Chapter 40

Three hundred kilometers away from City J, on a secluded island. "James, any updates on Lucas?" Sophia's breathing was labored as she asked. Her chest had been tight since the day at the hospital. James had told her the fire at that apartment complex might've triggered the old illness she'd suppressed for three years, and now it had worsened. She had wanted to stay by Lucas's side, but her body couldn't take it. Numb and exhausted, she could only let James take her away—not just from the hospital, but from City J itself. "He's out of ICU now. Moved to a regular room," James said as he helped her sit up and handed her medication. "And… is he okay?" "Don't worry. I spoke to him. Told him you left because of your health. He said he understands. Said he owed you his life once, and now... well, I guess he's repaid that debt." "Really...?" She had already made peace with leaving, but something in her chest still ached hearing that. So from now on, there'd be no more debts between them... no