From Substitute To Queen. Chapter 149

Hours later, I walked to the sofa and curled deeper into the sofa cushions, arms wrapped tight around the throw pillow like it might anchor me to something solid. The fabric felt rough against my cheek—every blink scraped like sandpaper, but sleep refused to come.

When exhaustion finally pulled me under, the dreams came anyway.

Caelan stood at an altar in a perfect black tuxedo, one arm curved around Elena Rosewood's waist. Her wedding dress flowed like liquid ivory across marble steps.

"Sable," his voice carried that cold distance I'd heard only once before. "Thank you for coming to our wedding. I hope you can be happy for us."

Elena's smile was radiant, genuine. She looked like a woman who had everything she'd ever wanted.

In the dream, I was on my knees in muddy grass, reaching desperately for something just out of reach. My fingers clawed at empty air while sobs tore from my throat.

I jerked awake with tears streaming down my face. The couch cushion beneath my cheek was soaked.

4:23 AM glowed from my phone screen.

I grabbed the device, heart hammering against my ribs. The notification bar stared back. No missed calls or texts from Caelan.

Was I really just a chess piece in his revenge game? Did he ever actually love me?

The next morning, my dad called me.

"Hello?" My voice came out like gravel.

Silence stretched for several heartbeats.

"Sable?" Dad's tone shifted immediately. "You sound terrible. What's wrong?"

"I'm fine."

"No." His voice gentled in a way that nearly broke me. "Come home, sweetheart. Come home and rest for a few days."

"Dad, I don't need—"

"This isn't a suggestion." Authority crept back into his words. "I'm sending William to pick you up. Don't argue with me."

I closed my eyes, finally surrendering. "Okay."

***

The car hadn't even fully stopped when the manor's front door burst open.

"Sablate!" Daisy exploded from the entrance like a tiny hurricane, her curls bouncing as she raced down the stone steps.

She crashed into my arms with enough force to nearly knock me over. I buried my face in her soft hair, breathing in her familiar scent of strawberry shampoo.

Victoria appeared on the doorstep, moving more slowly but with the same warm smile. She wrapped her arms around both of us, her hand rubbing gentle circles on my back.

"You still have us," she murmured. "Time heals everything, sweetheart."

Daisy pulled back to study my face with those enormous eyes. "Sissy, why are your eyes all red? And you have raccoon circles!"

I smoothed her wild curls, managing a weak smile. "Just didn't sleep well, little monster."

"Want to sleep in my bed tonight? I can tell you stories about the princess who saved the dragon instead of the other way around!"

The offer nearly shattered what little composure I had left. "Maybe next time, Daisy. Thank you, though."

I was heading for the stairs when Mary emerged from the kitchen, flour-dusted apron tied around her waist and a dish towel in her hands.

Her weathered face lit up the moment she saw me. "My sweet girl, you're finally home!"

She crossed the foyer quickly, reaching up to cup my face in calloused palms.

"Mary..."

"Shh." Her thumb brushed across my cheekbone. "I know, child. I can see it all over your face."

She took my hand, leading me toward the kitchen. "I just finished making mushroom soup—the kind you loved when you were small. And there are fresh cookies cooling on the rack."

"I'm not really hungry—"

"Nonsense." Mary's tone brooked no argument. "You go wash up and change into something comfortable. I'll bring everything up to your room in a little while."

Her hand patted mine with maternal firmness. "I know you stop eating when your heart hurts, but that won't do. Your body needs strength even when your spirit feels broken."

"I made warm milk with honey too." Her eyes crinkled with gentle concern. "Now go on. Home is your safe harbor, always."

I nodded, throat too tight for words.

The hot shower helped wash away the last few days' worth of grief that had clung to my skin. I changed into soft pajamas and crawled under covers that smelled like the lavender fabric softener Mary had used since I was a child.

At least ending the engagement has some benefits. Lucian Ross won't be able to threaten my family anymore because of my relationship with Caelan.

The soup Mary brought was perfect—rich and warming. The milk and honey made my whole body feel drowsy and content. Surrounded by familiar scents and textures, I finally felt my muscles relax.

Sleep took me gently this time.

Two days of rest worked a little. I stood at my bedroom mirror, carefully dabbing concealer under my eyes to hide the purple shadows.

A touch of pink lipstick brought some color back to my pale lips.

At least on the outside, nobody will know my heart is in pieces.

Returning to work turned out to be exactly what I needed. The constant demands of patient care left no room for dwelling on Caelan. Every emergency, every consultation, every chart review pulled my focus away from my own pain.

I was organizing the day's patient files when my phone buzzed.

"Scarlett" appeared on the screen. I hesitated before answering.

"Hi, Scarlett."

"Sable! Honey, how are you holding up?"

I took a deep breath. "I'm managing. Just taking things one day at a time."

"Managing?" Scarlett's voice sharpened with concern. "Your voice sounds awful! Where are you right now?"

"At the hospital, about to head home."

"Perfect. Then you're free tonight." Her tone turned decisive. "I've planned a little gathering for our group. Just close friends."

My stomach clenched. "Scarlett, I really don't think I'm up for—"

"No, no, no!" She cut me off. "You absolutely cannot sit alone feeling sorry for yourself. That only makes everything worse."

"I rented a cozy cabin by the lake. We'll have a fire, some wine, just easy conversation. Peter and Leon are coming too—it'll be very low-key."

"I don't know if I'm good company right now. I might ruin everyone's mood."

"Listen, darling." Scarlett's voice softened. "I know you're hurting. But hiding in dark corners will only make the pain worse."

"Sometimes friends are better medicine than solitude. We won't ask anything you don't want to share—we'll just be there."

She paused. "Seeing you sad makes me sad. Do this as a favor to me, okay?"

"It's decided!" Before I could protest, she steamrolled ahead. "Seven PM at the little cabin by Moonlight Lake. Wear something comfortable—we're sitting by the fireplace and talking."

"If you really feel uncomfortable, you can leave anytime. But give yourself a chance, alright?"

I was quiet for several seconds, then whispered, "Okay. I'll be there."