When Emanuele descended the stairs, he heard Isabella's laughter, along with Grazia's and Lilly's. In that moment, he felt a sense of contentment wash over him. His efforts were all for securing a carefree life for his family. He was willing to bear the darkness, so his family could enjoy a peaceful life.
"Emanuele, are you awake?" Lilly greeted him as soon as she saw him coming downstairs. She also glanced at the wound on his arm. "Isabella said you were injured. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Emanuele replied.
"That's good. Emanuele, please don't get into trouble," Grazia said from the side, her expression carrying a touch of sadness. "Andrew got into trouble, and I can't bear to lose you too."
Grazia appeared calm, but she hadn't really moved on. Isabella could understand that feeling. She might despise Emanuele, but she couldn't fathom what she would do if he were gone one day, especially Grazia. It was clear she must be devastated, possibly crying in secret every night. Isabella didn't know how to comfort her, but perhaps time would be the ultimate healer, and Grazia would have to rely on its power to move on.
"I'm okay, don't worry. I'm lucky," Emanuele reassured. "I've been through war before. Although this time, the enemy is more formidable, believe me, Grazia."
Grazia embraced Emanuele. During the meal, Isabella received a video call from Sophia and saw her and Leo lying on the beach, enjoying the sun.
"Isabella, when you have time, consider traveling abroad. The scenery is beautiful here, and the beach is lovely."
"Sure, Mom. I'm glad you're having fun," Isabella said, relieved to see her mother enjoying herself.
At the same time, she felt a sense of envy. If only they could travel abroad and escape the constant danger they faced in Chicago, where they couldn't even leave their home.
Since the last time she went out and Emanuele made her carry a gun, Isabella didn't want to go out anymore. It felt terrible that she couldn't be a regular person even when she was outside.
If that was the case, she'd rather stay in.
"You and Emanuele got married without even going on a honeymoon. When things settle down, you should take your honeymoon," Sophia suggested. She felt that Isabella's marriage to Emanuele had been strange enough, with a peculiar wedding and no honeymoon. Now that Isabella's life was still under threat, she sighed, unsure whether it was good or bad.
Let's hope Emanuele keeps his promise to her.
Sophia chatted with Isabella for a while before ending the call. By this time, they had finished breakfast.
Emanuele headed for the elevator after breakfast; he had to leave again today. He felt restless as long as Frederick remained missing.
Isabella wanted to see him off but remembered the last time she tried, Emanuele said she was the loser in their game. She decided not to bother.
However, Grazia noticed and gently pushed Isabella to go and see Emanuele off. "When a husband is going out for work, how can a wife not even see him off?"
Isabella had no choice but to approach Emanuele.
She had told Emanuele that in front of others, she would make it look like they were a proper married couple. Although Grazia wasn't exactly an outsider, she understood the true nature of Isabella's relationship with Emanuele.
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