Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 407

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 407**

**Chapter 407**

“I don’t have a mom anymore,” little Sydney murmured, her tiny lips pressing together tightly, as if she were trying to seal away the tears that threatened to spill. But instead of letting her sorrow show, a brave smile broke through, illuminating her face with a flicker of hope.

With a gentle tug on Julian’s hand, she led him away from the somber atmosphere of the mourning hall, her eyes sparkling with a childlike wonder as she pointed up toward the vast expanse of the night sky. “She and Dad turned into stars up there,” she declared, her voice a soft melody, yet filled with an unwavering certainty. “They’re watching over me every single day. Your mom and dad must be up there too, right?”

Before they stepped out into the cool night air, she reached into her pocket and pressed the last piece of candy into Julian’s palm, her small fingers brushing against his.

Julian glanced down at the colorful treat, a frown creasing his brow. “Do you have any left for yourself?” he inquired, concern lacing his voice.

She shook her head, her expression resolute. “No. But it’s okay. I don’t need any more.”

Later, as he sought out the maids to inquire about Sydney, an unsettling realization washed over him. She did need it—more than anyone else he knew. Those two candies were her only treasures, little tokens of sweetness in her otherwise bitter world. Even as they neared their expiration, she had yet to indulge in them, holding onto them like precious gems.

From that day forward, Julian made it his mission to shower her with every kind of sweet he could find, stacking them like offerings meant to bring her comfort. But he also took it upon himself to ensure she maintained her dental hygiene, reminding her to brush her teeth every morning and night.

Despite his best efforts, the inevitable happened. When she turned ten, she faced her first dental filling. Julian accompanied her, sitting by her side as she cried and wailed, her distress echoing through the sterile room as if the world was crumbling around her.

Through her sobs, she managed to choke out, “You promised I can still eat cake after this, right?”

Julian had never considered himself a sentimental person, yet memories of her had taken root in his heart, growing deeper and more vivid with each passing year. The sound of her laughter, the glimmer of her tears, and her stubborn little habits resurfaced in his mind like waves crashing against the shore, making him ache for her presence each time. Accepting the fact that she had chosen to marry Caleb felt like an insurmountable weight on his chest.

He had moved with urgency, done everything within his power to change the course of events, but it had all been in vain. How could he ever find peace with that reality?

He had never aligned himself with anyone else, yet to Sydney, his words seemed to cut like a knife.

With a faint smile, she asked, “And this is how you show it? By abandoning me back then? Or by expecting me to swallow my pride now?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify