Chapter 9 In the bridal suite , Seraphina sat before the mirror , a portrait of calm indifference as the makeup artist sculpted her features into perfection . The woman in the reflection was almost identical to the one who had fled three years ago , but her eyes now held a har- der , colder light . She ran a hand over the delicate lace of her gown , a faint , unreadable smile playing on her lips . Outside , Isabelle peeked through the cracked - open door , her eyes fixed on Seraphina's back . Her nails dug into her palms . It was just as she'd suspected . This woman wasn't magnanimous at all . It was all a calculated retreat , a game to win Damien's heart . The cunning bitch . What infuriated her most was that Damien had actually agreed to this sham wedding . Even if it was just for show , the thought of it drove her mad with jealousy . " Seraphina … " Isabelle whispered her name , her eyes glinting with malice . " You think this is some kind of victory ? You're dreaming She turned and walked away , her heels sinking silently into the plush carpet . A few moments later , Damien entered the suite . He was dressed impeccably in a tuxedo , but his handsome face mirror , " I will go through with this wedding today , " he said flatly . " But I expect with impatience . He glanced at the woman in the stop harassing Isabelle from now on . " to Seraphina met his gaze in the reflection , her own expression as placid as 2 frozen lake . She didn't answer , merely humming a soft " Mm . " Damien's brow twitched . Something about her seemed … different . But he couldn't quite his finger on what it was . Just as he was about to press the matter , his phone rang . " Mr. Blackwood , we have a problem ! " his assistant's voice was frantic . " Miss Croft is gone ! " Damien's face changed instantly . Without a second thought , he turned and bolted from the room . Meanwhile , in the airport lounge , Elara was calmly checking her passport . Her phone vibrated with a text from an unknown numb- er . It was from Isabelle . Even on your wedding day , Damien will still abandon you for me . Tell me , who's more important ? She read the message without a flicker of emotion . Then , she removed the SIM card from her phone and snapped it cleanly in two . Click . The sound was crisp and final . She dropped the pieces into a trash can , discarding them as easily as she was discarding the last three years of her life . Back at the wedding venue , chaos reigned . Guests whispered amongst themselves , their murmurs filling the vast , silent hall . The officiant stood awkwardly on the stage , unsure how to announce the delay . In the bridal suite , Seraphina waited . And waited . But Damien did not return . She stood up , about to go and see what was happening , when the door was thrown open . Damien stood there , panting , his face a mask of terrifying fury . His tuxedo was disheveled , his hair damp with sweat . He had clear- ly run all the way back . " Seraphina , " he rasped , his voice thick with suppressed rage . " Isabelle is in trouble . The wedding is cancelled . " Seraphina looked at him , and then she smiled . " Damien , are you sure you want to abandon this wedding for an outsider ? " 2011 Damien flinched , then his voice turned to Ice . like this ? " Seraphina shook her head , a hint of pity in her eyes . " You poor , pathetic man . " Her words ignited his fury . He was about to explode when his phone rang again . He glanced at the caller ID , and the color drained from his face . Chapt