Chapter 3

Dalia' s eyes lit up with interest at the mention of a high-society wedding.

But she put on a show of reluctance. "Oh, Kason, I don't know. I don't have anything to wear to such a fancy event."

Then she turned to Isabela, a sly smile on her face. "Why don't you go instead, Isabela? You can be Kason's date." It was a test, a way to humiliate her.

Kason frowned, then came up with a solution. "We'll all go. Isabela, you'll come with Dalia this afternoon to help her pick out a dress."

It wasn't a request. It was an order.

"I can't," Isabela said instinctively.

She had a meeting with her father to finalize the arrangements with the Payne family. It was important.

Kason's expression darkened. "You can't? Why not?"

He knew her schedule. He knew she had nothing planned. "What could possibly be more important?"

She felt trapped. "Fine," she mumbled, giving in.

The afternoon was a nightmare. Isabela trailed behind Dalia in a high-end boutique, a silent, unwilling assistant.

Dalia chose a stunning, elaborate gown, a vibrant red that demanded attention.

She preened in front of the mirror, soaking in the compliments from the staff. "Doesn't it look amazing?"

She enjoyed the spotlight, basking in the glow of admiration.

Then, her eyes landed on Isabela, who was standing quietly in the corner.

A flash of jealousy crossed Dalia's face before she masked it with a sweet smile.

She pulled a dress from the rack, a simple, pale green one that was two sizes too small. "Isabela, you should try this on! We can take a picture together."

Isabela knew exactly what Dalia was doing. She wanted a photo that would make Isabela look plain and dowdy next to her, a "before" to her "after."

"Don't bother with makeup or anything," Dalia said quickly, stopping Isabela from even thinking about fixing her hair. "We're in a hurry."

A sales assistant, seeing the ill-fitting dress, tried to intervene. "Ma'am, perhaps a different size or style..."

Dalia cut her off sharply. "She's fine. It looks great."

She turned to Isabela, her voice dripping with fake praise. "You look so... natural, Isabela. It's charming."

Isabela wanted to refuse, but she glanced at the clock. Her meeting with her father was soon. She didn't have time to argue.

She slipped into the dressing room and put on the dress.

When she stepped out, the boutique fell silent.

The simple dress, against all odds, looked breathtaking on her. The pale green brought out the warmth in her skin and the light in her eyes. It was too small, yes, but it clung to her figure in a way that was elegant, not cheap. She outshone Dalia and her expensive gown completely.

Dalia's face was a storm of barely concealed rage. She forced a smile.

She walked over, holding two glasses of champagne. "Here, let's have a toast."

Isabela reached for a glass without thinking.

Suddenly, Dalia stumbled. The champagne sloshed from the glass, drenching the front of Isabela's dress.

The staff gasped. The dress was ruined.

Isabela didn't panic. She calmly reassured the frantic assistant. "It's okay. It was an accident. I'll pay for it."

Dalia's voice was sharp, laced with accusation. "Pay for it? With what? Kason's money?"

It was a low blow. For years, Kason had handled all her expenses. She had never needed her own money.

Anger flared in Isabela's chest. She opened her mouth to retort, to tell Dalia that she had her own means now.

"Is there a problem here?"

A deep, calm voice cut through the tension. A man stepped forward. He was tall, impeccably dressed, with kind eyes and an air of authority. It was Hadley Payne.

He looked at the scene, taking in the ruined dress and Dalia's triumphant smirk. He handed a black credit card to the manager. "I'll cover the damages. And I believe this young lady was just leaving with me." He turned to Dalia with a cool smile. "You should be more careful."

Dalia was stunned into silence.

She was momentarily captivated by Hadley's handsome face and confident demeanor.

Isabela changed back into her own clothes and walked over to Dalia.

"I'm done playing your games," she said, her voice low and firm.

"You should watch yourself, Dalia. Your little tricks are getting old."

Then she turned and walked out of the boutique, side-by-side with Hadley Payne.

Dalia snapped out of her stupor, her face contorted with rage and jealousy.

She could hear the whispers of the other customers. "That's Hadley Payne... I heard he's about to get married."

Dalia was confused. He had a fiancée? Then why was he with Isabela?

She pulled out her phone and, through the boutique window, snapped a photo of Isabela and Hadley walking away together, their heads close as if sharing a secret. It was the perfect weapon.