Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 10 When Caleb stood before Sydney, the harsh edge in his demeanor faded. He softened visibly, though an unreadable shadow lingered behind his eyes. "You're back." Sydney took half a step back and spoke softly. "Have you eaten yet? Nancy made dinner-" "Sydney," he cut in, his voice tight as he chose his words carefully. "About what's online... It's not what it looks like. I can explain." "Mm. I believe you," she replied calmly, without hesitation. Caleb froze. He had always known Sydney was obedient, but this was not a scenario he had prepared for.

Before coming home, his friends had told him he was doomed. No woman, no matter how gentle, would stay silent after learning her husband had cheated. But Sydney did not cry. She did not scream or slap him. Nothing. That calm, almost perfunctory trust twisted something inside him. Something was wrong. He frowned, and a word surfaced in his mind. 'Indifference.' Sydney did not care. She did not care whether he cheated or kissed another woman. Her face showed no emotion. She looked as serene as ever. She grabbed a coat casually.

"I'm heading to the hospital to check on Grandma." Caleb suddenly felt something slipping away. Without thinking, he reached out, gently caught her wrist, and carefully probed, "Syd, aren't you even a little angry?" Sydney blinked, slightly surprised. Being the Hampton family's daughter-in-law was no easy task. She thought this calm reaction would ease Caleb's mind. But no, it wasn't relief he sought. He wanted her anger.

calmly and asked slowly, "If I said I was angry, would you cut ties with Penelope?" Caleb's expression faltered. After a beat, he said, "Sydney, believe it or not,

with a faint smile, "I wasn't asking where your body would be. I was asking where your heart is." He froze. In that brief pause, Sydney gently pulled her wrist free and walked out. By the time Sydney reached the hospital, Dorothy was already asleep. She left again, driving aimlessly through the night like someone without a home. No, it was not just like that-she truly had nowhere to go. It was nearly

to her room and took a long, comforting hot shower. As