Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 503

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 503**

**Chapter 503**

As soon as she uttered the name “Jules,” a profound stillness enveloped Julian. That single syllable seemed to echo through the air, traveling through his eardrums and coursing through his veins, igniting every nerve ending until a tingling sensation danced along his spine.

It was a name he had longed to hear, and now, after their reunion, she had chosen to use it again—just like she used to. The warmth of nostalgia wrapped around him, stirring memories he had thought were buried deep.

If it weren’t for the fact that Tiffany was just across the hall, he might have lost all semblance of control. But even with that thought lingering in the back of his mind, restraint was slipping away from him like sand through his fingers.

With a swift motion, he twisted the knob of his door and stepped into the dimly lit hallway, the faint sound of Raymond’s voice drifting from the couch behind him. “Where are you going this late?” he called out, his tone half-hearted, as if he didn’t truly care.

Julian chose silence as his answer, his feet carrying him out of the apartment and into the coolness of the night air.

On the other end of the line, Sydney remained quiet, the only sounds that reached him were the soft rustle of her movements—curtains being drawn, the gentle creak of her bed as she settled in.

Then, with a teasing lilt in her voice, she said, “If not, then I guess it’s just me being sentimental.”

His response was low, gravelly, almost a growl. “Come out for a second.”

“What?” The uncertainty in her voice was palpable, and for a brief moment, she hesitated, unsure of his intention. But deep down, she understood him well. Julian was a man of measured thoughts, never one to act on impulse.

Before he could elaborate, she was already in motion. Slipping on her cozy slippers, she stepped outside, the corridor bathed in shadows, the lights extinguished. Only the silvery glow of the moon illuminated the tall figure waiting for her, casting an ethereal glow around him.

When her gaze met his, it was as if the world faded away. His eyes, dark and shiny like polished obsidian, held a depth that stole her breath. A flutter raced through her heart, and she instinctively curled her fingers into her palms, trying to ground herself. “What’s so urgent that I have to—”

But before she could complete her thought, he enveloped her in his arms, pulling her close. His voice, warm and soothing, brushed against her hair, answering the very question that had lingered in her mind. “I did want to. Everything you said was right. You weren’t being sentimental at all. My Precious is too smart.”

His chin rested gently atop her head, his voice a blend of seriousness and playful affection. Each word fell against her ears like a warm caress, igniting a blush that spread across her cheeks.

The morning light broke softly the next day, and Sydney awoke with a sense of anticipation. After spending a few hours at the clinic, she was scheduled to return to the Hutton estate to continue Florence’s treatment.

As she emerged from her room, the sight of Tiffany at the dining table greeted her. Tiffany wore an expression that spoke volumes, her brows raised in a teasing arch.

“So,” Tiffany drawled, her voice dripping with playful intrigue. “Looks like whatever answer Julian gave you last night was quite satisfying, huh?”

Charlotte hesitated, her brow furrowed with concern. “Can my grandmother’s illness be cured?”

“Of course,” Sydney replied with a warm smile, patting the elderly woman’s hand gently. “Just take your medicine, follow the diet, and you’ll live a long, healthy life.”

A visible wave of relief washed over both grandmother and granddaughter, their shoulders relaxing as hope filled the room.

Charlotte turned to her with a proud grin, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “See? I told you Dr. Wilson’s the real deal!”

Just then, a knock echoed at the door, breaking the moment.

A nurse poked her head in, a bright smile lighting up her face. “Dr. Wilson, there’s a very handsome guy outside asking for you. Says his surname’s Hutton, and he wants to know how much longer you’ll be.”

Charlotte had managed to squeeze in at the end of Sydney’s schedule, making this her last patient of the day.

Sydney smiled back, her heart fluttering at the thought of Julian. “Tell him I’ll be right out. Just a few more minutes.”

Earlier that morning, James had already called to say he’d be stopping by, and now, anticipation bubbled within her as she prepared to wrap up her day.