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.

much, why can you never remember?" His voice cut through the air, sharp and accusatory, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Sydney blinked, momentarily taken aback by the weight of his words. It took her a heartbeat to grasp his meaning, and when she did, a

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 a physical blow, lodging themselves deep in her chest

too much to bear. She had 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

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

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

feelings, and the thought of his scorn sent a shiver down her spine. *Who told you you're owed a returned call? You're not a girlfriend,* she chastised herself inwardly. A soft laugh escaped Julian's lips, but then his voice turned cool and measured, cutting through the tension. "Why did Caleb answer your phone?" Outside the divider, Elliot listened to their exchange with a bemused

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