Chapter 494:

Tracy quickly glanced at the driver, who had collapsed in the driver's seat. "Let's go to the hospital," she declared, then guided Elyse toward the ambulance.

Elyse sat helplessly in the ambulance, her hands moving aimlessly. She repeatedly tried to reach for Jayden's hand but hesitated each time. The reality of the situation was unbelievable, especially the thought of Jayden in a coma. Tears streamed down her face as she sat motionless. "How could he be hurt so badly? Didn't he feel any pain when he came to see me?" she murmured, searching for elusive answers.

Noticing Elyse's despair, Tracy comforted her. Embracing her friend, she reassured, "He'll recover. Don't worry yourself." Leaning on Tracy, Elyse wept softly.

Upon arriving at the hospital, the waiting medical team quickly wheeled Jayden toward surgery. Elyse, moving too quickly, collapsed heavily to the floor. Startled, Tracy exclaimed, "My goodness! You're pregnant. Take care of yourself!" Safeguarding her abdomen, Elyse slowly rose with Tracy's help, biting her lip as she hurried to follow the medical team.

They reached the operating room just as Jayden was being rushed inside for immediate surgery. Tracy settled Elyse onto a bench, then pulled out her phone to contact Shaun before moving to a quieter part of the corridor. Elyse curled up on the bench, her head resting against the back, her gaze vacant and overwhelmingly sad. She remained silent, her tears betraying her inner turmoil.

Peyton, also a patient at the hospital, heard the news and quickly approached in his wheelchair. Seeing Elyse's distress, he silently approached, consumed by remorse. "Are you okay, Elyse?" he asked gently. Her voice barely a whisper, she replied, "Jayden lost a lot of blood, and I feel so helpless. What if we lose him? What will I do then?"

Unable to bear her distress, Peyton confessed, "I'm sorry. Last night, Jayden, Clive, and I were at a club when we encountered an assassin. Jayden was stabbed protecting us."

Elyse slowly lifted her head, shock and disbelief etched on her face. Her voice trembled. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Peyton paused, sorrow etched on his face. "Jayden didn't want to worry you on the day of your final exam. He thought the news might upset you and affect your performance."

Anger surged within her, but she controlled it, asking, "Then why didn't he tell me after my exam? Did he attend my event pretending everything was fine to avoid upsetting me?"

Peyton shifted under her intense gaze, guilt evident. He looked down, lacking confidence. "Jayden is determined. Once he makes up his mind, it's final."

He glanced at her calm demeanor and continued, "After dealing with the attacker last night, we took Jayden to the hospital. Despite our urging him to rest, he insisted on leaving early the next morning because he didn't want to miss your exam."

Elyse laughed, a laugh mixed with tears.

Peyton, unsure how to comfort her, awkwardly added, "Believe me, Jayden cares deeply for you. He kept this from you out of love."

Instead of anger, Elyse's response was laughter tinged with disbelief. "Do you really think that's love? He didn't share any details about his activities or injuries. He chose not to tell me anything, even hiding the fact that he wasn't actually disabled." Tears filled her eyes as she pressed, "Is that really love?"

Stumbling over his words, Peyton replied, "Do you—do you realize Jayden has been pretending to be disabled?"

Elyse nodded. "Yes. If none of this had happened, how long would you have kept it from me?" ... ... ...