Chapter 7 20 11 O His eyes swept over her , as if checking for injuries . He finally let out a breath of relief . " What happened these past three days ? " Elara's lips , cracked and dry , split as she pulled them into a semblance of a smile . Blood seeped from the cut . " Nothing . " She cut straight to the point . " The wedding you promised me . When are you going to make good on it ? " Isabelle's head snapped up . " What wedding ? " Damien was silent for a moment . " She and I are having a make - up ceremony . " Seeing Isabelle's eyes instantly turn red , he quickly added , " It's just a formality , Isabelle . You're the only one in my heart . " Isabelle forced a smile . " I understand … I'm not angry . You were only doing it to se me . " She suddenly looked at Elara , her voice soft . " Miss Vance , why don't I help you pick out Over the next few days , Isabelle shadowed Elara's every move a dress ? " the wedding dress fittings . In the bridal shop , as Elara stood before the mirror , the pure white gown accentuating her slender waist , Isabelle hovered behind her , scrutinizing every dress , dictating every detail . " This neckline is too low , " Isabelle said , tugging critically at the fabric on Elara's chest . " Find something more conservative . " " The waistline on this one isn't flattering , " she declared , picking up another dress . " How can Mrs. Blackwood wear such a common style ? " Elara complied with everything , a silent puppet . It wasn't until the final dress was chosen , when they were alone in the fitting room , that Isabelle finally dropped her mask . " So you weren't being indifferent after all . You were just playing hard to get . " She dug her nails into Elara's wrist . " Let me tell you something . Don't think for a second this little acted with tände mi ngs to me , and only me ! " Elara didn't even raise her eyes , simply pulling her arm free . There was no game . There was no attempt to steal Damien . More than anyone , she wanted to leave , for this whole charade to finally be over . But she hadn't anticipated that Isabelle , convinced she was a rival , would escalate her attacks . On the eve of the wedding , Damien kicked open her bedroom door . will you Damien . He belo- " Did you lock Isabelle in the fitting room ? " His face was a thundercloud . " Do you have any idea she's claustrophobic ?! " Elara closed her eyes , exhausted . " I didn't . " " Still denying it ? " Damien hauled her to her feet . " It seems your previous lessons weren't enough ! " Ignoring her struggles , he ordered his bodyguards to drag her to the dark , damp basement . In the pitch - black darkness , Elara sat huddled in a corner . Around midnight , she heard a rustling , scurrying sound . Then , a bag of live rats was thrown in . " AH- ! " Chapter 7 2011 She screamed , leaping to her feet and pounding on the iron door until her nails split , but no one came to save her . The next morning , Damien opened the door , his face cold . " I only locked you in for one night . Was it necessary to cry the whole time ? " After a full night of terror , Elara's face was ashen . " Isabelle … she put rats in here … " Damien scoffed . " Isabelle would never do something like that ." He flicked on the light . " Where are these rats you're talking about ? " Elara froze . The basement was spotless . There wasn't even a single rat hair . Isabelle … had already cleaned up all the evidence . She opened her mouth , but in the end , said nothing . Damien's voice was cold . " The wedding is in three days . I'll be with Isabelle until then . I'll see e you at the ceremony . " He shot her a warning look . " Don't cause any more trouble , or the weddin is off . " pite 2011