Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 386

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 386**

**Chapter 386**

Florence let out a lighthearted chuckle, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Silly child, since when does the guest escort the host? It’s quite the reverse, you know!”

Sydney, however, maintained her serene demeanor, her smile unwavering. “It’s perfectly fine, Florence. Please, just lie back and don’t move a muscle. I’ll be right back to remove your needles.” Her voice was soothing, a gentle balm against the backdrop of their bustling lives.

Outside, a sleek black sedan idled in the courtyard, its polished surface glinting under the sun. Diana’s luggage was already stowed neatly inside, a testament to her organized nature.

As Sydney walked Diana to the door, a wave of nostalgia washed over her, making it feel as if she were bidding farewell to a family member rather than just a friend. “So, when will you be back next time?” she asked, her heart tinged with an unshakeable sense of longing.

Diana paused, her brow furrowing in thought. “Next time?” she echoed, a hint of sadness in her voice. “Probably not this year. But you’re always welcome to visit me in Brimcrest City.” Her invitation hung in the air, a lifeline thrown across the distance.

Sydney felt a flicker of disappointment flash in her eyes, but the warmth of the invitation made her smile. “Alright then. Once this busy period is over, I’ll make my way to Brimcrest to see you.” The promise of a reunion was a small comfort.

In the back seat of the sedan, Diana stole a glance through the rearview mirror at the young woman standing in the courtyard, her heart heavy with memories. As the car began to roll away, a long-buried recollection stirred within her. It took her back to a winter break in Brookville, where little Vee—barely two years old—had clutched her hand and spun in joyful circles around the courtyard.

Vee, the fifth daughter of the Hutton family, had been a bright light in Diana’s life. When it was finally time for Diana to return to school in Brimcrest City, Vee had cried so fiercely that she chased the car down the road, her tiny voice ringing out between sobs, “Big Sis! Big Sis!” The image of her parents scooping her up, the sound of Vee’s cries echoing in her mind, was one that Diana would never forget.

Back in the courtyard, Sydney stood rooted to the spot until the sedan disappeared from view, an odd emptiness settling in her chest. She turned to head back upstairs, feeling strangely hollow. ‘How peculiar,’ she mused to herself.

She had encountered countless families of patients over the years, yet none had ever left her feeling quite like this. Perhaps it was simply that Diana was exceptionally kind, radiating warmth that lingered long after she had gone.

Upon returning to the room, Florence greeted her with a knowing smile, the kind that spoke volumes. “Actually, Diana should have left this morning. She needs to get back to Brimcrest before heading to a confidential meeting. Leaving now means she’ll have to drive all night to make it on time.”

Sydney blinked in surprise. “Then why didn’t she go earlier?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Florence sighed, her expression softening. “I suppose she wanted to see you again.” All morning, she had watched her daughter make excuses, saying things like, “It’s still early,” or “I’ll leave later.” And yet, when the moment came for Diana to depart, her words had been few. Just a simple acknowledgment that Sydney should take care of herself.

Seeing the surprise etched on her daughter’s face, Florence continued, “She sees you as her little sister. Our Little Vee.”

The words lingered in the air as Sydney returned to Haven, echoing in her mind and stirring an unsettling feeling within her. For a family as powerful as the Huttons, it was striking how they had been rendered utterly helpless when they lost a child, just like anyone else.

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