Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 258

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 258**
**Chapter 258**

A sleek black Bentley glided effortlessly along the winding road, its polished surface gleaming under the midday sun.

In the plush back seat, Julian reclined, his eyes closed in a moment of rare tranquility. The gentle hum of the engine was almost soothing, lulling him into a state of relaxation. However, the peace was abruptly shattered when his phone vibrated insistently against the leather seat. Slowly, he opened his eyes, squinting momentarily at the brightness before glancing at the screen. Without hesitation, he swiped to answer.

The moment the call connected, Raymond’s voice erupted through the speaker, filled with urgency and excitement. “Did you see what they posted?”

Julian’s brow furrowed slightly as he recalled the chaotic energy of the group chat he had just skimmed through after finishing work. It felt as if he had stumbled into the midst of a dramatic soap opera, where secrets and revelations unfolded with every scroll.

To his shock, Sydney had emerged as the long-lost love Caleb had been searching for all these years. His heart sank as he imagined the whirlwind of emotions that must have enveloped their reunion. The group chat was buzzing with activity, everyone eagerly planning a lunch gathering to dissect the news. Yet, Raymond wasn’t interested in the gossip; he was solely focused on gauging Julian’s reaction, which is why he had called so quickly.

Julian’s sharp eyebrows arched slightly at the revelation. His voice was cool and clipped, revealing none of the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. “I’m not blind.”

Only two hours had passed since his plane had touched down, and he had already witnessed Caleb’s theatrical announcement splashed across social media. Anyone who knew him could sense the simmering frustration bubbling just beneath his calm exterior.

Raymond pressed on, his tone shifting to one of caution. “So, are you planning to give up? Legally, your ‘sister’ and Caleb are bound together. We can’t exactly do something reckless now.”

Julian Sterling had always carried himself with a sense of pride that was almost palpable. The fact that he had once allowed himself to be the hidden lover was a shock in itself. There was no way he would further humiliate himself by seeking explanations from Sydney. This tangled affair would eventually fade away, just as it had three years prior.

The car glided past rows of trees lining the road, shadows dancing across Julian’s chiseled features, masking the storm of emotions within.

“Give up what?” His voice, low and steady, sliced through the silence of the car.

Julian pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly before answering with a calm resolve, “Discuss marriage.”

“What?” Raymond’s interest piqued instantly, his gossip radar going off the charts, but before he could probe deeper, the call abruptly ended with a sharp click.

Up front, Elliot, the driver, couldn’t suppress a smirk. The casual mention of marriage sounded absurd, especially considering Sydney and Caleb were likely dining at the same restaurant. Julian was undoubtedly seething with jealousy, yet his pride prevented him from admitting it.

What a fool he was. When would he understand that sometimes, being a man meant letting go of one’s pride before it consumed him entirely?

Elliot’s thoughts drifted momentarily, but practicality soon pulled him back to reality. “Mr. Sterling, should you call Ms. Wilson? Just in case she needs you.”

Julian’s gaze flicked to his phone, which buzzed again, the screen lighting up with a flurry of new photos that cascaded one after the other.