Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Chapter 20 "We're having lunch," Julian said evenly. Sydney bristled. "Stop the car." He didn't brake. Instead, he watched her through the rearview mirror, waiting for even a flicker of hesitation. When she saw he had no intention of stopping, she didn't argue. She yanked the door handle and snapped, "You know I won't listen to you. Three years ago, I would've jumped already-and I still will." Julian slammed the brakes. That memory from three years ago still clung to him like a shadow. He had seen this coming.

Leaning forward, he seized her wrist with a grip so cold it chilled her to the bone. "Who would you listen to? Caleb?" Sydney ripped her arm away like a startled leopard. "I wouldn't listen to anyone. Least of all you." Julian gave a dry laugh. "Who was the one begging me not to leave back then? Saying she'd do whatever I said?" "As you said, that was 'back then;!" Her control slipped for the first time. Her eyes burned red as she glared at him. "Mr. Sterling, I'm 24 now, not 7. You held out your pinky and made me follow you like a fool." His grip slackened.

In one swift motion, Sydney flung the door open and stepped out. She didn't wait for a ride. She headed straight for the sidewalk, letting the cold wind seep into her skin and hair, hoping it would wash away the memories still clinging to her. Those nine years with Julian had been the safest of her life. She had no real family, but he 1/3 Sun 24 Aug Chapter 20 ร 89% +15 BONUS became one. He had shielded her, guiding her as she stumbled from a naïve girl into a grown woman. His friends used to joke, "Where'd you find such a sweet, obedient sister?" Julian would just smile.

was wrong with her? What wasn't? Why did people always leave? That night, when she was sent

treat him like a lifeline. Learned your lesson yet?" She remembered the sun scorching her back, the dizziness, and a maid dousing her with cold water to keep her conscious. After that, she vowed never to lean on anyone again or weigh anyone down. Every step she took from then on was deliberate, measured. ...