From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 119

Chapter 119

Sable’s POV

90%

It had been over twenty-four hours since I’d last seen Caelan. He’d been working around the clock with his team, following up on leads from the captured suspect.

This morning, I threw myself into work at the hospital. The familiar rhythm of medical procedures helped keep my mind focused, though I couldn’t help thinking about the progress Caelan had mentioned yesterday.

Dad’s two-week deadline doesn’t seem so impossible anymore, I thought, reviewing the post-operative notes from my second surgery. Once Caelan catches whoever’s really behind all this, we can finally move forward with our engagement properly.

Around mid-morning, I was reviewing post-operative notes when my phone buzzed. Caelan’s name appeared on the screen.

“Hello?” I answered, unable to keep the smile out of my voice.

“Hey, beautiful.” His voice was low and gentle through the speaker. “How’s my exhausted surgeon doing?”

I stepped into an empty consultation room for privacy before answering.

“I miss you,” I said, letting myself sound as pouty as I felt. “When are you coming back to keep me company?”

His laugh rumbled through the phone. “I miss you too. I want to hold you and never let go.”

We talked for a few more minutes about my morning surgeries and his investigation details. He sounded slightly distracted, but I attributed it to whatever urgent matters he was handling.

“By the way,” I said, shifting the phone to my other ear, “where are you today? When are you coming home?”

Home meant my apartment.

The silence that followed lasted just a few seconds too long. I could hear his breathing through the phone, but no words came.

That was weird.

‘Caelan?

‘I…I have some urgent business to handle. I might need to go on a business trip.”

I sat up straighter in my chair.

“What kind of urgent business?” I kept my voice light, but my mind was already racing. “Do you need help with anything?

“Don’t worry about it. He was back to his normal warm tone almost instantly. I ll be back soon. But make sure you eat dinner on time, okay?

I pouted into the phone. Tine, I know You take care of yourself too

“When I get back, I’ll make you that pasta you love.”

Tll be waiting for you then.”

After hanging up, I stared at my phone screen for a long moment. Something about that conversation felt… off.

M &

O III

<

1/3

Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 119

90%

But before I could think about it too deeply, my pager went off again. Another surgery was scheduled. I pushed the strange feeling aside and headed back to work.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of medical procedures.

By the time I finished at the hospital, it was nearly midnight. My whole body ached, and I realized I’d completely forgotten to eat dinner. Again.

In the elevator up to my apartment, I pulled out my phone to browse delivery options.

I was still scrolling through restaurant menus when the elevator doors opened. Head down, focused on deciding between pad thai and orange chicken, I stepped into the hallway.

That’s when I saw the black leather shoes.

They were standing directly in front of my apartment door – expensive-looking, perfectly polished. My eyes traveled upward slowly, taking in dark jeans, a button-down shirt, and finally…

“Darrell.”

He stood there holding a large bouquet of red roses and what looked like takeout bags, smiling at me like this was completely normal.

“What the hell are you doing at my door?” Shock made my voice sharp. “I’m calling security right now!”

I fumbled for my phone, but Darrell’s next words stopped me cold.

Actually, I bought an apartment in this building. His smile widened. ‘Right below yours, in fact.”

I stared at him, completely speechless. Of all the ridiculous, stalker-ish things he could have done…

“You’re insane, I finally managed.

I’ve been waiting here for three hours,’ he continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “When I saw your apartment lights were still off, I knew you were working late again.”

He held up the takeout bags proudly. I brought you seafood pasta from that restaurant where we ran into each other, I noticed you enjoyed it. See, Sable? I’m different now. I pay attention to what you like. I’ll know you better than anyone.”

I rolled my eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn’t fall out of my head.

By the way, batis, I have good news! His excitement was almost manic. Remember what you told me? About focusing my energy on funtang the pack?

Oh great, here we go

1 lock your advice we secures a major investment, and my pkk the pulled out his sheet with pride. I’ve proven t can provide you with a better lile Can I putur y propway?

I stepped forward and took the inses and peate from bus has ghower my nose, inhaling their sweet scent.

“They smell amazing. I said, giving hit my brightest sunly What will ac

O

MO

|||

O

<

2/3

11:43 Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 119

Darrell’s face lit up instantly. You’re much more beauti-

Such a shame though I let my smile fade as 1 spoke, then walked directly to the garbage chute and dumped both the roses and the pasta inside

The crash echoed through the hallway.

You-Darrell stared at the garbage chute in shock.

“Darrell, I said coldly, I’m glad you’ve made progress with your pack. But that doesn’t change anything. I have a fiancé.”

His face cycled through confusion, disappointment, and finally settled on anger.

Where is your devoted fiancé then? If he loves you so much, why does he let you work until midnight? Where is he when you need someone to take care of you?”

“He’s on a business trip.”

“A business trip?” Darrell’s laugh was harsh and unpleasant. “Where exactly did he go on this business trip?”

1 frowned. Something in his tone set off alarm bells. “What do you mean?”

“You don’t know, do you? His eyes gleamed with malicious satisfaction. ‘Caelan flew to Blair’s treatment center this afternoon. The two of them are probably sleeping together right now.”

“You know what? I’m done with your bullshit. Good night.”

“You think I’m lying? Darrell pulled out his phone with theatrical flourish. “I just happened to see this online.”