From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 104

Chapter 104

Scarlett’s eyes went wide. She pulled back to stare at me, her mouth forming a perfect O of surprise.

Then she threw back her head and laughed. “My God, when did you become such a little devil?

I shrugged with feigned innocence, a satisfied smile playing on my lips. I learned from the best teacher. Are you proud of your

student?

Scarlett clapped her hands together in delight. Very proud! You’ve graduated with honorst

She turned to address Peter and Leon, who were still trying to process Caelan’s brutal comeback.

“Alright, boys, enough teasing the lovebirds. She grabbed both of them by their arms. “The patient needs rest, and we three lightbulbs need to disappear.”

Leon pouted dramatically. “But we just got here! This is the most entertainment we’ve had all week!”

Peter grinned wickedly. “Yeah, I was hoping to hear more treatment’ details.”

Scarlett began physically dragging them toward the door. “Move it. Now, Before Caelan really loses his patience.”

As they reached the threshold, Leon couldn’t resist one final shout over his shoulder.

“Remember to lock the door next time! Otherwise we might accidentally’ walk in again!”

Peter’s voice followed immediately after. “And keep the noise down! This is a hospital, people!”

The door closed with a decisive click, finally leaving us alone.

I buried my face in my hands, mortification washing over me in fresh waves.

“This is all your fault!” I reached out and gave Caelan’s arm a light smack.

“They’re going to spread our ‘heroic story’ all over the place now.” My voice came out muffled through my fingers.

Caelan caught my hand, bringing it to his lips to press a gentle kiss to my knuckles.

I’m sorry for embarrassing you. Next time I’ll definitely lock the door.”

My eyes widened in horror. “There’s going to be a next time?!”

Caelan suddenly shifted his expression, arranging his features into a picture of wounded innocence.

“Actually, if we’re talking about who suffered the most here…” He pressed his hand to his chest dramatically. I’m the real victim.”

I stared at him in disbelief. How are you the victim?”

“Think about it,” he said, his voice taking on a pitiful quality. “I was so close to the best moment, and then they interrupted everything…

I grabbed a strawberry macaron from the bedside table and shoved it into his mouth before he could continue.

‘Don’t say another word! My face burned with renewed embarrassment. If you keep talking about those things, I’ll tell everyone

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11:38 Fri, 22 Aug M.

Chapter 104

your secret weakness for strawberry macarons!

Caelan’s eyes widened with mock alarm, the macaron still stuffed in his cheek. He could only glare at me in mute protest.

After swallowing the pastry, he looked at me with wounded dignity. You wouldn’t dare.”

Try me, I challenged, crossing my arms.

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The playful atmosphere gradually settled, and I found myself perching on the edge of his bed. My expression grew more serious as 1 considered how to broach the topic that had been weighing on my mind.

“Caelan, I need to ask you about something…”

His attention focused on me immediately. “What is it?”

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. “It’s about some photographs.”

The words felt heavy in the air between us.

“I received some anonymous photos.” I chose my words carefully, watching his face for any reaction. “They showed you with a

blonde woman… you looked very close, embracing and kissing…”

Caelan’s brow furrowed with concern and confusion. “Photos? Who sent them to you?”

“I already deleted them,” I said quickly. “But I wanted to hear your explanation directly from you.”

I’m not telling him they came from Darrell. That chapter of my life is closed, and I don’t want to give Caelan any reason to worry or misunderstand my meeting with Darrell.

“Why would someone send you photos like that?” Caelan’s voice carried a dangerous edge. “Do you want me to investigate?”

I shook my head. “It’s probably just someone who doesn’t want us to get married. You’re the Lycan King – plenty of alphas would love to marry their daughters to you.”

A slow smile spread across Caelan’s face. “Are you jealous?”

I met his gaze directly, no shame in my admission. “Yes. I felt sour and bitter inside.”

The honesty in my answer seemed to please him immensely. He pulled me closer and pressed a lingering kiss to my lips, his hand cupping the back of my neck.

I’ll never give you a reason to feel jealous,” he murmured against my mouth.

When we separated, his expression grew thoughtful. He seemed to be searching his memory.

“Those photos…” he said slowly. I think I know which ones you mean.

His tone became more serious. It was a formal pack dinner. Multiple pack members attended. The woman you saw used to have feelings for me years ago, but I rejected her. Since then, I’ve kept my distance, only seeing her at necessary pack gatherings.”

He paused, his expression darkening slightly. “After dinner, when everyone was leaving, she suddenly grabbed me when I wasn’t paying attention. And we weren’t actually kissing it was just a misleading angle that made it look that way.”

His jaw tightened with obvious irritation. I pushed her away immediately. The whole thing lasted maybe two seconds. I heard she’s engaged now and planning to move abroad

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11:38 Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 104

So there was some history between them.

Even though his explanation made sense, I couldn’t help the small pang of jealousy that twisted in my stomach.

“So…” I tried to keep my voice casual. You really never had any feelings for her at all?

I couldn’t resist adding, “She was pretty in the photos. And she seemed very forward…”

Caelan’s hands framed my face, his thumbs stroking my cheekbones as he looked directly into my eyes.

“Sabi, my heart belongs to only one person.” His voice was firm, unwavering. “It always has.”

I blinked at him with feigned innocence, even though my heart was racing.

“Oh? Who might that be?” I tilted my head with curiosity. “Some mysterious first love perhaps?”

Caelan’s expression softened into one of pure tenderness. “Who do you think it could be?”

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “I’ll give you three guesses.”

I pretended to consider this seriously, tapping my finger against my lip in thought.

“Hmm… let me think…” I drew out the words dramatically. “Could it be one of those pretty nurses here at the hospital?”

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From Substitute To Queen