From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 142

Chapter 142

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I woke up earlier than usual. The empty space beside me in bed reminded me that Caelan had left late last night to handle some urgent pack business. He’d promised to return this morning so we could spend Saturday together exploring the farmer’s market.

I padded to the kitchen and started making breakfast. Fresh blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, and coffee.

My phone rang just as I was taking my first bite. Caelan’s name flashed on the screen.

“Good morning, beautiful”.

“Morning.” I smiled, fork halfway to my mouth. “Please tell me you’re on your way back. I made pancakes.”

“Sabi, I’m really sorry, but something urgent came up.” His tone shifted, sounding genuinely apologetic. “I might not be able to spend the day with you like we planned.”

My heart sank a little. “Oh. Is everything okay?”

“Work stuff. You know how it is.” He sighed. “I hate disappointing you.”

“Don’t worry about it.” I forced brightness into my voice. “Work comes first. I understand.”

“You’re amazing. I’ll make it up to you, love you.”

After we hung up, I sat there for a moment feeling oddly deflated. I’d been looking forward to spending the day with him. But moping around my apartment wasn’t going to help anything.

I’d just finished getting dressed when my doorbell rang.

A delivery man stood in the hallway, nearly hidden behind an enormous bouquet of white roses. “Sable Crawford?”

“That’s me.”

“These are for you.”

The roses were gorgeous. Dozens of them, perfectly arranged, their petals soft as silk. I buried my nose in the blooms, inhaling their delicate fragrance.

A small card was tucked between the stems: “When sunlight illuminates this city, I think of the light in your eyes. Go find the first clue.

– Someone who misses you’

My pulse quickened. The back of the card had an address: Morning Light Coffee Shop, Downtown.

Is this from Caelan?

The timing seemed too coincidental. He’d just canceled our plans, and now mysterious flowers appeared with cryptic messages?

I grabbed my purse and headed out.

The coffee shop buzzed with weekend activity. A barista approached me before I’d even found a table.

“Ms. Crawford? We’ve been expecting you.” She smiled warmly. Someone ordered a special drink for you, and asked me to give you

this.”

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Chapter 142

She handed me a small velvet box along with the most beautiful latte I’d ever seen. The foam had been crafted into a perfect heart, and tiny edible flowers decorated the rim.

Inside the box was a delicate platinum bracelet set with small diamonds. The craftsmanship was exquisite. Another card was nestled underneath: “The first time we met, you showed me a stone. Now it’s my turn to show you real gems. Your next destination awaits.”

The address on the back led to Starlight Jewelers.

I fastened the bracelet around my wrist. The diamonds caught the morning light, sparkling like captured starlight.

Caelan, what are you planning?

The jewelry store manager greeted me warmly. “Ms. Crawford! Please, come this way. We have something very special prepared for you.”

He led me to a private viewing room where a pair of earrings was displayed on black velvet. They matched the bracelet perfectly, platinum and diamonds in an elegant design that would complement any outfit.

“The gentleman who commissioned these spent quite a bit of time ensuring they were perfect for you,” the manager said. “He was very specific about what would suit your features.”

Heat crept up my neck. The attention to detail was so thoughtfully Caelan.

Another card waited: “Beautiful jewelry for a beautiful woman. But the most precious treasure is still ahead. Find lunch at this address.”

Caelan, what kind of game are you playing? Is this a treasure hunt or is there some kind of surprise waiting for me?

Excited and full of anticipation, I headed straight to the next place.

Ocean View Restaurant occupied the top floor of a downtown high-rise. The hostess led me to a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbor.

“Your meal has been pre-ordered,” she explained. “Please, make yourself comfortable.”

The table was set with my favorite dishes. Grilled salmon with lemon herb butter, roasted vegetables, a side of wild rice pilaf.

The card hidden under my napkin read: “Every dish chosen to see your smile. But the real feast comes later. Meet me at sunset.”

The address was a seaside café.

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By now my heart was racing with anticipation and something that felt suspiciously like love.

The café owner’s face lit up when I walked in. “Our guest of honor arrives! Right on time.”

A gift box waited on the table, along with a slice of chocolate torte topped with fresh strawberries.

“I was given very specific instructions,” the owner winked. “That young man of yours is quite the romantic.”

Inside the box was the most beautiful evening gown I’d ever seen. Deep navy silk that would flow like water, with delicate beading along the neckline. It was exactly my size, exactly my style.

The final card made my breath catch: “Sabi, thank you for following these clues to find me. Now please put on this dress and let the driver take you to our last destination. Tonight the moon will witness something special.”

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Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 142

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I changed in the café’s small powder room, my hands shaking with nerves and excitement. The dress fit like it had been made for me. The navy silk felt cool against my skin, and the beading caught the late afternoon light.

Is he going to propose?

The thought sent my pulse skyrocketing.

A black sedan waited outside, its driver holding the door open with professional courtesy. “Ms. Crawford? I’m to take you to your final destination.”

The interior was luxurious leather and soft lighting. A single red rose lay on the seat beside me, along with one last card: “My dearest Sabi, every surprise today was meant to show you how special you are to me. Now let’s write the next chapter of our story in the most beautiful place I know.”

As we drove toward the coast, excitement and terror warred in my chest. The jewelry, the careful planning, the romantic buildup- everything pointed to one conclusion.

He’s going to ask me to marry him.

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11:52 Fri, 22 Aug

From Substitute To Queen