Chapter 189 In Critical Condition
In the midst of Debby’s rant, Brian cut in with a tense tone, “She’s in the hospital? Where is she?”
Stunned by his interruption, Debby paused. She didn’t realize he was unaware.
“Mom, when did you last see her?”
Switching her approach swiftly, Debby replied, “Oh, no, I… I’ve actually been with Doris this whole time. Maybe I was wrong about seeing Rachel.”
Her words sounded unconvincing.
Brian wasn’t fooled even for a second. “Just be honest with me.”
“I am being honest. If you doubt it, you can ask Doris.”
Holding her chest, Doris said with a tearful voice, “She’s been here with me the entire time.”
“Just try to get some rest,” Brian muttered as he exited the room quietly.
Meanwhile, Rachel received a phone call just as she sat down for dinner.
“Hello, Mr. White,” she answered, trying to sound more lively than she felt.
“Where might you be right now?”
“Just having dinner at home,” Rachel responded, convinced he wouldn’t know about her recent hospital stay.
Given that Debby and Doris were not her allies, she didn’t think they would inform him.
“You’re in the hospital, yet you choose to lie?” His voice carried a mix of concern and frustration.
Caught off guard, Rachel hadn’t expected him to be aware.
“I appreciate your concern.”
“Just give me your room number,” he said, his tone authoritative.
“We’re no longer an item now; it wouldn’t be appropriate for you to visit.”
Despite their past, Rachel felt too frail and vulnerable to risk him seeing her in such a state.
“Give me the number of your room.”
Brian struggled to mask his frustration.
“Unless there’s something urgent, I’m going to end the call.”
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Chapter 189 In Critical Condition
Rachel was about to disconnect when Brian clenched his jaw and muttered, “Dare you hang up on me?”
However, the only response was silence. She had hung up on him.
Following their conversation, Rachel felt her appetite vanish.
She had barely managed a few spoonfuls of her food when her hospital room door burst open.
Brian’s figure appeared in the doorway.
Caught off guard, Rachel halted her spoon in midair. “How did you manage to find me here?”
“I have my ways,” Brian responded as he approached and took a seat next to her.
Noticing her reluctance to eat, he inquired softly, “Lost your appetite, have you?”
“Somewhat,” she admitted honestly.
“Is there something particular you’d feel like eating? I can go get it for you.”
To her surprise, Brian offered it on his own initiative.
Rachel merely shook her head in response.
Brian observed her pale face and opted for a gentler approach, “Perhaps some buffalo wings?”
Again, she declined.
“Nachos?”
She continued to refuse.
“Grilled shrimp, then?” he persisted.
She chose to ignore the offer this time.
A puzzled expression crossed his face. “Aren’t these your old favorites?”
Exhaling a deep sigh, she turned to him. “Do you understand my condition at all? My condition only allows for bland meals. No grease, no spice. Aren’t you aware of that?”
With a wave of her hand and a sorrowful look in her eyes, she added, “Forget it. I was always the one nursing you back to health. Did you ever do the same for me? It’s no wonder you’re unaware.”
Her words tried to excuse his neglect, yet they echoed with undeniable sadness.
Brian wished he could admit he knew. He had only wanted to lift her spirits with her favorite foods, prepared just right, without the spice.
Regrettably, the moment to speak had passed.
“You’ve always had others care for you, so it’s perhaps expected you wouldn’t know how to reciprocate. Please, just go.”
Her rejection was clear.
But Brian felt an even stronger urge to stay as she pushed him away.
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Chapter 189 In Critical Condition
“You need to eat something nutritious. I can arrange for more porridge, maybe some noodles or soup.”
Rachel’s response was a disinterested shake of her head.
Brian’s frustration showed on his face.
Then, an idea struck him. “Ah, ravioli! That’s a favorite of yours too, isn’t it?”
“Ravioli are hard to find now. Only one shop up north still makes them. Honestly, I’m just too tired. I need to rest.”
Brian acknowledged her wish. “Okay, rest well.”
He dimmed the overhead lights before exiting, leaving only a soft lamp glowing.
But shortly after he left, an urgent knock disrupted the quiet.
“Rachel, it’s Debby.”
It seemed that those Rachel least wanted to see had a knack for appearing at the worst times.
Rachel tried to ignore her, hoping Debby would take the hint and leave on her own.
However, Debby burst through the door with force. “Stop hiding, I know you’re in there!”
The light switched on with a snap, causing Rachel to shield her eyes from the sudden brightness.
Upon seeing Rachel lying quietly in bed, Debby’s frustration escalated. She strode over and ripped the blanket from Rachel. “You’re not fooling anyone! Think I can’t see through your tricks? I’m warning you, don’t test my patience. You’re not untouchable, even with Carol on your side.”
Her voice escalated with every word.
Rachel struggled under Debby’s firm grip, finding it difficult to draw a breath.
A wave of pain swept through her, sapping her strength and leaving her unable to resist.
To Debby, this appeared to be just another act.
“Still playing the victim, huh?”
Rachel looked up, her eyes brimming with tears, in a vain attempt to garner some compassion.
However, Debby was unmoved. Her grip intensified. In her anger, she grabbed at the blanket again, this time with too much force.
Rachel, drained of strength, was inadvertently pulled off the bed, tumbling onto the floor with the blanket. She lay there on the cold floor, her body limp.
Half of her body was on the blanket, the other half on the hard floor. She breathed weakly, her face devoid of
color.
At this, Debby’s anger gave way to a flicker of concern. “Come on, Rachel, you can stop pretending now.” Rachel’s energy was spent; she couldn’t muster a reply.
Chapter 189 In Critical Condition
A surge of panic shot through Debby. She nudged Rachel with her foot. “Don’t play dead with me. I’m not so
easily fooled.”
When Rachel remained unresponsive, Debby kicked her again, harder this time.
Just then, the door swung open and Brian entered, carrying a food container.
Requiem of A Broken Heart
