Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 243

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 243**
**Chapter 243**

Caleb had always held a deep affection for Sydney, yet her heart remained an unyielding fortress. To the casual observer, she appeared soft and gentle, a delicate flower swaying in the breeze. However, those who truly understood her essence knew that once she made a decision, there was no turning back.

Three long years had slipped by, and in that time, he had never truly shown her the care she deserved. Now, she found herself indifferent to it all.

As they stepped out of the sterile confines of the hospital, the first light of dawn began to wash over the horizon, softening the darkness of the night.

While the driver went off to retrieve the car, Caleb removed his coat and gently placed it over her shoulders. “I’ll take you back to Haven,” he said, his voice steady yet laced with concern.

The hospital was situated far from the bustling heart of Jouleston, nestled in a remote corner where catching a taxi at this hour seemed like an impossible task.

After the events of the night, Sydney felt utterly drained, too weary to complicate matters further. “All right. Thank you,” she replied, her tone distant, almost cold.

Her detachment pierced through Caleb like a knife, stirring a wave of guilt within him. “We’re husband and wife. This is what I should have done all along,” he insisted, trying to bridge the chasm that had formed between them.

But deep down, he was painfully aware of the truth. He had never acted like a devoted husband in the past. All he could recall were the countless times he had chosen Penelope over her, walking away and leaving Sydney to fend for herself. Those memories weighed heavily on him, pressing down like a vice, squeezing the breath from his lungs.

How could he even begin to articulate his remorse? *Because I mistook someone else for you, I was cold to you.*

The thought of his own ignorance made him want to scream in frustration.

Once they settled into the car, Sydney remained guarded, her body rigid with tension. But the journey was long, and the fatigue from the night’s turmoil began to take its toll. Her eyelids grew heavier, and as her head leaned against the cool glass of the window, she succumbed to a deep, peaceful slumber.

“She returned to the old estate,” Gordon replied, his tone professional yet slightly anxious. “As you instructed, I also checked her recent movements. A few days ago, she left Jouleston and contacted some gang members. However, when word spread that the target was Ms. Wilson, most of them backed out. Only Scott and his group, who were unaware of the full situation, allowed Penelope to deceive them into taking the job.”

A frown creased Caleb’s brow. “No one else dared to accept it?”

“Correct,” Gordon confirmed, detailing the situation. “It appears someone had warned the gangs in advance. In Jouleston, very few possess that level of influence, whether in the legal realm or the underworld.”

Had it not been for Scott and his small-time thugs, the outcome could have been drastically different. If a legitimate syndicate had taken the job, Sydney might already be in grave danger.

Caleb pondered this for a moment, and a realization dawned upon him. “Prepare a generous gift. Send it to Delta Mansion.”

Even though Sydney was Julian’s sister and it was only natural for him to protect her, Caleb understood that as her husband, he needed to assert his own position in this precarious situation.