he was moving out of his old apartment. As a responsible journalist, he'd entered the vacated premises to see if anything important had been left behind. It was then that he spotted the diary, placed on a shelf. Intrigued, he'd leafed through the pages, and the rest was history.

If not for Ian's curiosity, the world would have never known about the struggles of the rising star before he made it big in the industry.

Some netizens were outraged, accusing journalist Ian of invading the rising star's privacy. They argued that no matter how famous someone was, they still deserved a semblance of privacy.

However, others defended Ian's actions, citing his responsibility as a journalist to uncover the truth.

---

Lucas sat at a dimly lit corner booth in the bar, waiting for Paul to arrive. In the background, a soulful voice filled the room as an artist on the stage strummed the opening chords of "Viva La Vida." The song that Lucas had brought to this world at the recent Grammy Awards.

The artist poured their heart into the performance, evoking a range of emotions in the audience. Patrons wiped away stray tears, unaware that the very person who brought the song into this reality was sitting among them.

Lucas's cap and sunglasses effectively hid his identity, but it was his demeanor that truly kept him incognito. He seemed lost in the music, transported to another time and place.

As the last note faded, the crowd erupted in applause. Someone in the audience stood up, mistaking the artist for the original composer. The modest performer smiled and shook their head, "No, no, it's just a cover. The real genius behind this masterpiece is Lucas Knight."

A hushed whisper spread through the bar, but no one thought to look in Lucas's direction. After all, why would a famous star be here, blending in with the crowd?

Amidst the whispering crowd, Lucas chuckled to himself, shaking his head in disbelief. He was just a regular guy, after all, and yet, people couldn't fathom that he could be in their midst.

His musings were interrupted by a familiar figure pushing through the crowd. It was Paul, his long-time friend, who spotted him instantly. They shared a warm hug, the kind only old friends could share.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?" Paul said, settling into the booth across from Lucas.

Lucas smiled wryly. "Yeah…"

Paul poured them both a glass of wine before diving straight into the heart of the matter. "So, I hear your diary was leaked?"

Lucas chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Even I didn't expect this."

Paul sighed, shaking his head. "You're too careless, you know that? How could you leave your diary behind?"

Lucas shrugged, sipping his wine. "I guess I just stopped using it, so it slipped my mind."

Lucas didn't want to dwell on the diary drama any longer, so he decided to change the topic. "Enough about me. How are you, Paul?"

The sudden shift in conversation seemed to catch Paul off guard, as his eyes welled up with unshed tears. He downed his glass of wine in one go, and Lucas could tell something was wrong just by that action alone. He patted Paul's shoulder comfortingly. "Hey, what's wrong? You can vent to me, you know I'm here for you."

Paul waved him off, muttering, "I'm fine…" but his eyes told a different story.

Lucas sighed, "Come on, Paul. It's me. You can tell me anything."

Finally, Paul caved in, sighing deeply. "It's been really tough lately…"

Lucas's eyes clouded with concern as he saw the usually cheerful Paul in such a state. "I'm here for you, man. Vent all you want."

Paul poured himself another glass of wine before spilling his heart out. "My girlfriend left me… I caught her with another man." He downed the drink in one go, and Lucas could see the pain in his friend's eyes.

Lucas offered a comforting pat on the back, not knowing what else to say.

Paul continued, "That wasn't even the worst part. After she left, my performance in my acting career suffered. I screwed up my recent project, and they went ahead and found someone else to replace me."

Lucas listened intently, his heart aching for his friend. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Paul. Breakups are never easy, and to top it off with a career setback… I can't even imagine what you're going through."

Paul wiped away a stray tear. "Yeah, it's been a rough few weeks. I don't know how much more I can take."

Lucas reached out and squeezed his shoulder. "Hey, hey, you'll get through this. You're too talented to be brought down by one setback. And as for your ex, she's not worth your time if she could do that to you."

Paul managed a weak smile. "Thanks, man. I needed to hear that." He paused, his voice cracking. "But I still feel so terrible. I feel like I'm dying inside, you know?"

Lucas patted him comfortingly, empathizing with his pain. "I've been through something similar, and I know how you feel. It sucks, I know."

In his previous life, Lucas had experienced heartache and career lows too. He knew the crushing feeling all too well. Music had been his solace then, and he hoped it would help Paul now.

"Trust me, I've got an idea to make you feel better. Interested?" Lucas asked, a glint in his eyes.

Paul chuckled sadly, downing another glass of wine before nodding. "Alright, I'm in. I trust you."

Lucas's eyes spotted the bar's host asking for song requests. He raised his hand, catching the host's attention.

"Can I… sing a song?" Lucas asked, his voice carrying through the bar.

The host was taken aback but quickly recovered. Impromptu performances weren't unheard of, so he nodded. "Well, looks like we have a brave soul tonight! Give it up for him, folks!"

Paul watched, eyebrows raised, as Lucas made his way to the stage.

The host, Louis, handed him the mic, but not before giving him a double-take. "What's your name, sir?"

"Lucas," he replied, and recognition dawned on Louis's face. However, to his credit, he didn't make a fuss and simply handed over the microphone.

But Lucas had other plans. "Actually, can I use the piano instead?"

Louis nodded, visibly starstruck. "Of course, of course. Help yourself."

The resident pianist vacated their seat, and Lucas took over the keys. He tested the instrument, playing a few chords before settling on a melody.

As the unfamiliar tune filled the bar, a few patrons in the cafe couldn't help but reach for their phones to capture the moment on video.

The soulful tune was too good to pass up. All eyes were on the stage as Lucas addressed the crowd, "This song is dedicated to my friend, Paul." He gestured towards his best friend, who managed a shy smile. The audience turned their gaze to Paul, sensing the friendship between the two.

Lucas began to sing, his voice deep and emotional, "Laying in the silence, waiting for the sirens, signs, any signs I'm alive still. I don't wanna lose it, but I'm not getting through this, hey, should I pray? Should I pray? Yeah, to myself? To a God? To a savior who can unbreak the broken, unsay these spoken words, find hope in the hopeless, pull me out of the train wreck, unburn the ashes, unchain the reactions now, not ready to die, not yet, pull me out of the train wreck."

The bar fell silent, patrons captivated by the heartfelt lyrics. Somewhere in the crowd, whispers started to spread, "That guy… doesn't he look like that rising actor, Lucas Knight?"

"You're right, it's him!"

Despite the growing realization, the audience remained focused on the performance, moved by the raw emotion pouring from the stage. Paul felt a mix of emotions welling up inside, the weight of his recent hardships seemingly lifted by the song's message of hope.

Lucas's fingers danced across the piano keys, his voice rising with emotion as he sang, "Pull me out, pull me out, pull me out, ah, pull me out, pull me out." The lyrics resonated with the audience, their eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"Underneath our bad blood, we've still got a sanctum, home, still a home, still a home here. It's not too late to build it back, 'cause a one-in-a-million chance is still a chance, and I would take those odds."

The bar was enveloped in the melody, patrons captivated by the heartfelt performance. Some had their phones out, recording the moment, even though Lucas wore a cap and sunglasses, they recognized him. They knew they were witnessing something special.

Lucas continued, "Unbreak the broken, unsay these spoken words, find hope in the hopeless, pull me out of the train wreck, unburn the ashes, unchain the reactions now, not ready to die, not yet, pull me out of the train wreck, pull me out, pull me out, pull me out, ah, pull me out, pull me out, pull me out."

As the song neared its end, Lucas poured his heart out, "You can say what you like, don't say I wouldn't die for you, I'm down on my knees, I need you to be my God, be my help, be a savior who can unbreak the broken, unsay these reckless words, pull me out of the train wreck..."

The final note of the song hung in the air, the cafe still with emotion. The crowd erupted into applause, some wiping away stray tears, others sharing looks of disbelief at the raw talent they just witnessed. As the applause died down, the singer who previously performed "Viva La Vida" approached Lucas, starstruck.

"I'm a big fan! Can I take a picture?" he asked, excitement evident in his voice.

Lucas smiled warmly, "Of course."

As they posed for the camera, more people started to recognize him, and soon, a small crowd had gathered around the stage. Fortunately, the bar's bouncers were prepared for such situations and quickly stepped in to maintain order.

Lucas took pictures with a few fans before making his way through the crowd to Paul. The two friends hurried out of the bar, pausing only for a moment to take a photo with the bouncers who recognized him or just going along the hype.

Once they were outside, Lucas chuckled, "Well, I didn't expect that."

Paul couldn't help but smile, "Your performance was amazing, Lucas. It really touched me."

Lucas looked at his friend, concern etched on his face, "How are you really doing, Paul?"

Paul thought for a moment before patting Lucas on the shoulder, "Thank you for your song. It… it made me feel better."

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Chapitre 229: The iron was hot

Lucas's heart ached as he observed his friend's downcast expression, the weight of recent hardships etched into every line on Paul's face. It was clear that losing his girlfriend had taken a devastating toll, not only emotionally but also on his once-flourishing acting career. As they strolled side by side, Lucas broached the subject cautiously, offering to leverage his connections—including his manager, Neil—to help Paul get back on his feet. However, Paul seemed reluctant to accept such generosity, as if he didn't want to burden his friend any further.

"Your song alone helped me so much, Lucas," Paul said, patting him on the shoulder. "I can't keep taking advantage of you every time I'm in deep shit."

Lucas could sense the prideful undertone in Paul's voice, and while he understood where it came from, he hated seeing his friend suffer. He yearned to take away the pain, to fix the unfixable, but he knew that sometimes, all he could do was be there for him.

Lucas chuckled gently, "That's what friends are for, isn't it?" He nudged Paul playfully. "If the roles were reversed, you'd do the same for me, right?"

Paul couldn't help but chuckle too. "Yeah, I guess so. But don't expect me to compose a song for you on the spot like you did for me at the bar…"

Lucas laughed softly, "Composing on the spot? Haha, no way. That song's been in my head for a while now."

"Don't be modest with me, Lucas," Paul teased, clearly not buying it.

Lucas just smiled, deciding not to correct him. After all, if Paul thought he was some musical prodigy, there was no harm in letting him believe that. Besides, he couldn't very well reveal that the song was actually one of his favorite from his past life.

As they entered Starbucks, Paul casually asked, "So, I heard you moved out of our old place. Where'd you end up?"

Lucas stirred his latte. "I'm at The Copper now."

Paul nearly spilled his mocha. "Wow, that complex is pricey. You're living the high life, huh?"

Lucas shrugged modestly. "It's got two bedrooms. If you ever need a change of scenery, you're welcome to crash."

"Thanks, man," Paul said, genuinely touched. "I'm good in my current place, but I wouldn't mind a tour sometime."

"Anytime," Lucas smiled, and after they finished their drinks, he led Paul to his car where Shawn, his personal driver, was waiting.

The ride to The Copper was spent catching up on more mundane topics, but when they arrived, Paul's jaw dropped. The moment they stepped out of the elevator onto the top floor, the breathtaking cityscape greeted them through the transparent wall. The spacious living room oozed luxury, and Paul couldn't help but be impressed.

"Damn, Lucas," he whistled. "You're really living it up."

---

A day after Lucas sang for his friend Paul in the bar, a heartfelt song about overcoming hardships, the video of his performance went viral on social media. Fans and celebrities alike couldn't get enough of his soulful voice and relatable lyrics.

@Lady Gaga: 😍 This guy's voice is pure gold! #LucasKnight #ViralSensation

@Katy Perry: 🎶💕 This song has me in tears! @LucasXKnight, you've got a new fan here. Keep shining! #LucasKnight

@Rihanna: 🔥🔥🔥 Yasss, Lucas! You just made it to my playlist! #LucasKnight #VoiceOfAnAngel

@Britney Spears: 💖🎤 I'm obsessed with this voice! @LucasXKnight, you're going places, honey! #LucasKnight #NewFanAlert

@TraceAdkins: 🎸 What a beautiful song from such a talented young man. #LucasKnight, you've got a new fan in me.

@Diddy: 🎤😍 Can't get enough of your voice, @LucasXKnight! Your talent and charm are undeniable. Hope to see you at my next party. #LucasKnight

As the video of Lucas's performance spread like wildfire, fans and new admirers alike took to social media to express their adoration.

@Melissa_1243: 🎧💕 @LucasXKnight, your voice is everything! Please tell me you're working on an album? #AlbumPlease

@JohnLee125: 🎶🙏🏻 Lucas, you have a gift! We need an album ASAP! #AlbumNow

@Sarah_190: 😍 @LucasXKnight, your voice is the serenade my soul needed. Can't wait for your second album! #LucasKnight #AlbumHype

@Mark_87: 🎧🎤 Lucas, you're amazing! Don't keep us waiting too long for an album, okay? #LucasKnight #AlbumCountdown

And so on, the tweets went on, flooding his mentions with requests for more music and an album.

"I wish I were friends with Lucas so he could serenade me anytime!" one user gushed, and the tweet was flooded with likes and retweets.

Another user joined in, "I'm curious about this 'Paul' guy he sang for. Anyone know what he looks like?"

A third user chimed in, "I think I saw him in another video of Lucas's performance. Heard he's an actor too!"

"Yeah, I remember now! Wasn't he in 'Walking Dead'?"

As the conversation continued, Paul was also in the spotlight, thanks to his association with the internet's newest sensation.

---

The cast of Modern Family, including Ty Burrell, Julie, Sarah, and Ariel, were on their break when they noticed their co-star, Lucas Knight, was trending on social media again. They gathered around a phone, their faces a mix of awe and melancholy.

Ty Burrell sighed, his fingers tapping on the table. "Can you believe it? He was just a beginner when the series started."

Julie nodded, her eyes glued to the screen. "And now, he's everywhere."

Sarah tapped the play button on her phone, and the video began to play. The sounds of the bustling patrons in the bar filled the quiet space, along with the soft tinkling of piano keys. On the screen, Lucas appeared wearing a cap and sunglasses, casually testing the instrument's sound. Nolan and Ariel leaned in closer, captivated by the clip.

Nolan nudged Ariel, a grin spreading across his face. "He looks so cool, right?"

Ariel nodded, unable to tear her eyes away from the video. "Yeah, he really does."

The video continued to play, and on the screen, Lucas Knight finally stopped fiddling with the piano and began to play for real. The beautiful melody filled the room, captivating the cast and crew alike. In the clip, Lucas looked directly into the camera and said, "This song is dedicated to my friend, Paul." Then, he started to sing.

"Laying in the silence, waiting for the sirens, signs, any signs I'm alive still. I don't wanna lose it, but I'm not getting through this, hey, should I pray? Should I pray? Yeah, to myself? To a God? To a savior who can unbreak the broken, unsay these spoken words, find hope in the hopeless, pull me out of the train wreck, unburn the ashes, unchain the reactions now, not ready to die, not yet, pull me out of the train wreck."

Ty Burrell, Julie, Sarah, Nolan, and Ariel were taken aback by the raw emotion in his voice. Even some of the crew members nearby had stopped their work to watch the viral footage of Lucas singing on their phones.

Christopher and Steven, who weren't usually big on social media, noticed the commotion and approached the group. "What's all the fuss about?" Christopher asked, eyebrow raised.

One of the crew members handed their phone to the two, and they watched in silence as they listened to Lucas's soulful performance.

After the song ended, Christopher turned to Steven, awe-stricken. "It's hard to believe we cast this guy for a guest role as Dylan, isn't it?" he mused aloud.

Steven nodded, still processing the talent they'd just witnessed. "Yeah, who would've thought he was this talented? He's come a long way since then."

---

Lucas Knight stepped foot into Liza's restaurant, lowering his cap further on his face. Although New Yorkers were used to celebrities, he didn't want to attract too much attention. He knew that people often visited Liza's restaurant hoping to catch a glimpse of him, and while he appreciated his fans, he needed a break from the paparazzi. Liza had complained about the increase in customers with digital cameras lately, who seemed more interested in stalking him than actually dining.

Lucas sent Liza a text, and she was in the kitchen, overseeing the chefs and servers. The moment her phone buzzed, she excused herself and checked the message. Recognizing the sender, she dropped everything and rushed outside.

Liza scanned the tables, and spotted a man in the corner, wearing a cap and sunglasses. Even with the disguise, she knew it was Lucas. She couldn't help but smile as she approached his table.

Liza tapped Lucas on the shoulder, and he turned to her with a questioning look. With a warm smile, she led him through the bustling restaurant and into her office. As soon as the door was shut, she pulled him into a tight hug. "It's been so long. It's good to see you," she said, genuine happiness in her eyes. She was always grateful that he hadn't forgotten them even after becoming famous.

Lucas returned the hug, relief evident on his face. "Good to see you too, Liza. I'm glad to see that business is still booming."

Liza poured them both a cup of coffee as they sat down on the sofa. "I see you're trending on Twitter again," she said, raising her mug in a cheeky toast.

Lucas smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, I saw it. I've kind of gotten used to it by now."

"Our little friends at the hospital love the new song, by the way. It's all they can talk about." Liza chuckled, referring to the children they both knew from the Bellevue hospital.

"Well, what can I say? As long as it's me, it's their favorite," Lucas joked, trying to hide the blush creeping up his neck.

"Your their idol, after all," Liza teased, clinking her mug against his.

The mood sobered as Lucas asked, "How are they really doing?" His concern for the children was evident.

Liza sipped her coffee, her expression softening. "They're doing well, all things considered. James is actually recovering gradually."

Lucas breathed a sigh of relief, his shoulders visibly relaxing.

Lucas and Liza caught up for a while longer, discussing everything from his new songs to the children's progress at the hospital. Eventually, they agreed to visit them together once Lucas had some free time. As he prepared to leave, Liza was called back to the kitchen, apologizing for the interruption. They hugged goodbye, promising to stay in touch.

Lucas exited the restaurant, his heart lighter after the heartwarming conversation. Just as he reached his car, his phone buzzed with a message from his manager, Neil. "Big Machine Records wants to talk about your second album. They're eager to capitalize on your viral videos. Call me ASAP," it read.

Lucas chuckled at the record label's impatience. It seemed they wanted to strike while the iron was hot, hoping to cash in on his fame.

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