Emanuele returned to the apartment quite early because he was eager to enjoy the dinner Isabella had prepared. He couldn't forget the delicious pasta she had cooked last time. He had to admit that Isabella was an excellent cook, better than the chefs he usually hired.
However, upon entering the apartment, he noticed the unusual silence and a deserted living room. Tony was the only one there.
At this hour, Isabella should have been home, getting ready to prepare dinner.
"Boss," Tony greeted Emanuele as he walked in.
"Where's Isabella?" Emanuele inquired.
"Miss Gould is in her room. She's been in there all evening, saying she's tired and needs some rest."
"She hasn't eaten yet?" Emanuele asked.
"No," Tony sighed, "Miss Gould's cousin came to visit, and they've been talking in her room."
Tony was Isabella's bodyguard, and while he couldn't enter her room as she was a lady, he was responsible for ensuring her safety. If he didn't receive any response, he would have to check on her safety. In this case, it was clear that Isabella wasn't in immediate danger, but there might be other concerns.
Emanuele approached Isabella's room and knocked on the door. "Isabella, are you alright?"
After a pause, Isabella's voice came from inside. "I'm fine, just a little tired from work, so I wanted to rest."
"I just want to check on you," Emanuele said as he reached for the door, but to his surprise, the room was locked.
"Very well. Now Isabella's become quite cautious, even locking her door," he thought.
His actions had clearly startled Isabella.
"You don't need to come in. I've changed into my pajamas and am lying down. Don't worry, I'm fine," Isabella's voice trembled slightly, as if she genuinely feared he might break in.
Emanuele wanted to see her for himself. "Let me see you, Isabella. You know, when I want to do something, no one can stop me. If you lock the door, I'll kick it down."
His patience was wearing thin.
The door was quickly opened, and Isabella appeared before him. But when Emanuele saw her, he could hardly believe his eyes. Her face was red and swollen with some bruises – this was not the Isabella he knew. She seemed listless and full of sorrow, a far cry from the spirited young woman he was used to.
Isabella saw the anger and disbelief in Emanuele's expression, and she quickly explained, "I just accidentally tripped and fell, and my face happened to hit the ground."
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