Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 533 Sydney's question cut straight to the point. On the other end of the line, Julian's cold eyes darkened, dangerous for a heartbeat, but not toward her. The fact that she could ask so plainly instead of sulking actually pleased him. The fact that she sounded a little jealous pleased him even more. A quiet laugh rumbled from his chest. "So, who's been whispering in your car?" he drawled. Leaning against the balcony railing, Sydney felt the tightness in her chest begin to loosen. "Don't change the subject." Her voice steadied. "Just answer me honestly.

Did you, or did you not, accompany another woman to a prenatal checkup?" Julian didn't deflect. He didn't even pause. "I did." Sydney's breath caught. She trusted him-she knew she did-but hearing him confirm it still hurt. A dull ache spread through her chest. She didn't even know who the woman was. Maybe someone from the years they'd spent apart. Someone important enough for him to fly halfway across the world for. Hurt, confusion, and jealousy tangled together. It was impossible to sort them out. It wasn't wrong for him to have female friends. It wasn't even wrong to help one.

Maybe it was nothing more than that-a friend in trouble, and he happened to be there. Sydney wanted to believe that. She really did. But "prenatal checkup" hit too close to home. Maybe it was hormones. Maybe insecurity. Either way, her chest tightened again. Just as her thoughts began to spiral, his unhurried voice came through. "She's my cousin. Something happened, and my aunt was worried. I came to help." "What?" The word slipped out before she could stop it. "Your cousin?" For a second, her mind went blank. Eloise had always forbidden him from contacting his mother's family.

a secret lover abroad? Or a soulmate so precious I'd fly across continents to hold her hand at a checkup?" Her cheeks warmed instantly. "How was I supposed to know?" she muttered. "You didn't say anything beforehand. And 1/3 +25 Bonus

I'll tell you when I'm back, if she's comfortable sharing." Sydney understood the subtext. It was personal. Something he couldn't discuss. "I didn't tell you in advance because it's her private matter," he said quietly. "But next time, I'll let you know beforehand." 'So no one can twist the story again,' he thought darkly.