Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 354

**Chapter 354**

Elliot found himself at a loss for words, the silence stretching uncomfortably between them.

‘What’s so terrible about playing the victim? It’s certainly more dignified than watching your wife run off with someone else,’ he mused bitterly, his mind racing through the implications of his current predicament.

Before he could gather his thoughts and respond, Julian’s phone buzzed to life, illuminating the dim space with the bright screen of an incoming video call. His eyebrows dipped in a mixture of annoyance and boredom as he swiped to answer, “It’s too early for this. What do you want?”

On the other end of the line stood Raymond, just stepping out of the inpatient wing, a casual demeanor belied by the white coat he wore, one hand nonchalantly tucked into his pocket. “Heard you got hurt. Thought I’d extend my condolences,” he said, his voice dripping with feigned sympathy.

Julian’s response was icy, a protective wall against the intrusion. “Condolences, or have you just called to gawk at my misfortune?”

Raymond coughed, momentarily choking on his own breath, his eyes flicking to the bruise that marred Julian’s cheek. “Sydney must be heartbroken, huh?” he remarked, a hint of mockery in his tone.

It felt like every single one of them was intent on prodding at the raw wound that had been festering since last night.

Julian’s mind spiraled back to the previous evening, when Sydney had known about his confrontation with Caleb yet hadn’t bothered to reach out, not even with a simple text. Frustration bubbled within him as he recalled his futile attempt to catch her by the elevators that morning, only to be met with Tiffany’s dismissive words—Sydney had left for the clinic before dawn had even broken.

Work was all that mattered to her now, he thought bitterly, annoyance prickling through him like a thousand tiny needles. “If that’s all you wanted to say, I’m hanging up,” he declared, ready to cut this conversation short.

Raymond, however, relished the opportunity to twist the knife deeper. “Still ignoring you, is she?” he taunted, a smirk evident even through the screen.

Julian was on the verge of launching a sharp retort when Raymond’s attention was suddenly diverted. Without warning, he ended the call, leaving Julian staring at the blank screen in irritation.

Moments later, a voice note buzzed in, the sound breaking the tension. “I just spotted Sydney’s best friend. Hang tight. I’ll sacrifice my charm to dig out the truth,” Raymond’s voice crackled through, a playful challenge that made Julian almost chuckle. ‘Sacrifice his charm? For whom? And does the girl even care?’ It was as if Raymond believed he was making a noble sacrifice for a cause greater than himself.

‘Glen Linus…’ The mention of the name sent a jolt through Raymond’s chest, a reminder of the complexities that had woven their lives together.

He stepped away, seeking solace in the smoking area at the far end of the hall, lighting up two cigarettes in quick succession before he could find his breath again.

Just as he crushed the last butt underfoot, the woman in red emerged from the ward. Tiffany gently closed the door behind her, then turned, only to collide directly with him.

Her calm gaze swept over him, unfazed, as if she had anticipated this moment. She had likely seen his name on the patient’s chart: [Attending Physician, Dr. Raymond Hutton.]

Without flinching, she met his eyes and asked evenly, “Dr. Hutton, may I inquire about Ms. Miller’s condition? Roughly how long will she need to stay?”

“And in what capacity are you asking? As my ex-girlfriend or as the patient’s future daughter-in-law?” he shot back, the sharpness of his words cutting through the air.