CHAPTER 59: The Examination: Celebration of victory.

　　Few days later, Isabelle sat at her desk, her eyes fixed on the textbook in front of her, though the words had long since blurred together. She rubbed her eyes, her head aching from hours of studying. The pressure of the upcoming exam weighed heavily on her and the thought of failing was a constant, nagging presence but she refused to let her anxiety overtake her determination. She had worked too hard for this.

　　Across the room, John sat in an armchair, his laptop open but his attention divided. Every few minutes, he glanced up at Isabelle, admiring the way she pushed through her exhaustion. He knew how important the exam was for her future and he was determined to do whatever he could to support her.

　　"You've been at it for hours, Isabelle. Maybe it's time for a break?" John suggested gently, closing his laptop and standing up. "You need to rest your brain. You don't want to burn out before the exam."