From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 113

Chapter 113

I swiped to read his message, and my expression must have changed dramatically because Peter immediately leaned forward.

“What is it?”

Sable stood on a small stage, microphone in hand, her cheeks flushed from alcohol and stage lights. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders.

Part of me wanted to strangle Jacob for recording this, but a much larger part was practically vibrating with satisfaction.

She’d just told everyone how much she wanted me. In excruciating detail,

Despite the embarrassment burning through me, I couldn’t stop the ridiculous grin spreading across my face,

The video ended with thunderous applause and Sable stumbling off the stage with a satisfied grin.

I stared at the black screen for several seconds before Peter’s voice cut through my stunned silence.

“Well, well, well.” His grin was absolutely wicked. “Looks like our ’emotionally repressed king has been holding out on us!”

Leon was shaking his head in amazement. “That was… incredibly detailed.”

“Drunk people tell the truth!” Peter crowed. “And apparently the truth is that you’re some kind of sexual-

“Finish that sentence and I’ll throw you through that window.”

–

But Peter was undeterred. “I have to ask, though ‘King of Emotional Repression’? Where did that come from?”

I couldn’t answer because I was already standing.

“I have to go.”

Peter jumped to his feet with obvious enthusiasm. “We’re coming with you.”

“Absolutely not.”

But they were already heading for the door, and honestly, I was too focused on getting to Sable to waste time arguing.

91%

The bar’s neon sign cast red and blue shadows across the sidewalk as I parked outside. Peter and Leon had followed in Leon’s car, and I could already hear their excited chatter as they got out.

The moment we pushed through the bar’s entrance, I heard it. A voice I’d recognize anywhere.

“You know it used to be mad love, Baby now we got bad blood…

My eyes found the stage immediately. Sable swayed as she attempted to hit notes that were nowhere near the actual song, one hand gripping the microphone stand for balance.

“Did you have to hit me, where I’m weak baby I couldn’t breathe…

Peter covered his ears dramatically. “Jesus Christ, make it stop!

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11:41 Fri, 22 Aug M

Chapter 113

But I couldn’t look away.

And rub it in so deep, salt in the wound like you’re laughing right at me…”

Peter winced as another off key note rang out. But this song sounds so sad! She just confessed her love and should be singing something sweet! Singing a breakup song right now seems like bad luck.”

The lyrics were too specific, too bitter. It was about betrayal, about love turned toxic.

Was she singing about Darrell?

“Oh it’s so sad to think about the good times, you and 1. Did you think we’d be fine, still got scars on my back from your knife….

Leon complained. “This is brutal. You need to save everyone’s eardrums and get her down from there.”

But I found myself shaking my head. “Let her finish.”

“But it sounds awful! Peter protested.

“She can sing however she wants.”

The last notes died away to scattered, relieved applause. Sable swayed dangerously before stepping back from the microphone.

That’s when I moved.

91%

I was on the stage before she could take another step, my hand closing around her wrist to steady her.

She blinked up at me in confusion for a moment, her eyes struggling to focus. Then recognition dawned, and her entire face lit up.

“Wow! My husband came!”

The word hit me. Husband. Not fiancé. Not boyfriend. Husband.

My heart tried to beat its way out of my ribcage as overwhelming happiness flooded my system.

1 reached up to cup her face gently, “Yes, I came to get you, wife.”

Sable melted into my touch. “You smell so good,” she mumbled, pressing her face against my chest and inhaling deeply. “Like home.”

Then she was rising on her tiptoes and kissed me. It was soft and sweet and completely unguarded, and I had to use every ounce of self-control not to deepen it right there on stage.

When she pulled back, she immediately pressed another kiss to my jaw, her lips lingering against my skin like she couldn’t bear to

stop touching me.

All I wanted now was to carry her home and show her exactly how much her public confession had affected me.

I wrapped my arms around her and guided her off the stage, ignoring the cheers from Peter and Leon.

I stepped out of the bar, carrying Sables intoxicating warmth against my side. Her body swayed slightly, soft and pliant as she leaned into me for suppurt

Behind us, Peter and Leon called out with typical lack of subtlety. Remember to share details tomorrow!

1 turned back, fixing them with my coldest glare Fuck off

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11 41 Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 113

They immediately shut up, hands raised in mock surrender

Sable blinked up at me with these beautiful amber eyes, slightly unfocused but still recognizably mine. Caetan?

“I’m here. I pulled her closer as a gentle breeze swept down the street, and she shivered against nie.

* 91%

Without hesitation, I shrugged off my jacket and draped it over her shoulders. The fabric swallowed her petite frame, making her look even more delicate than usual.

We’d only taken a few steps when she suddenly stopped, one hand flying to cover her mouth. Caelan, I think I’m going to be sick…”

Her other hand gripped my sleeve, eyes wide with distress.

I don’t want to get in the car right now. Can we walk for a bit? I need fresh air.”

She looked down at her high heels, then back up at me with that expression I was powerless to resist – part pout, part plea, entirely irresistible.

“My legs feel like jelly,” she said, voice soft and wheedling. “Will you carry me?”

I looked down at her flushed face, pink from wine and the cool air, and felt my resolve crumble completely. “You’re testing my self- control right now, you know that?”

She tilted her head in confusion. “What self-control?”

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From Substitute To Queen