Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Sydney is reluctantly pulled from her thoughts as she prepares for her birthday celebration. She is surprised to find a cake waiting for her, but her initial excitement turns to confusion when she sees the cake, which resembles a culinary disaster rather than a festive treat. Julian, who had remembered her birthday, stands behind her with an expectant look, but Sydney can't hide her disappointment about the cake's appearance.

She gently suggests that he should avoid ordering from that bakery in the future. As Julian attempts to lighten the mood, a subtle tension builds between them. His demeanor shifts when he receives an urgent phone call regarding a personal matter involving a divorce that Sydney is unaware of. The conversation reveals significant information about someone named Ms. Wilson, which appears to weigh heavily on Julian. Despite the seriousness of the call, he returns to Sydney with a sense of relief, indicating that the information may have resolved a lingering concern for him.

Feeling the change in Julian's energy, Sydney hesitates when he encourages her to make a wish. The atmosphere becomes charged as he steps closer, turning off the lights and closing the distance between them. In a sudden, intimate moment, he lifts her onto the table and urges her to wish, but instead, he leans in for a passionate kiss that overwhelms Sydney. The kiss is intense and consuming, igniting a whirlwind of emotions within her as she grapples with the unexpected turn of events.

Caught up in the fervor of the moment, Sydney tries to voice her thoughts, questioning the significance of the wish they were supposed to make. However, Julian remains focused on their connection, holding her tightly as they share this intimate embrace. The kiss deepens, and as they finally pull back, the air is thick with unspoken feelings. In a decisive gesture, Julian extinguishes the candles, symbolizing a shift in their relationship, before sweeping her away to the bedroom, leaving the outside world behind.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Chapter 287** "Not really." Sydney's mind drifted back to reality as she reluctantly slipped her feet into her cozy slippers. The soft fabric felt comforting against her skin as she padded over to the dining table, the scent of something sweet lingering in the air. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she turned to glance at Julian, who stood behind her with an expectant expression. "Which bakery did you order this cake from?" she inquired, a hint of disbelief coloring her tone.

act that had genuinely surprised her-but the sight before her was something else entirely. The cake, a supposed tribute to her special day, bore a striking resemblance to a culinary disaster rather than a celebration. Her beloved Dolly Knight had transformed into something grotesque, a creation that could easily be dubbed Dolly Nightmare. Julian's gaze flicked between her incredulous expression and

again." His brow twitched, and she could see the wheels turning in his mind. Clearing his throat, he nodded solemnly, the corners of his mouth twitching as if trying to suppress a smile. "Mm. Maybe it got banged up on the

tone teasing yet hopeful. Julian's long, defined fingers struck a match with a

the opportunity, he stepped toward the balcony, his voice cool and measured as he answered the call. "Speak," he said, the authority in his tone unmistakable. "Mr. Sterling," came the voice of Elliot, crisp and urgent. Julian knew this was an inconvenient time, but the matter at hand was pressing.

and Madam said was true." The "Madam" Elliot referred to was not Eloise, but rather Agatha, a fact that Sydney remained blissfully unaware of as she watched Julian. She couldn't hear the conversation, but she felt the intensity of his dark

felt a flicker of unease wash over her. "Should I still make a wish?" she asked tentatively, uncertainty creeping into her voice.

the table, his voice dropping to a low, intimate whisper. "Wish." The moment hung in the air, electric and charged, before his lips crashed against hers with a fervor that left her breathless. The kiss was fierce, consuming her entirely, leaving no room for hesitation. Even the heat of his breath ignited