From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 162

Chapter 162

Sable’s POV

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During the day I can numb myself with work, lose myself in the busy operating room. But at night, missing him crashes over me like a

tidal wave.

I feel like I’m just going through the motions-breathing, working, pretending everything’s fine.

When it gets quiet, his voice, his smile, the warmth of his arms all come flooding back, ripping my heart apart all over again.

So when Scarlett called asking me to go drinking, I agreed immediately.

The moment Scarlett pulled me through the doors of Neon Nights, pounding electronic music hit us like a wall. Laser lights cut through the darkness in wild patterns while bodies moved on the dance floor.

Couples clung to each other in dark corners, kissing passionately.

This place felt raw and primal-completely different from the quiet wine bars I usually preferred.

“Let’s sit at the bar!” Scarlett had to shout over the music.

“Whatever.” I had no expression.

Scarlett ordered two bright-colored “Sex on the Beach” cocktails.

I grabbed mine and downed half in one gulp.

A gorgeous bartender approached with a charming smile.

“Beautiful lady, want to try my signature drink? Guaranteed to make you forget all your problems.”

I looked at him with complete indifference. “No thanks.”

“First time here? I could show you around.”

‘I just want to drink quietly.”

He shrugged and moved away.

“My God, Sable! Don’t be so cold. Look how hot that bartender is! Scarlett shook my shoulder.

I’m not interested.”

“You could have some fun, let loose a little.”

Look around-everyone’s enjoying life! Why waste your youth on some worthless guy?

“Scarlett… My voice shook slightly. I can’t do it. …

‘Can’t do what? Still thinking about him? Is he worth it?

Maybe Scarlett’s right. Maybe I should try to forget, try to start over.

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Chapter 162

But why? Why does my heart still belong only to him? Why do other men feel invisible to me?

I kept drinking mechanically.

Third Person POV

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The third cocktail burned down Sable’s throat like liquid fire. Her head felt like it was floating, disconnected from her body, and heat bloomed across her cheeks in warm patches.

She blinked slowly, trying to focus on the neon lights that seemed to pulse in rhythm with her heartbeat.

Scarlett watched her friend sway slightly on the barstool and felt her stomach clench with worry. This wasn’t helping. This was just making everything worse.

She leaned close to Sable’s ear, her voice dropping to a whisper. “This place has a special service, you know what I mean?”

Sable’s unfocused gaze drifted toward her.

“A few super gorgeous guys who can make you forget all your troubles…”

Sable’s tongue felt thick and clumsy as she shook her head. “No…no guys…I don’t want guys…”

Scarlett’s eyes lit up with sudden understanding. “Oh! You don’t want ordinary guys? I get it! You want the special kind!”

“No…” Sable continued shaking her head, trying to form words through the alcohol haze. “I want…I want to pack…pack and go home…”

But the words came out slurred and broken: “I want…packs…”

Scarlett clapped her hands together excitedly. “Packs? You mean six-packs! Eight-packs! Those perfect abs! Girl, I totally

understand!”

“No muscles…no…” Sable mumbled, but her protests only seemed to fuel Scarlett’s enthusiasm.

“No? You want MORE muscles! The biggest, strongest ones! I’m on it!”

Before Sable could protest further, Scarlett was waving over a bartender with urgent gestures.

“Hey, do you guys have male escorts here?”

The bartender nodded without hesitation. “What kind of service are you looking for?

‘Five guys. Perfect bodies mandatory. Eight-pack abs, defined chest muscles, preferably with those V-lines. Scarlett gestured wildly. “My friends having a rough time and needs the ultimate visual feast!

“No problem. We ll have them here right away. Your friend will be completely satisfied.”

Within minutes, five men appeared like sculptures come to life. They stood shirtless in a perfect line, their bodies carved with muscle definition that caught the clubs neon lights and created shadows in all the right places. Bronze skin mixed with ivory, each man a different type of perfection.

The blonde one stepped forward, his smile practiced and confident. Ladies, what kind of service would you like tonight?”

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Chapter 162

Sable looked up at them through her drunken haze and gave a silly, lopsided smile. She waved her hand weakly. “Hi…you guys…hello…”

Her voice came out soft and sweet, completely innocent.

In a shadowy booth perfectly positioned to observe the bar, Caelan sat motionless. He’d been nursing the same glass of whiskey for an hour, his eyes never leaving Sable’s figure. When the five male escorts materialized around her, his face transformed into something dangerous.

The muscle in his jaw twitched. A vein pulsed at his temple.

He watched Sable reach out tentatively to touch the first escort’s abs, and the glass in his hand made an ominous creaking sound as his grip tightened.

The whiskey disappeared in one burning gulp. The alcohol scorched his throat, but it was nothing compared to the rage building in his chest.

“Go to her NOW, Storm roared inside his mind. “Stop drinking and move! You coward! Let me take control!”

Caelan’s eyes shifted from deep blue to molten gold. His fingernails began to lengthen as the transformation fought to take hold.

Peter noticed the killing intent radiating from Caelan and immediately stood, positioning himself as a barrier.

“Caelan, calm down! Don’t look!” His voice was urgent, almost pleading.

But Caelan could hear everything with his Lycan King hearing. Sable’s fingers traced over a dark-haired escort’s abs as she spoke with drunken melancholy.

“So…so different from his…”

Her voice carried loss and comparison. “His were more…more powerful…”

Every word hit Caelan like a physical blow. She was talking about him. Comparing these strangers to him.

The most handsome escort knelt beside Sable’s barstool and moved close to her ear. His voice was magnetic, practiced seduction.

“Beautiful, you’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen…”

“But your eyes tell me you’re in pain. Lonely.”

His finger traced along her cheek. ‘Let me keep you company tonight. I promise I’ll make you forget all your troubles…”

Til make this night very…unforgettable.”

Tears began gathering in Sable’s eyes, making them sparkle under the neon lights. He doesn’t want me anymore…he chose someone else…someone prettier…

The words shattered what remained of Caelan’s control. He shoved Peter aside with violent force

I’m taking Sabi home.”

Peter grabbed Caelan’s arm with both hands, using every ounce of his strength to hold him back. ‘Are you insane? Lucian’s spies could be watching right now!

If you go to her, you’re telling everyone you still love her!

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Chapter 162

“Do you want all your sacrifice to be worthless? You want Sable to be in real danger?”

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Caelan stopped mid-stride. Reason warred with instinct, logic battling against his heart. Finally, he sank back into the booth, every muscle in his body screaming protest.

Peter squeezed his shoulder. “I’ll handle this.”

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11:58 Fri, 22 Aug PM.

From Substitute To Queen