Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 280

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

**Chapter 280**

As Sydney swung the door open, she was greeted by the sight of Tiffany, standing there with her hands clasped together in a gesture of exaggerated humility, her grin wide and playful.

“I was so wrong!” Tiffany exclaimed, her voice dripping with mock sincerity. “I heard the elevator ding, and I just knew it was you, so I rushed over to welcome you home personally.” Her tone shifted, a glint of mischief sparkling in her eyes. “So tell me, how far have you and Julian gotten?”

Sydney felt heat rush to her cheeks, a familiar embarrassment creeping in. “Only that one step you witnessed,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tiffany blinked in surprise, her eyebrows shooting up. “Huh?”

It was hard for Sydney to reconcile the image of Julian as someone who could hold back. He had the demeanor of a big bad wolf, ready to pounce on a little white rabbit, yet somehow he moved with the hesitance of a bashful teenager.

With a swift motion, Sydney kicked off her shoes, her mind racing as she dashed to the bar counter. She poured herself a glass of water, hoping to redirect the conversation. “Wait, didn’t you mention your flight was tomorrow morning? Why are you back today?”

She had envisioned a peaceful night of sleep, planning to pick Tiffany up bright and early.

Tiffany shot her a sideways glance, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. “You really don’t know what day it is?”

Sydney’s mind momentarily stuttered, her overworked brain struggling to catch up. “What day?”

“It’s the eighth!” Tiffany exclaimed, poking her forehead playfully. “Sis, it’s your birthday at midnight! You think I’d miss that?”

A wave of realization washed over Sydney. The thought that Julian, despite his busy schedule, might not even remember her birthday tugged at her heart. But Tiffany was steadfast; she wouldn’t allow Sydney to usher in a new year of her life in solitude within that quiet house. She had always been there, a steadfast companion in every moment.

As the truth settled in, Sydney murmured, “Even if you came tomorrow morning, it would still be my birthday.”

“How’s that the same?” Tiffany shot back, her expression a mix of disbelief and amusement. She grabbed a beer from the fridge and flopped onto the sofa, her body collapsing in exhaustion.

Ever since that fateful night when Tiffany had been pulled into trouble, it seemed Raymond had an uncanny knack for knowing her whereabouts. Just today, she hadn’t even stepped out of the terminal before spotting him at the arrivals gate, looking annoyingly composed and ready.

Later, after they had freshened up, the two of them snuggled on the sofa, ready to indulge in a variety show.

Tiffany munched loudly on chips, the crunching sounds filling the air, while Sydney, who wasn’t particularly fond of snacks, sat quietly beside her, a soft smile gracing her lips as she watched the screen.

When the show reached a particularly humorous moment, they erupted into laughter, their giggles perfectly synchronized—a beautiful reminder of how effortlessly they connected.

Halfway through the episode, Tiffany’s phone alarm blared, cutting through their laughter. Without a second thought, she pulled out a neatly wrapped box and thrust it into Sydney’s hands.

“Happy birthday, baby! May everything go your way, and may your research succeed!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

A warm glow spread through Sydney’s chest, her smile softening as she accepted the gift. “What’s this?”