Chapter 242

Chapter 242 She Never Wished for Troy’s Death

Imogen questioned, “Why are you asking about this?”

Yann let out a heavy sigh. “Troy had a gastric bleed a few days ago, and he’s been in the hospital for treatment. His stomach has always been delicate, but things worsened when he suddenly began fasting. He hasn’t had a meal since yesterday, and it all started after he got a phone call.” Troy had gastric bleeding and was hospitalized?

Imogen was taken aback. She suddenly recalled the possibility that she had spotted Troy at the hospital a few days ago when she visited Sue’s grandson. At the time, she had dismissed it as a mere illusion.

Yann noticed Imogen’s confusion and insisted, “You should come to the hospital with me and soothe him.”

Imogen stepped back and said firmly, “I’m not going. He’s an adult, and he’s responsible for his own health. I can’t keep rushing to see him whenever he pulls a stunt like this. What kind of life would that be for me?”

Imogen knew Troy’s stomach was sensitive when they were still married due to his frequent business banquets.

Imogen had always tried to ensure Troy ate adequately so his stomach troubles were less frequent.

But now, after their divorce, he was already in the hospital. She hadn’t anticipated this. Yann furrowed his brow and said, “Imogen, I know you’re angry about the Hale family’s affairs. I promise you, it was my decision alone, and Troy was not involved.”

Imogen coldly replied, “I don’t trust you. You and Troy are working together to deceive me.”

“I promise, if I’m lying, may something terrible happen to me!” Yann’s expression turned deadly

serious.

Imogen hesitated. Yann’s sincerity swayed her.

Yann continued, “Do you still question me? Imogen, can you imagine what Troy said when I got there? He said if only his life could prove he was telling the truth, he’d offer it without hesitation. He even coughed up blood this morning. The doctors are concerned he might not make it through the surgery. Are you still skeptical?”

The doctors were afraid that Troy might not have made it through the surgery…

Had his condition escalated to that extent?

Even though she disliked Troy’s persistent approaches, Imogen had never wanted Troy to die. She bit her lip, lowered her gaze, and pinched her sleeve.

Had she wronged Troy?

Before she could say anything, Grace rushed out from inside the house. She looked worried as she asked, “Troy vomited blood? What’s going on?”

Yann recognized Grace as Troy’s niece. He explained, “Your uncle has a stomach issue and is hospitalized.”

“Stomach issue? Is it serious?” Grace’s face turned pale.

“Extremely serious. The doctors might have to perform stomach surgery…”

The thought of it sent shivers down Grace’s spine. She clutched onto Imogen’s hand. “Imogen,

Troy drank all night at the party. Let’s go to the hospital and check on him. Poor Troy…”

Yann looked at Imogen. “Imogen, For the sake of you being married. Do you want to see him die?” Imogen took a deep breath, lowered her head, and said to Grace, “Let’s go. Change our clothes and then go to the hospital to visit Troy.”

“Yay!” Grace immediately ran back to her room to change.

Imogen stepped aside to let Yann pass through the doorway. “You can wait in the living room.”

“I won’t go inside. I’ll wait for you by the door.”

“Suit yourself.”

Imogen returned to her room, changed her clothes, and left with Grace.

“Let’s go.” Yann walked to the elevator, pressed the down button, and waited.

Soon, they arrived at the hospital and parked the car beneath the hospital building.

Yann acted swiftly after noticing that Imogen was lagging while holding Grace’s hand. He turned back, lifted Grace into his arms, and ascended the stairs rapidly.

Imogen followed closely. Her steps were quick, her chest heaving, and her cheeks flushed with

heat.

They stopped at a VIP room door. Yann pointed to it. “This is it. You can go in.”

Imogen peered through the door window and saw Troy lying on the hospital bed with an IV drip by his side. He seemed still, as though he were asleep.

She gently pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Grace struggled slightly in Yann’s arms. She spoke childlike, “I want to go in too.”

Yann held her firmly. “Wait a moment. Let Troy and Imogen talk first.”

“Okay.”

The door creaked open and shut. Suddenly, Troy spoke softly while lying, his eyes closed, “I’ve already said there’s no need to persuade me.”

He hadn’t been asleep.

Imogen had reached his bedside. Her heart clenched as she saw Troy’s appearance up close.

In just a few days, he had become noticeably thinner. His eye sockets were hollow, and his face seemed devoid of flesh. His jawline and chin were strikingly prominent, and his complexion was an unhealthy pale.

Even his hands, with protruding veins and a stark paleness, appeared fragile, and the nurses could quickly locate his veins for transfusion.

How had he transformed into this state so suddenly?

She had known him for many years. Troy had always been vibrant and confident. The sight of him so fragile was unsettling, as if he were as delicate as a piece of paper on the brink of tearing apart at any moment.

After a pause with no response, Troy continued, “Aren’t you going to leave?”

“It’s me,” Imogen replied softly.

Troy recognized the familiar voice. His body trembled, eyelashes fluttered, but he kept his eyes

shut.

He swallowed the bitterness in his throat and his fingers clenched the bedsheets silently. His

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Chapter 242 She Never Wished for Troy’s Death

voice was hoarse and cold as he asked, “What are you doing here?”

Imogen took a few steps closer. She bit her lip and furrowed her brow as she looked at him. “I’m sorry. I misunderstood you yesterday.”

Troy smiled faintly. He slowly opened his eyes. “Yep, you’ve got it. I was the mastermind behind Yann’s little operation against the Hale family. You were right on everything. I’m not just unreliable these days. I’ve also taken up the art of deception, and my looks aren’t doing me any favors. You’re glad that you divorced me, right?”

Imogen’s expression stiffened for a moment. Then she forced a smile. “You have a good memory, heh.”

“Too kind.”

Imogen was speechless.

She slowly sat by the bedside and spoke gently, “Don’t take those hastily spoken words to heart. I’m truly sorry if I’ve hurt you with my actions.”

“Isn’t that your sincere statement?”

Troy interrupted her. He opened his eyes and gazed deeply into hers. A hint of mockery flashed in his

eyes. “No need for apologies. You have feelings for Erik and are concerned he might turn away because of this situation. I get it. When you care about someone, you tend to put them first. It’s unnecessary to bring you here. No need for future visits.”

Their eyes locked, and Imogen gazed into his deep eyes. Her lips parted as she struggled to find

the words she had in mind.

“Like

you mentioned, we’re divorced, and I won’t be a bother to you anymore. My illness is my concern. You should be thrilled, shouldn’t you? So, what’s holding you back?”

Despite his words, Imogen detected a trace of sarcasm in his tone.

She paused momentarily and spoke earnestly, “Yesterday, I acted impulsively and misjudged you. I can apologize and take responsibility for that, but I genuinely hope you won’t jeopardize yourself. Please, get the treatment you need. Since you prefer I’m not here, I’ll go

for now.”

Troy remained silent.