From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 196

Chapter 196

She skidded to a stop in front of Caelan, who was adjusting his cufflinks near the garden entrance. Tilting her head back to look up at him, she asked with adorable seriousness, “Caelan, when my sister becomes queen, can I call her ‘Your Majesty’? Or should I still

say Queen Sable’?”

Caelan crouched down to her eye level, his expression softening completely. “She’ll always be your Sable, Daisy.”

Daisy nodded thoughtfully, then her eyes lit up with sudden inspiration. “Wait! Does that mean I’m a princess now? Because I’m the queen’s sister!”

Victoria clapped her hands together. “Our little princess is absolutely right!”

But the peaceful moment was about to be shattered. Two figures approached the gathering, and I could already sense the brewing

storm.

Scarlett strutted forward first, with Elena following her. She wore a wine-colored satin dress with a gold belt that emphasized her curves, radiating confidence and battle-ready energy. Without hesitation, she pointed dramatically at Daisy and Elena.

“Alright, everyone back off!” She planted one hand on her hip. “As Sable’s chief best friend, I’m claiming exclusive companionship rights for today!”

She grabbed my hand possessively. “Babe, remember what you promised me-at least two meetings per week after you’re married! Plus regular girls’ nights!”

Elena glided forward in her pale blue chiffon dress, her movements elegant and purposeful. “Scarlett, don’t be so possessive. Sable is a queen now-she needs time with friends who truly understand her…” She paused, eyes twinkling mischievously, “Friends like me.”

But Daisy wasn’t about to be outdone. She crossed her arms over her chest, looking absolutely fierce despite her tiny stature. “You all have to wait in line! I’m Sabelate’s real sister-blood relation is the most important!”

She tugged on my dress hem. “And my sister promised to teach me painting and baking!”

The “war” escalated quickly.

Scarlett threw her head back defiantly. “Blood relation means nothing! Sable and I are soulmates connected at the heart!”

Elena adjusted her imaginary glasses with scholarly precision. “From a psychological perspective, adult friendships often run deeper than blood ties…”

Daisy interrupted with an indignant huff. “I don’t care about psychology! Sabelate loves me most anyway!”

I raised both hands in surrender. “Okay, okay! I love all of you. There’s enough time for everyone!”

All three voices chorused back: “No way-we need a proper ranking system!”

From the sidelines, Caelan watched with an amused smile. “Looks like I’ll be competing with quite a few rivals.”

Leon couldn’t resist adding commentary. “This is better than any palace drama!”

But the entertainment wasn’t over yet, Chris approached with a champagne flute, his charcoal suit impeccable and his smile perfect -though his eyes held complex emotions.

“Congratulations, Caelan.” Chris paused, letting his gaze linger meaningfully. “You know, Sable mentioned you…”

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12:10 Fri, 22 Aug PM

Chapter 196

Caelan’s eyebrow arched slightly. “Oh? What did she say?”

Chris adopted a casual tone. She mentioned that you two had broken up.”

Caelan’s voice dropped to a dangerous low. “Chris, Sable and I were never truly broken up. Whatever gave you that impression is

ancient history.”

Chris pressed on, testing boundaries. “Of course. It’s just that when we had lunch that day, she seemed rather… lonely.”

Caelan’s eyes turned razor-sharp. “That loneliness ends today. Forever.”

Chris raised his glass with a practiced smile. “Well then… here’s to your happiness.”

Meanwhile, another drama was unfolding nearby. Peter stood nervously adjusting his black tie, working up the courage to approach Scarlett, who was still engaged in her “custody battle” over me.

He slipped a white rose to Scarlett, his cheeks tinged pink. “Scarlett, this is… for you.”

Scarlett accepted the flower without looking back, her voice cool and distracted. “Thanks. Don’t interrupt me right now-I’m fighting for Sable’s companionship rights…”

She suddenly realized who had spoken and whirled around, her expression shifting to wariness. “Peter? What are you trying to pull

now?”

Peter stepped closer. “Scarlett, I know you’ve been avoiding me, but on a day like today, I wanted to try one more time…”

Scarlett frowned, her voice guarded. “Peter, we agreed not to complicate things between us.”

Peter refused to back down. “But my feelings for you are real. It didn’t start because of that night-it started long before…”

Scarlett cut him off, though her tone softened slightly. “Look, it’s Sable’s wedding day. Let’s not argue about this here.”

Leon muttered under his breath nearby, “Scarlett, give the poor guy a chance. He’s been going crazy over you.”

Katherine gently touched Leon’s shoulder. “Leon, don’t interfere. Let them work it out themselves.”

Peter clenched his fists. “Fine. I’ll keep waiting until you’re ready to consider what we could have.”

Scarlett stared at the white rose in her hand, her expression unreadable.

The wedding march began to play, and all conversations ceased. Every guest rose and turned toward the garden path entrance.

I emerged wearing my custom white wedding dress, layers of fabric flowing like clouds around me. The bodice and sleeves were adorned with delicate pearls, a silk sash cinched at my waist, and the long train featured intricate golden thread embroidery. On my head sat an elegant small crown, and around my neck, my mother’s blue sapphire necklace gleamed.

Rodrigo walked beside me in his formal navy tailcoat, each step measured and strong despite the tears threatening to spill from his

eyes.

“Nervous, sweetheart?” he whispered as we walked.

“A little, but mostly just happy. Would Mom be proud of me?”

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Chapter 196

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“She would be. She always has been.”

Complete silence fell over the garden as everyone watched in awe. At the altar stood Caelan in his black tailcoat with white vest, a white rose boutonniere on his lapel. His dark eyes held only me.

The officiant began the ceremony. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the sacred union of Caelan and Sable…”

When we reached the ring exchange, Caelan produced a stunning engagement ring from his pocket-a massive, flawless diamond that sparkled like captured starlight.

His voice was deep and steady as he looked into my eyes. “Sable, this ring represents my eternal love and commitment to you. From this day forward, my heart, my soul, my everything belongs to you.”

He slipped the ring onto my finger.

I lifted Caelan’s ring-a simple platinum band with our names engraved inside. “Caelan, I promise to spend my life with you, through wealth and poverty, sickness and health. I will stand by your side and be your strongest support.”

I placed the ring on his finger, and our hands clasped tightly together.

The guests’ reactions were immediate:

Daisy whispered loudly, “Sis is crying, but she’s smiling!”

Victoria and Rodrigo gripped each other’s hands, both tearful with joy.

Katherine nodded approvingly, her eyes bright with happiness.

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