Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 333

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 333**

**Chapter 333**

The words that slipped from Julian’s lips seemed to float in the air, casual and light, yet they struck Sydney like a thunderclap.

Her initial reaction was to believe that he was confessing something monumental to her. But as clarity washed over her, she dismissed the notion almost immediately. It was utterly impossible.

Julian had never so much as glanced at anyone like Charlotte, the epitome of a wealthy heiress. How could he possibly be interested in her? She was a divorcee, for heaven’s sake, the very woman who had walked to his doorstep to finalize a contract.

Taking a deep breath, Sydney steadied herself. This time, she wouldn’t shy away. She met his gaze head-on, a fire igniting within her as she resolved to get to the bottom of this. “What do you mean by ‘treat you as my boyfriend?’ Julian, are you confessing your feelings to me? Or is this just some kind of rehearsal before you pursue a real girlfriend?”

“Me?” Julian’s laughter was tinged with a hint of anger, his voice dropping into an icy tone. “Practice on you? If I were looking for practice, do you really think you’d be my choice?”

Despite her sharp mind, Sydney found herself spiraling into unexpected thoughts whenever emotions were at play. Practice? How had she even entertained such a ridiculous idea?

Before she could ponder further, the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime.

Julian stepped out first, his demeanor still charged with tension.

As was customary, Elliot took Sydney’s keys to drive her car back to Haven, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken weight in the air.

Once inside the vehicle, even Peter, who was usually slow to pick up on emotional cues, sensed the oppressive atmosphere. He quietly raised the divider, effectively isolating the front from the back.

In the rear, Julian and Sydney sat at opposite ends, an invisible chasm between them, neither daring to break the silence.

Sydney’s gaze was glued to the vibrant neon lights flashing outside, her heart racing with uncertainty. Had she misstepped with her words? The urge to apologize clawed at her, but she had no idea how to begin.

Yet, if his words hadn’t been a joke, could it mean he actually had feelings for her? Even just a smidgen? Did he genuinely like her? And what about her own feelings?

The sudden intimacy jolted Sydney out of her reverie, and before she could filter her thoughts, the truth spilled out. “I was thinking… whether I can still like you now.”

As soon as the words escaped her lips, a wave of regret washed over her. She had stumbled again.

Julian, ever quick on the uptake, seized the moment. The last remnants of irritation vanished from his eyes, replaced by a playful glint as he teased, “Now? Can you still…”

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a coaxing whisper, “Precious, did you secretly like me before?”

‘Secretly…’ The word, laden with their complicated history, sent a jolt through Sydney. In a flash, she slapped his hand away from her chin, refusing to meet his intense gaze.

She had matured over the years. She understood that, despite the absence of any blood ties, everyone had always regarded her as Julian’s little sister. The thought of them having any other kind of relationship or feelings felt utterly unthinkable.

**Chapter 334**