From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Oh God. Her reaction…

“Come inside, Sarah whispered. “Sit down.”

“Tell me she’s lying. I followed her into the living room, my legs barely supporting me. Please tell me Victoria made it up.”

Sarah sat heavily on the couch and patted the cushion beside her.

“Sable… I hoped you would never have to know this.”

The words hit me like a physical blow. I doubled over, pressing my hands to my stomach.

“No. No, this isn’t happening.”

“Victoria and your father were indeed engaged,” Sarah said quietly. “Before your mother came to the pack.”

My water glass slipped from numb fingers. Sarah caught it just before it crashed to the floor.

‘Then what happened?”

*Your mother arrived, and… things changed. Your father fell in love with her.”

“So she really…” I couldn’t finish the sentence.

‘Yes.”

1

The simple word shattered whatever was left of my composure. Tears poured down my cheeks as I collapsed against Sarah’s shoulder.

‘I’m so sorry, darling.” Sarah’s arms wrapped around me, holding me while I sobbed. ‘I’m so very sorry.”

We sat like that for what felt like hours-me crying while Sarah rubbed my back and whispered soft comfort. When the worst of it passed, I pulled away and wiped my face with shaking hands.

‘I should go.”

‘Are you sure? You could stay here-

‘No, I need…” I stood unsteadily. “I need to process this.”

Sarah walked me to the door, her expression full of worry. “Please be careful, sweetheart. Don’t make any decisions while you’re this upset.”

I nodded and stumbled back outside.

At the curb, I pulled out my phone and dialed with trembling fingers.

‘I need to drink,” I said when Scarlett answered.

“Now? Sable, it’s only three in the afternoon.”

“I don’t care what time it is.”

There was a pause. Then: “What happened?”

“I’ll explain when I see you. Meet me at the usual place.”

“On my way.”

1/3

“So Victoria always had hostility toward me because vi my m

Scarlett nodded grimly across our corner booth.

“Fuck, this explains so many things.” Scarlett shook her head, her expression full of sympathy as she watched me drain half the glass in one gulp. “Your dad should have told you the truth.”

The wine burned going down, but it was nothing compared to the fire in my chest. Maybe Dad had been trying to protect me, not wanting me to get hurt. Maybe he thought I’d never need to know these painful truths. But now the weight of it all crashed down on me like a building collapsing.

My phone rang, cutting through my spiraling thoughts. Caelan’s name appeared on the screen.

“Hey. I answered, forcing my voice to sound normal even though the alcohol was making everything feel slightly unsteady.

“You okay?” His voice carried that familiar note of concern. “Where are you?”

‘Drinking with Scarlett.”

There was a pause. “Did something happen?”

I could practically hear him thinking through the phone, probably analyzing the tone of my voice for clues about my emotional state.

“Tell me the address. I’ll come get you.”

*No need. We can make it back ourselves. I waved my hand even though he couldn’t see me. The gesture made me realize exactly how much wine I’d consumed.

“Sable, tell me where you are.” His tone shifted.

“You’re being a bit controlling, don’t you think?” I laughed, but there was an edge to it.

‘I’ll come drink with you both.”

“No way.” I giggled despite myself. “This is girls’ time.”

“Sable…”

‘I’m safe. Scarlett’s here with me.” Across the table, Scarlett raised an eyebrow at me, clearly amused by my side of the conversation.

‘Fine. But if anything happens, call me immediately.”

“Yes, boss. I made my voice deliberately exaggerated, drawing out the words.

The call ended just as a shadow fell across our table.

“Hey, beautiful. Drinking alone?”

A man slid into the booth beside me, his breath reeking of alcohol and stale cigarettes. His words slurred together as he leaned too close, invading my personal space.

I’m really not in the mood to deal with this garbage right now.

“We’re together.” Scarlett immediately moved to block him from getting closer to me, her voice carrying a clear warning.

“I wasn’t talking to you.” He shoved Scarlett aside with more force than necessary, making her stumble backward against the booth.

“Get lost.” I tried to stand up, but the alcohol made my legs unsteady. The room spun slightly as I gripped the table for support.

2/3

Come on, keep me company for a drink.” His hand reached toward my waist, and the touch made my skin crawl with disgust.

‘Don’t touch me! I slapped his hand away, anger flaring hot in my chest.

Feisty little wildcat He sneered, his grin turning predatory as he reached for me again. I like that in a woman.”

Scarlett grabbed my arm, trying to pull me away from him. “We’re leaving. Now,”

But the drunk man caught my wrist in a grip that was surprisingly strong for someone so intoxicated. ‘Where do you think you’re going?”

“Let her gol Scarlett swung her purse at him, but it barely had any effect on his bulky frame.

Looking for trouble, are we?’ The man raised his hand toward Scarlett, clearly preparing to strike her.

I was just about to lift my leg and kick him where it would hurt most when a furious roar echoed through the bar.

‘Stop right there!”

Darrell appeared out of nowhere, suddenly standing directly in front of the drunk man. His eyes blazed with controlled fury.

How is it him again?

The drunk man turned around, swaying slightly. What’s it to you?”

‘Let her go.” Darrell’s voice was deadly calm.

“Like hell I will.” The man tightened his grip on my wrist, and I gasped as pain shot up my arm.

Darrell grabbed the man’s wrist and twisted it with precise, brutal efficiency.

“Ah!” The drunk man released me immediately, bending over in pain.

‘Get out.” Darrell shoved him toward the exit, and the man stumbled away, clutching his injured wrist.

‘Are you hurt?” Darrell immediately turned to examine my wrist.

“I’m fine.” I pulled my hand away and stepped back, putting distance between us.

“How did you happen to be here?’ Scarlett’s voice was sharp with suspicion, her eyes narrowing as she studied his face.

“Just passing by. The excuse sounded hollow even to my alcohol-fuzzy brain.

Is he following me?

Scarlett swayed slightly, the adrenaline from the confrontation finally wearing off. “I think… I think I had too much to drink,” she mumbled, pressing her palm against her forehead. “Everything’s spinning.”

I helped Scarlett sit down and she had collapsed faced-down on the table the moment she touched the seat.

‘I need to talk to you alone, Darrell gestured toward the bar’s exit, his expression unusually serious.