Isabella had been staying in her room for two days without any major incidents, which allowed her to breathe a sigh of relief. She knew she had to return to school to prepare for her graduation procedures. She had to take graduation photos, collect her diploma, and say goodbye to her close friends. She could temporarily postpone going back to the hospital, but if she missed her graduation ceremony, it might be a missed opportunity forever.
With determination, Isabella mustered the courage to call Emanuele. "Emanuele, can I go back to school? I'm preparing for my graduation."
The moment she mentioned graduation, Isabella recalled Emanuele's proposal for her to marry Clark after she graduated. He had stated that once she finished college, he'd arrange her marriage. Had she graduated, and was it time for her to get married?
Isabella felt a mix of nervousness and uncertainty. Thankfully, Clark seemed to have forgotten about her; he hadn't messaged her.
A playboy like Clark surely had many women around him. Isabella could only hope that Clark had truly forgotten about her.
Emanuele, sounding a bit frustrated, replied, "Don't you realize how dangerous it is for you right now? They've set their sights on you, and you still want to attend the graduation ceremony? You'd become a human target!"
"No, I won't," Isabella immediately reassured. "I'll just go to the school, complete what I need to, and come back right away. There shouldn't be any trouble."
She was somewhat aggrieved, feeling that she wanted to escape her current torment. She didn't need to go through all of this. She had already given up her job at the hospital; did she need to let go of her graduation too?
Emanuele, hearing the hint of distress in Isabella's voice, felt a bit compassionate despite his exhaustion. "All right, Isabella. I'll have Tony keep a close eye on you. After the graduation ceremony, come back to me immediately."
"I understand," Isabella replied. However, she couldn't help but feel a bit of regret. Her mother wouldn't be there to see her graduate.
Two days later, Isabella returned to her school to attend the graduation ceremony, say her farewells to her friends, and collect her diploma. Her student life had come to an end.
Evelyn embraced Isabella and said, "Isabella, take care of yourself. Stay inside as much as possible. I believe your family can protect you. I'll video chat with you online."
Evelyn didn't know what had happened to Isabella, but she sensed it was dangerous. As a friend, there was little she could do to help, but she wished for Isabella's safety, even if they couldn't meet in person.
"The last time at the hospital scared me," Evelyn admitted.
"Yeah, okay, Evelyn. No matter what, you should be careful too," Isabella said, thinking about her friend. She wasn't sure if her troubles would affect Evelyn, but she hoped not. After all, Evelyn had no connection to Emanuele, and those people wouldn't target her, would they?
Isabella replied, "Yes, Evelyn, no matter what, be cautious as well."
Evelyn added, "Pippo is really worried about you, Isabella. He said you haven't replied to his messages, and he's quite frightened."
Isabella thought of the messages Pippo had sent her, inquiring about her whereabouts, safety, and whether she needed a visit. She hadn't responded to him because she didn't want to burden him with her problems or risk involving him in the situation.
"Tell him I'm okay," Isabella said. She was starting to feel weary.
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