Chapter 7: Into The Lion’s Den

 Isabelle stood in the kitchen, rinsing out a few dishes as the older woman bustled around, preparing her things for the busy day ahead at the restaurant.

Mrs. Aldric paused at the doorway, turning to Isabelle with a thoughtful look. “Isabelle, I want you to stay home today.”

“What?” Isabelle blinked, setting down the dish. “Why?”

Mrs. Aldric sighed, adjusting the strap of her bag. “Dan’s got his sights set on you, and I don’t want to give him another excuse to show up at the restaurant. I don't think he's been so focused on something like this, it only just lasts for a while, but what he said yesterday sounded pretty serious and I don't want to put you in danger.”

Isabelle frowned, a pang of guilt and frustration tightening her chest. “But I can’t just hide here. I don’t want to be a burden to you. With the way I told him off and rejected him, he would know that I'm serious and stay away too, wouldn't he?”

“You’re not a burden,” Mrs. Aldric said firmly, placing a reassuring hand on Isabelle’s shoulder. “Look, I don't like disobeying my gut feeling, dear. I don't want you to go out today. It's Sunday, a day where people spend time with family. I won't have lots of customers around, plus, Clara would be around today to help me. You’ve been through enough, dear. One day away from the restaurant won’t hurt and would definitely not make you a burden to me.”

Isabelle hesitated but finally nodded. “Alright. If you think it’s best.”

“It is,” Mrs. Aldric said, offering a small smile. “I’ll be back before dinner. Make yourself at home. You can go for some fresh air at the beach too if you feel stuffed in here.”

Isabelle nodded with a smile. She was worried about being a burden but more relieved that she wouldn't have to deal with Dan for the whole day and hopefully, ever again. 

---

The hours dragged on as Isabelle tried to keep herself occupied. She tidied the house, read an old novel she found on a dusty shelf, and even attempted to bake something edible. But no matter how much she busied herself, her thoughts kept returning to Dan and the way he had looked at her the previous night.

In the early afternoon, the phone rang, startling her. Isabelle picked it up, hearing Mrs. Aldric’s voice on the other end.

“Isabelle, dear, I’m so sorry to bother you,” she said, her tone slightly frantic. “I left the ledger with yesterday’s accounts on the kitchen counter. Could you bring it to me? I need it urgently.”

“Of course,” Isabelle replied, already heading to the counter where the small leather-bound book rested.

“Thank you, dear. Just be careful on your way, also, Dan didn't visit at all. I think your rejection worked. See you soon.” Mrs. Aldric added before hanging up.

Isabelle was now more relieved, her rejection definitely worked since Dan didn't show up at the restaurant. She had nothing to worry about now. She got dressed quickly and grabbed the ledger before heading out. 

The streets were quiet as Isabelle made her way toward the restaurant, the ledger clutched tightly against her chest. The sun was high in the sky, and the village seemed peaceful, with only the occasional passerby or distant chatter breaking the stillness.

But as she turned onto a narrower path lined with trees, a shadow fell across her path. She froze, her heart sinking as Dan stepped out from behind a corner, his familiar smirk spreading across his face.

“Well, well, who do we have here?” he drawled, blocking her way. “Didn’t think I’d see you out and about today. I see you avoided going to the restaurant because of me? Are you afraid?”

Isabelle’s grip on the ledger tightened. “Dan, how did you..... Just leave me alone, okay? I already made myself clear enough.”

“That’s not very polite,” he said, grabbing his chest and feigning hurt as he took a step closer. “I told you last night—I always get what I want. Did you think you’d escape me so easily? It's cute that you let your old woman go to the restaurant alone today, but did you have it in mind to stay locked in forever? It's a small town, princess. We'll meet eventually.”

Her pulse quickened, panic rising in her chest. “I don’t want any trouble. Just let me pass.”

Dan chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Trouble? Oh, sweetheart, you’re not even trying to make this fun.”

“Stay away from me,” Isabelle snapped, taking a step back.

But Dan was faster. He lunged forward, grabbing her arm in an iron grip. Isabelle cried out, struggling against him, but his strength was overwhelming.

“You’ve got a lot of fire,” he said, his breath hot against her ear. “I like that so much. You intrigue me.”

“Let me go!” she shouted, twisting and kicking at him.

His grip tightened, and his face twisted with irritation. “I think you need to learn some respect here. When I said, you're mine, I meant it.”

With a swift, calculated movement, Dan’s hand struck a pressure point at the side of Isabelle’s neck—just beneath her ear. Pain flared sharply, and her vision blurred as her body went limp.

“You can’t—” she managed to whisper before everything went dark.

Dan looked down at Isabelle’s unconscious form, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. He crouched beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

“Sweet dreams, beautiful,” he muttered.

The sound of approaching footsteps made him glance up sharply. Muttering a curse, he hoisted Isabelle over his shoulder and slipped into the shadows of the trees, disappearing from sight.

---

At the restaurant, Mrs. Aldric checked the clock again and again, her brows furrowing with concern. Isabelle should have arrived by now.

Clara noticed her restlessness and approached her. “Everything alright, Mrs. Aldric?”

Mrs. Aldric forced a smile, though worry gnawed at her. “Yes, dear. I’m just waiting for Isabelle.”

Clara scoffed. “ You look like you lost your daughter. Why is she so close to you by the way?” 

Mrs Aldric looked at Clara, surprised she was bringing that up. “ It's nothing to you. I'm more worried about her absence right now.” 

Clara moved closer to Mrs Aldric and patted her shoulder. “ Come on, Mrs Aldric. Isabelle isn't a teenager. She's probably just running late. She'll be here soon. Don't worry.”

Mrs Aldric nodded in agreement but as the minutes stretched into an hour, her unease deepened. Something was definitely wrong.