Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 39

show of asking for permission when the outcome had already been decided.

His concern felt performative–like a neighbor casually asking after dinner, “Have you eaten?” The question didn’t

matter, and neither did the answer.

Sometimes, Sydney thought that kind of superficial care was part of why their marriage lasted as long as three years.

Caleb would say things like, “Remember to take magnesium during your period.”

If she got caught in the rain, he’d say, “Take a hot shower.”

If she tripped, he’d tell her, “Be careful next time.”

But he never prepared the dissolvable magnesium tablet for her. Never brought an umbrella. Never offered to take her to

the hospital. His kindness never moved beyond words.

As expected, he agreed and reminded her, “Come home early.”

Sydney nodded. “Okay.”

Whether she actually came home or not wasn’t something he’d bother to consider.

Caleb and Penelope walked toward the gate.

Halfway there, Penelope suddenly slapped her forehead. “Cal, you go ahead. I think I left my phone in the car. I’ll go

grab it.”

“Okay,” he said, frowning slightly.

Sydney had never been forgetful. Despite her age, she was always composed and well–organized–more mature than

most. Caleb had never had to worry about her.

Just as Sydney stepped out of the compound, her phone rang. Tiffany was on her way to pick her up.

She had barely hung up when a voice called out, “Sydney!”

Penelope approached with a smug smile. “Do you know why Cal came today?”

8:40 AM Sun 24 Aug

To become Alan’s protégé was to step into the field already crowned with prestige. Penelope turned away, already savoring victory. She did not bother to wait for a response.

Alan leaned back on the sofa, sipping the digestive tonic Sydney had brewed before leaving. “You want me to take your sister–in–law as my protégé?”

His eyes scanned the gifts on the coffee table: a jar of wild–harvested echinacea, a bundle of dried goldenseal, and a

pouch of organic ginseng root. It was a significant investment. Plain sincerity.

Caleb nodded. “Yes. Dr. Conton, I know you’re at retirement age and not accepting students anymore. But she’s really been through a lot.”

Alan paused, then spoke with cool authority. “If she’s had it rough, surely having her scandal–ridden brother–in–law hasn’t helped. You know how much shame you’ve dragged your wife through.”

His voice held a subtle edge. He was defending Sydney, even if only through sarcasm.

Caleb didn’t flinch. “You’ve seen the news. She said it was a misunderstanding, not the truth.”

Alan scoffed, impressed that he could lie with a straight face. “Whether it’s true or not, I see it all clearly.”

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