A man like thiss will be full of 'reasons' (not excuses) as to why she cannot visit him in hospital, meet his wife etc etc.
The papers are full of such stories. Look at all the love rats who con their wives, mothers and friends out of their money, with stories thata everyone finds convincing, look at all those wives cheated and tricked out of everythingby mentally abusive and mani[ulativ husbands/boyfriends.
Yes, I find this story completely believeable.
What would I do in her place? I would make a statement to the police. A man like this has a personality disorder and is never going to be capable of thinking straight and not cheating and deceiving people.
If she does not make a statement, he will be back again to her with another story later which she will be convinced to beleive and then he will cheat her again. He will continue to do this again and again. he is capable of nothing else.
It is therefore essential she makes a statement to the police and does not withdraw it. She does not have to give evidence in court. But she must make the statement more than anything else to protect herself, now and in the future. She must be the one he can never fool.