From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 118

Chapter 118

“I know. But tomorrow is family visiting day, and I was hoping… I let the sentence trail off, as if I couldn’t bring myself to ask

directly.

“Hoping what?”

That you might come see me? I know it’s a lot to ask, and I understand if you can’t-”

I’ll ask if Katherine is free.”

“Please don’t trouble Katherine with the long distance.”

“She doesn’t mind.”

90%

“But I do.” I let genuine emotion creep into my voice – not the desperate obsession I actually felt, but something softer, more sympathetic. “She’s been worrying about me constantly since this whole situation began. I hate being the cause of her stress.”

Another pause. Longer this time.

“Caelan,” I continued, my voice growing smaller, more vulnerable, “do you know what it’s like here? Seeing all the other patients

with their families?”

“Blair-

“Everyone else has their parents, their siblings, their children visiting. And I…” I let my voice break slightly. “I’m an orphan. You’re the only family I have left in this world. If you don’t come, I’ll be completely alone.”

I heard him sigh on the other end.

“Please,” I whispered. “I know I’ve made terrible mistakes. I know I’ve hurt you and Sable. But can’t you find it in your heart to give me one more chance? Just to see that I’m really trying to change?”

The silence stretched longer this time. I could practically hear him wrestling with himself.

Come on, Caelan. You’ve always been my weakness, but your conscience has always been yours.

“Think about what my mother would want,” I said softly, playing the card I’d been saving. “If she were still alive, wouldn’t she want you to support me during the hardest time of my life?”

‘Don’t. His voice carried a warning edge. ‘Don’t bring your mother into this.”

I’m not trying to manipulate you!” I said quickly, though that was exactly what I was doing. I just… when I’m lying here at night, unable to sleep, I think about her. About how she saved your life when we were children. About how she’d want us to take care of

each other.”

I let tears enter my voice-real ones, born from years of jealousy and desperation and the crushing weight of unrequited love.

“The doctors here say that family support is crucial for recovery. They say that patients who feel abandoned during treatment are much more likely to relapse. This part was actually true. ‘I don’t want to relapse, Caelan. I want to get better. But I need to know that the person I love most hasn’t given up on me entirely.”

When he finally spoke, his voice was heavy with reluctance and something that might have been old affection.

“Blair… this is the last chance. If you’re still playing games, if you’re still lying to me…”

O Q

田M

O III

<

1/2

11:43 Fri, 22 Aug O

Chapter 118

Victory surged through my chest, but I kept my voice steady. I understand. I swear to you, I’m done with lies. I’m done with manipulation. I just want my brother back.”

Tll be there tomorrow afternoon.”

Thank you. Thank you so much, Caelan.”

After he hung up, I spun around my small room, energy crackling through my veins like electricity.

I moved to my dresser and opened the top drawer, pushing aside folded sweaters and therapy workbooks until my fingers found what I was looking for a small glass vial filled with clear liquid.

The sedative I’d been saving for days, carefully accumulated by pretending to take my evening medication while actually storing it under my tongue and spitting it out later. Enough to render someone unconscious for hours without causing permanent harm.

I held the vial up to the light, watching the liquid catch the afternoon sun streaming through my window.

Carlan, my darling brother, you’re about to discover just how far I’m willing to go to make you mine.