From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 153

Chapter 153

Sable’s POV

I stayed curled on my side, staring at the blank white wall, tears still drying on my cheeks.

The door opened again. Softer footsteps this time.

“Sable, sweetheart.”

I turned to see him standing in the doorway. His eyes were filled with pain as he took in my tear-stained face.

“Dad…”

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He crossed the room quickly and sat on the edge of my hospital bed. Without hesitation, he gathered me into his arms, pulling me against his chest like he used to when I was small and the world felt too big and scary.

“My baby girl,” he murmured, his hand stroking my hair. “Seeing you like this… it’s breaking my heart.”

That did it. The careful control I’d been clinging to shattered completely. I sobbed against his shoulder, my fingers clutching the

fabric of his shirt.

“I hurt so much, Dad. Everything hurts.”

“I know, honey. I know.” His voice was thick with emotion. “Let it out. Just let it all out.”

I cried until my chest ached, until there were no more tears left. Dad held me through it all, rocking me gently and whispering soothing words against my hair.

When the storm finally passed, I pulled back slightly to look at him.

“Dad, you know something, don’t you?” My voice was hoarse from crying. “About Caelan? About why he really broke up with me?”

Dad’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “What makes you think that?”

I could hear it in his voice. He was lying.” I gripped his hand desperately. “He said he never loved me, that it was all revenge for running away three years ago. But that’s not true, is it?”

Dad was quiet for a long moment, conflict playing across his features.

“Honey,” he said finally, his voice heavy, “Maybe you shouldn’t be so sure about what you think you heard.

“No! I sat up straighter, ignoring the pull of my stitches. I know Caelan loves me. Something happened. Something made him feel like he had to push me away.”

Dad’s eyes flickered with something I couldn’t quite read. “Sable, I’ve lived a long time. I’ve seen many people, many relationships. Sometimes we think we know someone’s heart, but…

“What do you mean?’

He seemed to be choosing his words carefully. “Men can be very convincing when they’re pursuing someone. They can seem devoted, passionate. But once they get what they want… He trailed off meaningfully.

I stared at him in shock. “Dad, how can you say that about him?

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11:56 Fri 22 Aug 0 P .

Chapter 153

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Because I don’t want to see you hurt anymore. His grip on my hands tightened. In our world, powerful men like Caelan have many options. The thrill of the chase can feel like love, but when it’s over…

You’re talking about yourself, aren’t you? The words came out sharper than I intended. This is about what you did to Mom. And

Ditoria

Dad went very still “What?

Victoria told me everything I watched his face carefully. About your engagement to her before Mom came along. About how you were caught between two women and ended up hurting everyone-Mom, Victoria, me, and Daisy.”

His face went ashen. “Sable… how long have you known?

“Does it matter?” I studied his expression, seeing guilt and shame there. I’m not trying to judge you, Dad. I understand that life is complicated. But don’t project your choices onto Caelan. He’s not you.

Dad was quiet for a long moment, his head bowed.

Your mother once said something, he said finally, looking up at me. She believed that if two people were truly meant to be together, even if they got separated, they’d find their way back to each other eventually.”

He pulled me close again, holding me tight. “Time will help heal this pain, baby girl. You’re young, you’re strong. You’ll meet someone who will treasure you the way you deserve.”

He paused, and I sensed him preparing me for something.

There’s something else you need to know. Something that might be announced soon.”

My blood turned cold. “What announcement?”

“Tomorrow,” he said gently, “Caelan is planning to release an official statement dissolving your engagement.”

The next morning, I discharged myself from the hospital against medical advice, I couldn’t stand lying in that sterile room for another minute, surrounded by white walls and the smell of antiseptic. I needed to be home, in my own space, surrounded by memories of happier times.

By the time I reached my apartment, tears were streaming down my face again.

I fumbled with my keys, my hands shaking. The lock finally clicked open, and I stepped inside.

The silence was deafening.

I walked through the living room, then the bedroom, checking everywhere. My heart sank with each empty drawer, each vacant closet space. All of Caelan’s things were gone. His clothes, his books, the coffee mug he always used in the mornings-everything had been cleared out as if he d never been here at all.

I sank to my knees in the middle of the bedroom floor, staring at the empty space where his side of the dresser used to be cluttered with his belongings.

My phone buzzed. With trembling fingers, I opened the news app.

The headline was there, stark and official:

“OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Lycan King Caelan Announces Dissolution of Engagement”

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11:56 Fri, 22 Aug PM

Chapter 153

I read the formal language, each word carving deeper into my heart. After careful consideration… mutual decision… no longer compatible… wish each other well in future endeavors…

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From Substitute To Queen