Chapter 99
Caleb suddenly turned to her, eyes sharp and unblinking “Also? Who else goes by the nickname Precious?”
It wasn’t exactly rare. Plenty of kids were called that growing up. Still, the way he was staring made Sydney feel uneasy.
She dropped her gaze, hiding her reaction. “No one. Just figured it’s a pretty common name.”
Today had already shown her how far Caleb would go to protect Penelope. If he found out Penelope used to bully her? He’d take her side again. Or worse, he’d let Penelope twist the truth and play the victim.
And Sydney wasn’t even completely sure. Not yet. ‘But this pendant…‘
She pressed her lips together, then looked up with an innocent expression. “Cal, this pendant is really unique. Can I borrow it for a few days? I have a friend who makes jewelry. I want to get one just like it.”
Maybe it was guilt over what happened to Timothy. Or maybe he’d always known he owed her more than he could repay. Either way, faced with Sydney’s soft, slightly pleading look, Caleb hesitated, then nodded. ” Okay.”
S
Still, thinking of how much the pendant meant to Penelope, he added gently, “Just be careful with it, alright? Don’t let it get scratched.”
“Sure,” Sydney said, nodding with rare sincerity.
It was one of the few moments in recent memory when she had shown that kind of emotion around him. Even Caleb seemed briefly thrown, as if he’d caught a glimpse of the sweet, obedient girl he used to know.
He reached out and patted her head. “Alright. Eat up. See if the food suits your taste.”
“Okay.” This time, Sydney actually meant it. Now that she had found something so important to her again,
even the food tasted better.
…
After eating, they left the restaurant together.
It was still early, but the short winter days had already cloaked Jouleston in dazzling lights.
They walked side by side to the car.
As always, Caleb played the gentleman and opened the door for her. “Come on. It’s been a while since we went home together.”
Sydney slid one hand into her coat pocket and rubbed the smooth, warm pendant tucked inside. Her mind was already racing, trying to find a polite, reasonable excuse to turn him down.
She’d made her decision the day she moved out of Viridian Garden. No matter what, she wasn’t going back- not even for one night to keep up appearances.
Just as she started scrambling for an excuse, her phone buzzed in the other pocket.
She didn’t bother checking the caller ID. Whoever it was whatever they wanted, she’d take it as her out. Even if it turned out to be a scam call.
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Chapter 99
“Hello? Tiff?”
+15 BONUS
It wasn’t a scam. Thankfully, it was Tiffany. And as if they were perfectly in sync, Tiffany’s cheerful voice came through the line. “You off work yet? You’re not pulling overtime, right? Hurry back! I’ve got a surprise for you!”
Sydney blinked. “Surprise?”
Tiffany sounded smug. “Yeap! Just come back quickly. Twenty minutes tops. I’m not waiting!”
“Okay, I’m heading there now.”
As soon as the call ended, the weight on her chest eased She turned to Caleb with a relaxed smile. “Tiff asked me to stop by. You go ahead first.”
He’d overheard enough of the call to recognize Tiffany’s voice. But Caleb wasn’t clueless. As Sydney turned to leave, he swallowed hard and asked, “Syd… you’ve already moved out, haven’t you?”
Sydney froze. She hadn’t expected him to ask. Or maybe she’d just stopped expecting him to notice anything at all. Most of those three years, she hadn’t even seen him at home.
