Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 230

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 230**

**Chapter 230**

Without a moment’s hesitation, Sydney blurted out the same old excuse that had become second nature to her. “Tiff’s here. It’s not convenient.” The words tumbled from her lips, almost automatic, a reflex honed by countless similar interactions.

Caleb, however, was not easily deceived. His keen gaze pierced through her facade. “Didn’t she leave on a business trip?” he asked, his tone casual but laced with an unmistakable undertone of scrutiny.

Sydney felt a chill run down her spine, the breath catching in her throat as she froze in place.

He continued, his voice calm, but his eyes held a deeper meaning. “Gordon ran into her at the airport this morning.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, and Sydney felt her heart race.

After a moment of hesitation, she resolved to lay her cards on the table. “Actually, the reason I had you come to the Sterling estate today was to use you. We’ve already div—”

“I don’t mind,” Caleb interjected, leaning in closer, effectively closing the distance between them until their breaths mingled in the charged atmosphere. His voice dropped to a low, tender murmur that sent shivers down her spine. “We’re husband and wife. Helping each other is natural. How is that ‘using’?”

Before she could gather her thoughts to respond, he dipped his head, their lips almost touching, the air thick with unspoken tension.

Sydney’s breath hitched, panic swelling within her like a tidal wave. In a moment of instinctive reaction, she shoved him away with all her might and bolted from the car. “Caleb, calm down! I’m going upstairs first!” she called over her shoulder, her heart racing as she fled.

She dashed into the apartment building, her finger jabbing the elevator button repeatedly, as if her frantic motions could somehow will it to arrive faster.

‘Thank goodness Julian didn’t witness this scene,’ she thought, a wave of relief washing over her.

If he had seen her like this, she could hardly fathom how she would have reacted.

Caleb stepped out of the car, determination etched on his face, ready to follow her. He longed to explain that he had changed, that he would no longer treat her as he had in the past. He wanted to be close to her, to finally fulfill his role as her husband, to show her that he was committed.

At that moment, his phone buzzed twice in his pocket, breaking through the tension. Striding towards the building, he fished it out, his heart racing with anticipation.

Instead, she had stumbled upon this revelation. Caleb was closing in on Sydney, and what would that mean for her? Sydney would become his prized possession, cherished for a lifetime. It was a bitter pill to swallow; Penelope had always lived in the shadow of Sydney’s seemingly perfect life.

Grinding her teeth, she felt the pressure build until it nearly cracked her resolve. She would never allow that to happen. Sydney could not be that fortunate.

And if she was? Penelope vowed to ensure that Sydney would not live long enough to savor her triumph.

Back in her apartment, Sydney returned from her frantic escape, her heart still racing. She took a quick shower, the hot water washing away her anxiety. As she stepped out, she felt a pang of hunger gnawing at her stomach. Before New Year’s, Agatha had brought over a delightful assortment of holiday treats, including muffins. A few remained in the freezer, calling to her.

She reached for a pack, determined to heat some up and indulge in a moment of comfort. But just as she was about to step into the kitchen, the doorbell rang, interrupting her thoughts.

Her brows knitted together in confusion. Could it be Caleb?

With cautious curiosity, she peered through the peephole. On the other side stood a man, waiting patiently, as if he could sense her presence. She felt a shiver run down her spine, as if his dark, unblinking eyes were boring right into her soul.