" You're a bit older than the sister he imagined , but he really likes you , " James said . " He's scared you'll think he's a monster and hate him . That's why he's been hiding out in the mountains ." He looked at Abigail , who was sitting there quietly . " Do you understand what I'm saying ? " he asked . Just one word of rejection from her could crush Lucas right now . Abigail felt a strange tug in her heart . Still , she had to ask , " Does he really ... like me ? " She kept thinking about how Shawn always looked at her with disgust and annoyance , like he couldn't wait to kick her out and be done with her . James had heard about how the Yeats family treated her . He saw doubt in her eyes and gently placed a hand on her shoulder . " Of course , he does . " Abigail lowered her gaze . Her lips twitched just a little , and the faintest dimple appeared on her otherwise blank face . James let out a quiet sigh of relief . Still , he didn't want to push her into meeting the boy everyone called a monster because of his skin . He said , " It's okay if you're not ready to see him yet . Once he's out of the hospital , you can visit him whenever you feel like it ." Abigail set down her cup and said seriously , " I'm not afraid . " James felt a wave of comfort wash over him . ' Abigail really is so thoughtful , ' he thought . After spending a full day and night in the ICU , Lucas was moved to a regular hospital room the next morning . His whole family stayed close by . James went out to grab breakfast , while Vivian and Ethan had both fallen asleep on the couch . When no one was watching , Abigail quietly got up and checked Lucas's pulse . Her face immediately tightened . She thought ' He's indeed been poisoned . It's spread deep into his body , and the medicine isn't helping . But that doesn't mean it's hopeless . Just then , Lucas's hand twitched . Abigail turned and met his nervous eyes . " You're awake , " she said calmly . Lucas opened his mouth , but his throat and lips were dry and cracked . 11:27 Wed , Sep 17 Chapter 42 Abigail poured some water , got him a straw , and held it to his lips . 35 55 vouchers Lucas paused for a moment , then gently bit down on the straw and took a sip . The warmth spread through his chest . He stole a glance at Abigail's face . She was truly beautiful , far more than he remembered from the orphanage . But her expression seemed distant and cold . He couldn't tell if she felt anything for him , so he kept silent . After finishing the checkup , Abigail looked at him and asked softly , " Does your mouth taste bitter ? " Lucas hesitated , unsure how to answer . " I've got some candy ," she said , pulling out a small bottle of sugar pills from her backpack . She poured one into her hand . " Want to try one ? " Lucas's pale cheeks turned a light pink . He opened his mouth without a word . The pill melted on his tongue . It wasn't super sweet , but somehow it took away that bitter taste in his mouth and in his heart . " Sis , " he whispered , his voice trembling . Abigail froze , her heart racing . For a moment , it felt like something long lost had quietly returned . " Want another one ? " Abigail asked with a smile . Her dimples showed as she grinned , and Lucas felt himself falling for her all over again . " Yeah ," he said quickly . ***** When James came back , he was welcomed by a warm and gentle scene between the two kids . Lucas had always been left out because of his condition . Even Ethan had been afraid of him at first . That was why Lucas grew up feeling so introverted and gloomy . It had been a long time since James had seen Lucas looking so peaceful . What touched him the most was watching Lucas , who usually struggled to express himself , trying awkwardly but sincerely to show kindness . James thought to himself , 'Adopting Abigail was the best decision I ever made ! He stood at the door , his hand on the handle . He didn't go in right away until the nurse came in to check Lucas's temperature and blood pressure . 11:27 Wed , Sep 17 Chapter 43 Chapter 43 : Title: After Divorce, My Ex-Wife Became a Billionaire In "After Divorce, My Ex-Wife Became a Billionaire" by CrushReel, the story revolves around Claire, who conceals her immense wealth to marry Milo for love. Set in Los Angeles, Claire navigates the challenges of keeping her true identity hidden while leveraging her riches in secret. As the drama unfolds, themes of betrayal, ambition, and revenge intertwine with the complexities of their relationship. Claire's dual identity as a billionaire and Milo's wife adds a layer of intrigue to this modern tale of love and deception. The storyline delves into the dynamics of power and control within their contract marriage, highlighting the tension between hidden truths and public personas. With a backdrop of office politics and personal vendettas, the narrative explores the consequences of choices made in pursuit of wealth and status. What sets "After Divorce, My Ex-Wife Became a Billionaire" apart is its exploration of the repercussions of concealing one's true self in the pursuit of love and success. The interplay between Claire's billionaire status and her intimate relationships creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged throughout. Discover the captivating twists and turns of this gripping story available to read at CrushReel.