Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 14 Sydney did not spare a thought for how that so-called happy family was spending their Christmas Eve. After dinner, she squatted in the courtyard, carefully sculpting a Santa Claus out of snow. Her fingers turned red from the cold before she finally went inside for a hot bath. Perhaps because Nancy had turned up the heat due to the snow, the room felt uncomfortably warm. Sydney lacked the energy to dry her hair. She leaned against the headboard, opened a book, and before long, curled up and fell asleep. Sydney was jolted awake the next morning by a loud crash.

It was unclear whether it came from downstairs or just outside her door, but the sound was sharp and unmistakable. Timothy was likely tearing through the house again. She pushed aside her sleepiness, freshened up, and headed downstairs for breakfast. She had barely stepped onto the stairs when Timothy suddenly appeared, his hands on his hips and eyes blazing. "You wicked woman! Go die!" Sydney frowned, about to speak, but the boy charged at her. She dodged quickly, but something yanked hard at her lower back. She lost her balance and tumbled down the stairs.

Her entire body took the brunt of the fall. Her temple slammed into the stone steps, and blood streamed down her face. Lying in a twisted heap, Sydney gritted her teeth and slowly lifted her head, only to see Penelope standing at the top of the stairs with a calm, almost amused smile. "I'm not moving out," Penelope said softly. "So stop dreaming." It was Penelope who had pulled her. Nancy rushed in at the sound, petrified by the sight. 1/3 Sun 24 Aug Chapter 14 Sydney, barely conscious, forced out, "Call an ambulance." "Yes, okay!" Nancy fumbled for the phone, dialing 911 in a panic.

Sydney felt when she came to. It was so deep it felt like her whole body had shattered. A cold liquid dripped into her veins through an IV. The room was empty except for the sounds of an argument on the balcony outside. Caleb's voice was tight with fury, harsher than she had ever heard. "Are you insane? I told you

defending her?" Penelope shouted. She could not believe it. That bitch must have said something to him. Last night, Sydney had been so happy spending Christmas with Caleb, only for him to suddenly announce he had arranged a new place for her and Timothy. He had told her to move out as soon as possible. "You're unbelievable!" Caleb snapped. "Even if all that were