Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 284

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 284**

**Chapter 284**

Before Sydney had the chance to utter a single word, the unmistakable sound of Tiffany’s heels echoed through the room. Each click resonated like a warning bell as she strode forward with purpose. “Mr. Hampton,” she began, her voice laced with a mixture of authority and protectiveness, “Syd has already given you plenty of chances.”

Caleb’s heart sank at her words, the weight of her tone pressing down on him. He could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating. “If you want her to even consider talking to you again,” Tiffany continued, her gaze unwavering, “how about letting her spend her birthday with us first? For the past three years, she has celebrated every single one of her birthdays with me and Marcus—not you.”

The unspoken challenge hung between them like a taut string ready to snap. “Who do you think you are?” it seemed to whisper. “Just because you’ve finally come to your senses doesn’t mean Sydney has to listen to you. Keep trying to force her, and the most you’ll ever be is a stranger in her life.”

Caleb felt his fists clench tightly, the frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. But as he took a deep breath, he slowly relaxed his grip, letting the tension seep away. His gaze flickered between the three of them, the weight of their shared history pressing down on him. “You’re all celebrating with her?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Of course,” Tiffany replied, her arm slipping around Sydney’s shoulders in a show of solidarity. Her smile was bright, but there was an undeniable sharpness to her words. “Syd knows boundaries. Marcus is just her senior. She’d never celebrate her birthday with him alone.”

Caleb’s mind raced, a tide of memories crashing over him. Unlike you, who used to sneak off with your sister-in-law for every holiday. You even wanted to spend your wedding anniversary with her. The realization of his past mistakes loomed large, and he couldn’t shake the feeling of being cornered.

He turned his attention to Sydney, the warmth of her presence a stark contrast to the cold reality of his situation. “Then I’ll wait for you at home,” he said, his voice heavy with resignation.

Was it fear of her rejection that drove him, or was he simply too accustomed to making decisions for her? The uncertainty gnawed at him as he walked away, leaving behind a silence thick with unspoken words.

Tiffany ruffled Sydney’s hair affectionately, her demeanor shifting to one of encouragement. “Come on, don’t let someone unimportant ruin your birthday mood,” she said, her tone light yet firm.

Sydney managed a faint smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Weren’t we meeting at the restaurant? Why did you come here?”

“Picking up the birthday girl after work shows a little more sincerity, doesn’t it?” Tiffany replied, her enthusiasm infectious as she tugged Sydney toward the exit. “Leave your car here. I’ll drop you at the clinic tomorrow morning.”

The three of them piled into the car, the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation.

Julian, his focus unwavering, replied coldly, “Because I’m not the most important person to her right now.” The words dripped with a bitterness that stung like salt in a wound.

Going would only humiliate him, and he knew it.

“And who is?” Raymond asked, his eyes narrowing as they flicked toward the gentle senior beside Sydney. “Marcus?”

Julian’s chest tightened at the thought, his tone sharpening. “No. It’s the ex you could never win back, no matter how hard you tried.”

Raymond didn’t flinch, his confidence unwavering as he shot back. “Oh? Then you’re no match for Tiffany either. She’s been by Sydney’s side longer than you have.”

A smirk crept onto Raymond’s face, a challenge glinting in his eyes. “What makes you think you’ll be the one who wins her?”