Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

the tension between Julian and Sydney escalates as they confront unresolved feelings and past grievances. Julian's frustration is palpable as he questions Sydney's inability to remember their shared history, which stirs a mix of guilt and relief within her. Sydney reflects on the trust she once had in Julian, contrasting it with the bitterness of their current estrangement.

The emotional weight of their conversation reveals her deep-seated regrets and the pain of feeling dismissed by someone she once considered her anchor. As the dialogue unfolds, Sydney's vulnerability becomes evident. She admits to her struggles, revealing that she had tried to reach out to Julian but felt ignored. This admission is met with Julian's probing questions, which expose the raw emotions lingering between them. Sydney grapples with feelings of shame and inadequacy, questioning whether she has the right to voice her hurt.

The internal conflict she experiences highlights her desire for connection while simultaneously fearing rejection. The atmosphere shifts when Julian's demeanor changes from confrontational to curious, prompting Sydney to explain her circumstances with Caleb. This revelation brings to light the complications in her life, particularly the unresolved divorce that keeps her tethered to Caleb. Julian's silence on the matter becomes a source of pain for Sydney, as she realizes that his lack of communication mirrors her own struggles.

The emotional turmoil intensifies as she acknowledges the precarious situation she finds herself in, caught between her past with Julian and her present entanglement with Caleb. As the chapter progresses, Sydney's focus shifts from her personal grievances to the more pressing issue of Caleb's instability. She recognizes the need for Julian's assistance to distance herself from Caleb, indicating a glimmer of hope for collaboration despite their strained relationship.

Just as she prepares to voice her concerns, a message on her phone interrupts her thoughts, hinting at a deeper conspiracy involving Julian and the investigation surrounding her situation. The weight of this new development adds another layer of complexity to her emotional state, leaving her to grapple with the implications of the messages she receives. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Chapter 263** Julian's expression hardened, his lips forming a tight line that spoke volumes of his displeasure.

meaning, and when she did, a flicker of relief washed over her, lightening the burden of guilt she had been carrying. He had indeed denied it countless times. Almost every time she had mustered the courage to take him seriously, he had turned

feeling the familiar sting of regret. "Many times," she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "And yet?" His tone dripped with the same reproach that had haunted her childhood, but now it was colder, more distant. "When others speak, you choose to believe them. Whoever it may be, you trust their words. But me? You do not trust me?" His words struck her like

pleaded with him, called him her Precious, her lifeline, and she had cried, clinging desperately to him as if letting go would mean losing herself. But now, that fierce emotion felt like a distant memory, replaced by a bitter emptiness. A sour taste rose in her throat, and she turned her gaze away, focusing on the seatback in front of her, willing the tears not to

silence, she murmured, "You didn't tell me you came back either." Julian's eyes remained fixed on her, but he seemed to miss the weight of her words. Instead, he observed the way she sank into the familiar softness of the moment, a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth revealing the hint of a smile. "So what's your explanation?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. "I didn't mean to stay at Viridian Garden," Sydney replied quickly, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Caleb wouldn't let me leave." A bitter thought crept

he prodded, his voice firm. Her head dipped, and she drew in a shaky breath, swallowing the shame that accompanied his mocking tone. Finally, she blurted out, "I called you. You didn't answer." Sydney was never one for games; she had never been adept at playing coy. Half-hearted attempts at confrontation had never been

returned call? You're not a girlfriend,* she chastised herself inwardly. A soft laugh escaped Julian's lips, but then his

froze, her mind racing. She quickly opened her phone, scrolling through her call log, but found no evidence of the call. A sinking feeling settled in her stomach as a possible explanation formed in her mind. In that moment, no further