Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 5 Author: Lean When Caleb took the gift box from her, he felt something brush his chest. It was quick and light but sharp enough to catch his breath. It did not exactly hurt, yet it made breathing slightly more difficult. The bow on the box had been tied with painstaking care. It showed how much effort she had invested and how long she had planned this gift. Meanwhile, he was a complete bastard, harboring selfish, shameful thoughts. Before Caleb could speak, Sydney had already moved to the entryway.

She slipped on a beige wool coat and wrapped a scarf around her neck, her delicate oval face mostly hidden. Only her dark, clear eyes remained visible. Then she left, but her stride seemed off. Caleb was about to ask what was wrong when Penelope gasped beside him. "Ahh! That hurts..." He immediately focused on her and helped her sit down. "Are your knees still that bad? Let me take you to the hospital." "I don't want to go." She bit her lip and glanced at the box in his hands, muttering, "And you say you're not falling for her? You treat her gift like some priceless treasure." Caleb frowned.

"Penny, I already owe her so much." Tears slipped down her cheeks. "And what about me, Cal? What am I supposed to be to you? Are you just going to let her keep bullying me and Timmy?" "I already said Syd's not like that," he said. "Enough!" Penelope's voice cracked. "Can't you hear yourself? Every word you say defends her!" She stood, crying in dramatic sobs, and dragged Timothy upstairs. Caleb sat stunned for a moment before slowly exhaling. He wasn't even sure what he was thinking anymore. He simply could not stand anyone speaking ill of Sydney. ... Snow fell steadily for two days.

Sydney spent the morning seeing patients at the clinic. In the afternoon, she covered a session with overseas doctors who had come to learn from her senior, who was unexpectedly absent. By 5:00 p.m., she was back home, changing and applying light makeup. She needed little. Her bright eyes and perfect teeth made her stand out even with minimal effort. As she came downstairs, she sensed something was off. Since arriving, the house had been eerily quiet. That mother-son duo was unusually well-behaved.

tall boots, Penelope asked her with a venomous smile, "Sydney, who do you think he'll choose? Me or you?" "Penelope, what are you talking about? I don't quite follow." Sydney paused, then smiled. "Oh? So you're not trying to spin

marry this "sweet and pliable" girl, she had assumed that Sydney would be easy to control. Who would have guessed she was a rabbit with fangs? Sydney slid into the car and turned

"If you catch a cold or get a fever, don't expect me to take care of you." "I'll take medicine," she said. Colds were easy. One dose of herbs and she would mostly be fine. Over the past three years, she had relied on herself. She had long stopped expecting him to care for her-or anyone else. Caleb did not know

who doesn't care about you." She paused. "You didn't open the gift I gave you yesterday?" "Not yet." Caleb looked out the window. "It's a birthday gift, right? I figured I'd wait." "Sure." 'That works. More time for me to get ready,' she thought. They had little to say, so the ride