From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 170

Chapter 170

Her coffee cup clattered against the saucer, liquid sloshing dangerously close to the rim.

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“Elena!” My voice came out in a dangerous growl that made nearby patrons glance over nervously. “You were trying to embrace Sable. I specifically told you to keep your wandering thoughts in check.”

She blinked up at me, completely unruffled by my aggressive handling. That infuriating smile played at the corners of her mouth.

“Oops. Busted.” She didn’t even attempt to struggle against my grip. “You know me too well, cousin.”

No struggle, no protest. She looked completely at ease despite my grip on her collar. “Why are you so worked up? It’s not like I was going to hurt her.”

I tightened my hold on the back of her neck. “You think I didn’t see that hungry look in your eyes when you stared at her?”

Elena sighed, the mischief draining from her expression. “Fine. I admit it. I couldn’t help myself when I saw Sable.”

Her eyes softened with what looked like genuine sincerity. “Caelan, when I look at Sable, I lose control. She’s too beautiful, too gentle. That pure, innocent quality makes her seem like an angel. Anyone would fall for her on sight.”

I could see the killing intent burning in my eyes reflected in hers. Elena immediately raised both hands in surrender.

“But don’t worry. I know exactly where I stand,” she continued quickly. “I know Sable is completely straight, and I know her heart belongs only to you. I swear this is just friendship. I would never cross any lines.”

My expression eased slightly. “Then why did you hug her? And what’s this pregnancy bullshit about?”

Elena’s smile turned somewhat helpless. “About that-can I ask you something first? Why did we really come to the hospital today?”

My face darkened. She’d hit too close to the truth.

“Don’t pretend you don’t know. You didn’t have any business at the hospital,” Elena went on, her tone turning teasing. “You wanted to see Sable secretly, didn’t you? But you were too scared to come alone-afraid she might refuse to meet with you. So you dragged your girlfriend along as cover.”

She tilted her head with mock innocence. “You figured bringing your new woman for a medical check would give you the perfect excuse to be here. Then you could bump into her by ‘accident’ and have a reason to talk.”

I said nothing. She’d nailed my plan exactly.

Elena spread her hands. I played along with your little theater, even made up that pregnancy lie to make our excuse more believable. And now you’re questioning me?”

‘T…” I started to argue but realized I had no ground to stand on.

“As for hugging her, that was pure impulse. She looked so adorable I couldn’t resist, Elena shrugged. Plus I thought it would make our performance more convincing. If I showed zero interest in her, wouldn’t that seem strange?”

Elena studied my silent face, her voice growing more serious. “To be honest, Caelan, I thought you just wanted an excuse to see her once-to satisfy your longing. But now I think you want much more than that.”

I avoided her gaze, my voice hoarse. “I just wanted to make sure she’s okay.”

“Make sure?” Elena arched an eyebrow. “Or see if she still cares about you?”

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12:01 Fri, 22 Aug 0

Chapter 170

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Elena sat back down and took another sip of coffee. “You should thank me for that pregnancy story, dear cousin. I used it to test

her.”

“Test what? I frowned.

“Test whether she still loves you.” Elena’s tone was matter-of-fact. “If she truly didn’t care anymore, hearing about your new girlfriend-even a pregnant one-should have left her calm. Maybe even relieved. But her reaction… I think you saw it clearly enough. You have your answer.”

Elena patted the chair across from her. “Caelan, you still have a chance to win her back, don’t you?”

I sat down heavily and let out a long breath. “It’s too late.”

“What do you mean?” Elena asked.

“I just talked to Sable. She’s decided to let go completely,” I said. “She was very mature about it-wished us happiness together. Said she’s accepted our breakup and that I’ve moved on with my life.”

Elena’s expression turned serious instantly. “She said that?”

“Yes.” My voice cracked. “She even said true love means wanting the other person to be happy, even if it’s not with you. Sounds very mature and rational, right?”

Elena stared at me for a moment, then shook her head. “You idiot.”

“Do you know what it means when a woman says things like that?” Elena’s voice carried a hint of exasperation. “It means she’s been hurt so deeply that she’s completely given up hope. She’s using this fake maturity to protect whatever dignity she has left.”

I looked at her blankly as Elena continued.

“If she’d really moved on, she would have said something casual like ‘I’m doing great, thanks for asking. She wouldn’t need all that self-convincing rhetoric about love and letting go.”

Elena stood and walked over to face me directly. “Now I need to ask you something, Caelan. Do you still want her or not?”

“Of course I do,” I answered without hesitation. “But-”

“But what?”

‘I don’t know when the danger around me will end.” I turned to stare out the window. “Lucian is still out there, ready to threaten her at any moment. I can’t keep dragging her into this nightmare,”

Elena sighed deeply. “Caelan, do you realize what you’re doing? You’re using protection’ as an excuse to run away from responsibility,”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I looked up at her.

“Real love isn’t about running away when things get dangerous. It’s about standing together and fighting.” Elena’s voice grew stern. “Sable doesn’t need you to protect her by pushing her away. She needs your trust and commitment. She needs to know that no matter what happens, you’ll face it together.”

Elena leaned forward. “If you truly love her, you should tell her the truth honestly, then work together to solve the problems. Instead of doing what you’re doing now-bearing all the pain alone while making her think she wasn’t good enough. Don’t you see

how much more this hurts her?”

She had a good point. I’d never looked at it from this angle before.

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12:01 Fri, 22 Aug PM.

Chapter 170

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Elena’s tone softened slightly. “Caelan, Sable is stronger than you think. She can handle danger, but she can’t handle your betrayal and abandonment.”

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12:02 Fri, 22 Aug P M

From Substitute To Queen