Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 466

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 466**
**Chapter 466**

Sydney felt a weight in her chest, a pressing urge to share the truth that had been gnawing at her. “Julian, it turns out I don’t have parents.”

But that wasn’t the whole story. No, it was far more complex than that. Everything she had ever known—the life she had lived, the identity she had claimed—had been a façade, a borrowed existence that belonged to someone else. Even the name Sydney felt foreign to her, like a costume she wore but never truly owned. Deep down, she grappled with the haunting question of who she really was.

As Julian lowered his gaze, his eyes met hers and he found himself staring into a storm of confusion and hurt. It was as if a part of him melted at the sight of her vulnerability. He wrestled with the impulse to lean in and kiss her, one hand resting gently on her waist while the other instinctively tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, a soft gesture that spoke volumes.

“What’s wrong? Is it the online stuff? Are you feeling hurt?” His voice was low, warm, wrapping around her like a soft blanket.

Anyone else witnessing this tender moment would have thought they were imagining it, for Julian was not known for such displays of affection.

Yet Sydney had seen this side of him countless times—his quiet patience, the way he always approached her with gentleness when she was troubled. He had never belittled her feelings or dismissed her emotions as mere dramatics. Before the rift had formed between them, he had always honored her feelings, shouldering her burdens without complaint.

So, this display of tenderness didn’t surprise her. She held his gaze for what felt like an eternity before finally whispering, “Julian, who do you think I really am?”

This was the first time he had witnessed such a profound confusion etched across her face. Since she was a child, aside from those fleeting moments of being spoiled and willful, she had always possessed a clear sense of her desires—what she could achieve and what was beyond her grasp.

His surprise was palpable, catching him off guard. His fingers, still tangled in her hair, hesitated for a brief moment.

Raising an eyebrow slightly, he replied, half-teasing yet imbued with sincerity, “You’re my little sister.”

The words hung in the air, and Sydney felt her voice falter, her breath catching in her throat. She attempted to rise, but his arm remained firmly around her, anchoring her in place. His dark, endless eyes bore into hers, searching.

“Who you are doesn’t matter,” he said softly, his voice steady and unwavering. “What truly matters is that you’re you.”

Sydney froze, her heart pounding in her chest. His words resonated within her, and she lifted her gaze, meeting his. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and her voice trembled as she asked, “Just being me is enough?”

It was a revelation she had never even considered, a notion that had eluded her grasp.

She had become so ensnared by the question of her identity that she had overlooked the possibility that it might not be as crucial as she had thought.

Seeing the depth of her turmoil, Julian’s usual nonchalance began to fade, replaced by genuine concern.

It had been an eternity since she had dared to ask for something so simple, to allow herself to sound small and vulnerable in his presence.

Julian froze, caught off guard by her request.

“Julian, hug me,” she murmured again, her tone now laced with a hint of desperation.

The softness of her plea snapped him back to reality. His hand tightened around her waist, and he attempted to lighten the mood with a teasing remark. “Haven’t I been holding you this whole time?”

Of course, she was aware of that. She had been nestled in his lap, wrapped in his arms, feeling the warmth radiate between them. But that wasn’t what she meant. She longed for him to hold her closer, to envelop her entirely, to make her feel safe and real, just for once.

And if he wouldn’t? That was fine too.

As Sydney began to rise, this time he didn’t stop her. His hand slipped away, leaving a sudden void that burned deep within her. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, a heat creeping up her face as she realized she had finally allowed herself to be vulnerable, only to feel rejected. As her feet touched the cold floor, an urge to flee and disappear washed over her.

But just as she turned to escape, something gentle caught her attention. A single finger hooked around her little finger, holding her there, anchoring her to the moment.