Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 383

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 383**

**Chapter 383**

Agatha took a deep breath, shaking off the unease that had settled in her chest like a heavy stone. With determination, she ascended the staircase, her steps echoing softly against the walls as she made her way to Sydney’s office. She knocked gently on the half-closed door, her voice warm and inviting. “Syd, are you off work yet?”

Inside the office, Sydney had just slipped out of her crisp white coat, the fabric still crisp and clean, a testament to her professionalism. She turned, her face lighting up with a smile that could brighten even the dullest of days. “Yeah, just about to. What brings you here? I thought you came by for a prescription just a few days ago?”

Agatha recalled the last two rounds of medication Sydney had prescribed, and how much better she felt since then. Sydney had wisely decided against prescribing more; after all, too much medication could tip the balance from healing to harm.

“I brought you some food,” Agatha said, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She approached the desk, her heart swelling with affection as she opened an insulated lunch container. “I know you usually grab something quick after consultations, so I made some soup and two of your favorite dishes. You’re carrying a child now, Syd. You can’t treat yourself the way you used to.”

Though Agatha had initially intended to play matchmaker between her grandson and Sydney, that thought had faded over time. Instead, her concern for Sydney had grown, especially with the knowledge that the young doctor was neglecting her own well-being amidst her busy schedule.

Sydney, who had just been about to indulge in a quick meal, felt an unexpected wave of gratitude wash over her as she took in Agatha’s kind gesture. “How did you know I was craving this?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with surprise and delight.

Inside the container lay a feast that seemed to have been crafted from her very dreams: a clear, aromatic soup devoid of grease, tender pulled barbecue beef paired with sweet pineapple, perfectly baked cod, and a refreshing green salad—everything she had been longing for.

Agatha chuckled softly. “Pregnant women usually crave something sweet or tangy. I already had my fill, so go ahead and enjoy.”

“Alright,” Sydney replied, her voice brightening as she dug in with enthusiasm.

Agatha watched her with a softened expression, her heart swelling as she observed the comfort Sydney found in the meal. She reached out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind Sydney’s ear, her gaze as tender as if she were looking at her own granddaughter. “Eat slowly. Chew well. It’ll help with your digestion.”

“Okay,” Sydney nodded, her demeanor shifting from that of a composed, professional doctor to a more vulnerable, childlike version of herself, her innocence shining through.

The meal was a revelation; it was the most satisfying thing she had tasted in days, and surprisingly, even her morning sickness didn’t trouble her. Yet, Agatha’s brow furrowed with concern. “Are you not being cared for properly during your pregnancy?”

Raising a child alone was a formidable challenge, and children from incomplete families often bore the weight of their parents’ choices.

Sydney pressed her lips together, her resolve firm. “It was an accident, but I’m keeping it.”

Agatha was momentarily speechless. What was the point of bringing a child into the world with someone so irresponsible? Yet, she knew it wasn’t her place to interfere. All she could do was commit to looking after Sydney more closely from now on.

Still, she couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “You’ve got a kind heart. It’s a life, after all. But your ex-husband is really worthless.”

Only then did Sydney realize that when Agatha spoke of “ex,” she wasn’t referring to Julian at all—it was Caleb.

Meanwhile, Caleb was driving back to the Hampton estate, a storm brewing inside him. George, the family’s loyal butler, had already called him twice with concern. Ever since that incident when Caleb had sent his mother home, she had fallen ill from a mix of anger and disappointment.