From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 181

Chapter 181

The formal title grated against my nerves. “You’re here to see a doctor?

I looked him up and down, taking in his perfectly healthy appearance. No visible injuries. No signs of distress. He looked exactly like what he was a powerful man in complete control of his situation.

“What’s wrong with you?”

Caelan pressed a hand to his chest, right over his heart. I’ve been having chest pain. Severe pain, actually.”

“Chest pain?’ I stepped closer despite myself, my medical training overriding everything else. “When did it start?”

“Several days ago. His eyes never left mine. “It’s gotten progressively worse.”

My professional instincts kicked in automatically. “Is it constant or intermittent? Does it radiate to your arm or jaw? Any shortness

of breath?

“It’s… complicated.” Caelan’s hand remained pressed to his chest. “The pain only happens when I think about certain things. Certain people.”

Something in his tone made me pause. I studied his face more carefully, noting the way his eyes seemed to be searching mine for

something.

“And there’s this strange emptiness,” he continued. “Like something essential is missing.”

Realization hit me. “Caelan.”

“What?”

“Are you actually sick, or are you playing games with me?”

His expression shifted, becoming almost boyish. “I told you the truth. My chest really does hurt.”

“This is a hospital,” I said through gritted teeth. “Not some romantic comedy where you can show up and-”

I’m a patient seeking medical attention.” He crossed his arms, somehow managing to look both innocent and infuriating. ‘I believe I have the right to choose my doctor.”

I glanced around the corridor, already noticing curious looks from the nursing staff. Sarah from cardiology was pretending to check charts while obviously eavesdropping. Two residents had slowed their pace to get a better look.

“Fine,’ I snapped. “But after I examine you and confirm you’re perfectly healthy, you leave. Understood?”

Of course, Doctor.

The way he said it-so formal, so proper made me want to smack him.

I led him to an empty examination room, my skin prickling with awareness of his presence behind me. The small space felt even

smaller with both of us in it.

“Sit.” I pointed to the examination table.

Caelan hopped up with obvious amusement dancing in his eyes. “Yes, ma’am.”

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Chapter 181

I pulled on gloves with more force than necessary, then reached for my stethoscope. “I’m going to listen to your heart.”

“I appreciate your thoroughness.”

I moved closer, professional distance forgotten as I positioned the stethoscope. His familiar scent hit me immediately-that clean, masculine smell that had always made me feel safe. My hands trembled slightly as I placed the stethoscope against his chest.

His heartbeat was strong and steady. A little fast, but within normal range.

“Your heart rate is elevated, I murmured.

“Maybe because my doctor is very beautiful.”

I yanked the stethoscope away from his chest. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t flirt with me. This is a medical examination.”

Caelan’s expression grew serious. “You’re right. I apologize.”

But then he winced, pressing his hand to his chest again. “Doctor, the pain is getting worse.”

I looked at him suspiciously. “Worse how?”

“You’re so close to me now. It’s making my heart race, which intensifies the ache.”

“Caelan-”

“Is this a symptom of something serious? Should I be worried?”

Despite everything, I could feel my lips twitching toward a smile. He was absolutely shameless.

“Your symptoms,” I said carefully, “appear to be psychological rather than cardiac.”

“So you’re recommending I see a psychiatrist?”

I’m recommending you stop wasting my time.” I stepped back, crossing my arms. “You’re obviously not sick.”

“But I am sick.” His voice dropped to something softer, more vulnerable. “I’m sick with missing you.”

I turned away from him, moving toward the door. “I have real patients to see.”

“Sable, wait: Caelan slid off the examination table. “Please,” he said. “Just give me five minutes. Let me explain-

“No.” I spun back to face him.

He took a step closer.

“Stop.” I held up a hand to keep him at a distance. “Just stop.”

‘I can’t stop, Sabi. I’ve tried.”

The nickname broke something inside me. “Don’t call me that.”

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12:06 Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 181

“Why not?”

“Because it hurts.”

The raw honesty in my own voice surprised me. Caelan’s face crumpled slightly.

“I never wanted to hurt you,” he whispered. “That was the last thing I ever wanted.”

“But you did hurt me.” My voice was steady now, matter-of-fact. “And I can’t go through it again.”

Caelan’s POV

“Sable, about everything between us, I need to tell you the truth-”

My phone rang. Edward’s name flashed across the screen.

Sable was already moving toward the door.

“Wait, I— I looked at the screen again, Edward’s name glowing insistently.

But Sable was gone. The door swung shut behind her, leaving me alone with the shrill sound of my ringtone.

I stared at Edward’s name for another second before accepting the call.

“Edward, you better have a very good reason for interrupting me.”

“Your Majesty, Marcus is in trouble. He attempted suicide in the dungeons.”

My blood went cold. “What?”

“He learned about Lucian’s death. Somehow the guards were discussing it within earshot. Marcus grabbed a sharp piece of stone and slashed his wrists. He lost significant blood before anyone found him.”

I drew in a slow breath. “What’s his condition?”

“The dungeon medics say he’s out of immediate danger, but he’s still unconscious. Your Majesty, which hospital should we transfer

him to?

I glanced toward the door where Sable had disappeared. “Bring him to Sable’s hospital. I’m already here.”

“Understood. We’ll depart immediately,”

I walked outside to wait. The hospital entrance was stark under the fluorescent lights, all concrete and glass without warmth.

The minutes crawled by. I checked my watch repeatedly, paced the length of the sidewalk, tried not to think about the conversation I’d just ruined with Sable.

He’s punishing me or punishing himself?

After fifteen minutes, the ambulance arrived. They wheeled Marcus through the emergency doors on a stretcher, his face gray against the white sheets. An hour later, the doctors moved him to a private room.

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Chapter 181

The medical team left us alone. Marcus stirred, his eyelids fluttering open.

“You…” His voice was barely audible.

“You’re awake. How do you feel?”

His eyes focused gradually, sharpening into familiar hatred. “You still have the nerve to ask how I feel?”

“The doctors said you nearly died.”

Marcus let out a bitter laugh. “Maybe death would be preferable.”

“Tell me. What the guards said about Lucian-is it true?”

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སཾཊཱི 87%E

12:06 Fri, 22 Aug O

From Substitute To Queen