Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 467

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 467**

**Chapter 467**

Julian’s voice, deep and playful, danced through the air, carrying with it a teasing lilt that made Sydney’s heart flutter. “What are you running for? Don’t want me to hold you anymore?”

Sydney shot back, her pride flaring like a flame. “Who asked you to?”

Even as she spoke, a tremor betrayed her bravado, revealing the conflict within.

Before she could retreat any further, Julian rose effortlessly, his hand tugging on their linked pinkies, drawing her into his embrace with a gentle but firm motion. He wrapped her tightly against his chest, anchoring her in a way that felt both comforting and thrilling.

With one arm securely around her waist, he leaned in, his breath warm and soothing against her temple, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “Fine, then I’m the one who needs a hug. Happy now?”

He tilted his head just enough for his lips to brush against the crown of her hair, sending a shiver down her spine. “Still not going to hold me back?”

As she pressed her palms against his solid chest, she could feel the heat radiating from him, his heartbeat steady and reassuring against her ear. The familiar scent of sandalwood enveloped her, wrapping around her like a cherished memory, pulling her deeper into the moment.

In that unexpected warmth, something within her settled, as if the restless heart that had been wandering for far too long had finally found its way home.

Her cheeks burned crimson, a rush of courage surging through her as she drew a shaky breath and lifted her hands to encircle his waist, feeling the strength of him beneath her fingers.

But just as she began to lose herself in the embrace, the sudden chime of the doorbell shattered the moment like glass.

Julian glanced down at her, amusement dancing in his eyes as he let out a low, teasing hum. “What are you so nervous for? It’s not like we’re having an affair.”

The sound of the lock clicking open sent a jolt of panic through her. Could Tiffany have returned early?

Flustered and caught off guard, Sydney pushed Julian away, casting him a quick, frantic warning look before darting toward the door. “Coming!” she called out, her voice a mix of urgency and embarrassment.

As she opened the door, Raymond’s lazy drawl filtered through. “Not to be that guy, but did you really have to crash their love nest the one time they finally get to live together?”

Tiffany’s sharp and unapologetic voice followed closely behind. “How was I supposed to know if it was mutual living together or your buddy forcing himself on her? I had to check!”

Julian, however, remained unfazed. He strolled over to the dining table, ready to speak, but Sydney cut him off with a forced, overly bright smile. “Since Raymond’s back too, why don’t you stay at his place for a few days?”

Her reasoning was sound, pragmatic even. Given how swiftly Sterling Corp. managed PR crises, she knew the online storm would blow over in less than a week. By then, Alan and Eliana would have moved out, and Julian would only need to find alternative lodging for three or four days.

In that moment, Sydney sounded utterly practical, as if romance were a distant concept, completely separate from her reality.

Yet Julian’s expression darkened, confusion and frustration flickering in his eyes.

“His place?” he echoed, his tone flat. “The man lives like his house is a kennel. No thanks.”

Sydney felt a wave of panic rise within her, afraid he might misinterpret her words and take it out on Alan and Eliana instead. “I just meant that sleeping on the couch every night isn’t good for your back,” she rushed to clarify, her voice rising slightly.

But before she could finish her explanation, a peal of laughter erupted in the room, filling the air with an unexpected lightness.

This time, Raymond didn’t bother to hide his amusement. He shot Julian a knowing look, a grin breaking free despite his efforts to remain serious. ‘Tsk, tsk. Didn’t even get the couch willingly, huh?’ he thought smugly, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama.