Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 341

**Chapter 341**

In those days, Sydney was nothing short of a little despot, yet Julian found it impossible to resist her whims.

Whenever the tension in the air threatened to snap his patience, she would cast him a look filled with feigned innocence and say, “Julian, I only have you. If you smoke yourself to death, what will I do? Or better yet, why don’t you smoke more? I’ll breathe in more secondhand smoke, and we can die together.”

Her words, simple yet piercing, would leave him utterly speechless. What could he possibly do but yield to her?

As time rolled on, when her determination to marry Caleb became unyielding, Julian found himself not just smoking more but spiraling into addiction, caught in a web he couldn’t escape. Perhaps he had reached a point where he felt there was no longer a reason to quit. It was only in the past few months that he had begun to make half-hearted attempts to break free from the grip of his habit.

Observing Julian’s disheveled state, Raymond couldn’t resist a playful jab. “Not to be rude, but you two aren’t even officially together yet. Everything’s still up in the air, and here you are, treating her like she’s made of glass. Just imagine how you’ll act if you actually tie the knot!”

Julian’s gaze fell, his eyes drifting lazily toward the staircase. With a hint of sarcasm, he replied, “That’s only if she’s even interested in marrying me.”

Who knew what absurdities she had been fed by Caleb this time?

Raymond picked up on the tension. “You guys had a spat?”

Julian replied with a flat tone, “We didn’t clash.”

It was more of a one-sided cold war, with him left in the silence, while she chose to ignore him altogether.

Noticing the dark cloud hanging over Julian’s mood, Raymond chuckled, “So she’s giving you the silent treatment? Let me tell you, women need a little coaxing. If you keep acting like you’re above it all, why would anyone want to bother with you?”

Julian shot back with a sneer, “Is that so? And has Tiffany been bothering with you?”

That was a low blow.

Raymond choked on his drink, “She’s different.”

Most women in relationships craved emotional investment, but Tiffany was a rarity. She was focused solely on outcomes. If things didn’t unfold according to her desires, no amount of sweet talk would sway her.

As Sydney and James exited the restaurant, the sky had already donned its cloak of darkness.

“James, I’m sorry for troubling you with all this,” she said, her voice tinged with gratitude. After thanking him, she added, “I’ll head back first.”

While assisting her with the documents, James had gleaned snippets of her past. Her life had been a struggle; she had lost her parents at the tender age of five, and not long after, the Sterlings had taken her in.

James was not one to meddle in others’ affairs, but as he watched her slender figure make its way to her car, he felt a sudden urge to reach out. “If you ever need help again, don’t hesitate to come to me directly.”

Sydney turned back, a warm smile breaking across her face. “Alright,” she said, her voice light and reassuring.

**Chapter 342**

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