Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 162

Chapter 162

Ever since learning that Charlotte was not his girlfriend, Sydney had unconsciously ignored the possibility that there was still someone else. Not Charlotte–but another woman.

If that were true, what had her behavior last night meant?

Unease crept in at the thought.

Julian heard her shift and turned his head, glancing at her. He finished speaking into the phone with patient calm, then hung up and looked back.

“Your head’s clear now?” His voice held the same calm as always, as if nothing had happened.

Sydney froze as she realized that he meant last night. Remembering that he had a girlfriend, she suddenly did not know how to respond.

As for Tiffany, she assumed Julian had already handled it. If she tried to back out now, it would look like using him and discarding him. Worse, it might irritate him and leave Tiffany in an even more precarious position.

But if she didn’t back out…

She stayed silent, brows drawn, lips pressed tight.

Julian arched a brow at her hesitation. “So, how long are you planning to sell yourself to me?”

“I…” Sydney hesitated, then forced the words out. “I just remembered that you have a girlfriend.”

He paused, recalling what he had said in the underground garage. He had tossed the words out casually, but she had held onto them all this time.

He gave a brief, even laugh. “We broke up.”

Relief slid through her chest. She opened her mouth, but his unhurried drawl cut in.

‘And besides, even if I hadn’t, it would still be fair. I have a girlfriend, and you’re married. Sydney, if I can play the other man, why should you care?” His voice carried a faint mockery, a deliberate taunt.

Her breath caught. In that instant, she realized another overlooked fact. She knew they were divorced, but Julian did not. Perhaps it was for the best. For appearances‘ sake, he would keep their secret buried.

She dropped her gaze. “Then, how long do you want?”

“Depends on my mood.” Typical of him–capricious, unyielding.

She knew she had no room to negotiate, “Alright. Whenever you’re tired of me, just say the word.”

“I have one condition.” His voice cooled.

Standing by the table, Sydney looked up instinctively. “What is it?”

He leaned one hand on the table and closed the distance. His dark eyes locked onto hers with a force that stole

her breath. “From now on… Caleb is not allowed to touch you again. Not even a finger.”

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Sydney was not surprised and agreed immediately. “Fine.”

She wouldn’t have needed him to say it anyway. That distance would remain between her and Caleb.

When Julian fell silent, she blinked. “That’s it?”

“Yeah.” His gaze flicked away, indifferent again. “You washed up yet?”

“No, I’ll just go…

He caught her wrist in a firm grip and tilted his jaw toward the master bathroom. “There are new toiletries in the drawer.”

“Okay.” She did not refuse. She had already offered herself, so there was no point in being delicate now.

After brushing and washing in the bathroom, she set her toothbrush down and noticed his black electric one beside it.

She lowered her gaze to her white toothbrush. One black, one white. Even the cups were paired. His deep blue, hers pale pink. After a pause, she lined them up neatly.

Shuffling out in slippers, she froze at the sight of the thick cheese omelet on the table.

For a heartbeat, she went blank.

As a child, she had hated boiled eggs. Breakfast had always been rolled omelets, because she loved them. Julian disliked cheese, yet each time he would eat it with a frown–he had silently allowed the chef to keep making it for her.

Now he acted as though he hadn’t noticed her daze. He pulled out a chair and sat. “Eat.”

Sydney couldn’t let go of her worry. “When can I go to the police station?”