Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

the interaction between Julian and Sydney unfolds in a moment charged with nostalgia and unspoken emotions. Julian hands Sydney a seemingly empty wallet, which piques her curiosity. When she discovers a hidden photograph inside, it sparks a flood of memories from their past, particularly a cherished moment from her birthday when she wished never to be separated from him.

This photograph serves as a bittersweet reminder of their connection, evoking feelings of longing and reflection on the years that have passed since that joyful day. As Sydney contemplates the photograph, she realizes the complexity of their relationship. While she had believed in a deep bond between them, she now questions whether Julian ever felt the same way or if he viewed her youthful affection with amusement.

The memories of her past happiness are overshadowed by the pain of separation and unanswered questions, leaving her to wonder if a single image can mend the emotional distance that has grown between them. Julian, observing Sydney's emotional state, feels a tightening in his heart as he witnesses her vulnerability. When she boldly asks if he has a crush on her, it forces him to confront his own feelings, yet he deflects the question with a light-hearted remark about their shared dog, Yoyo.

This moment highlights the tension between them, as Julian struggles to maintain a balance between honesty and the fear of pushing her further away. The photograph of Yoyo becomes a symbol of their shared history, yet it also serves as a reminder of the complexities of their relationship. Sydney's request to cut her out of the photo reflects her desire to distance herself from the pain of unreciprocated feelings.

However, Julian's insistence on keeping the entire picture demonstrates his appreciation for their memories, suggesting that he values their shared past even if he cannot articulate his feelings fully. In the end, this chapter captures the emotional turmoil faced by both characters as they navigate their intertwined histories. The photograph acts as a catalyst for reflection, prompting them to confront their feelings and the unresolved questions that linger between them. The tension remains palpable, leaving readers to ponder whether they can reconcile their past and forge a new path forward.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Chapter 294** After passing the wallet to her, Julian casually tucked one hand into his pocket, his demeanor as serene as ever, a picture of tranquility. There was no hint of the turmoil that might have brewed beneath the surface; he was simply Julian, as he always was. Sydney felt a momentary hesitation, a flicker of uncertainty, but with the wallet now firmly in her grasp, her curiosity piqued. What could be inside? With a quick breath, she decided to indulge her inquisitiveness. As she unzipped the wallet, her breath caught in her throat.

her slender fingers to explore a hidden compartment within

Yet, the moment she laid eyes on the photograph-herself beaming with joy, eyes sparkling with the fervor of youth-an unexpected stillness enveloped her. It was a bittersweet reminder of a time long past. She knew better than anyone that in that moment captured in time, she hadn't been gazing at the camera; her focus had been solely on the man behind the lens. She had

everything she once held dear. Yet, with just this one nudge, memories surged back, flooding her mind like a tide reclaiming the shore. Those

flicker of something in his gaze-was it surprise? Was it joy? At that moment, she had believed he felt the same way she did, that they were bound by an unbreakable connection, that neither could endure a life without the other. But now, as she reflected on it all, she realized the truth might have been far less

a word of explanation, leaving her heart heavy with unanswered questions. And now, she wondered, could a single photograph tucked away in his wallet truly erase all the hurt and distance that had grown between them? Julian's gaze fell to the floor, his mind racing as he took in the sight of the woman before him,

the harsh fluorescent light of the elevator, the color slowly drained from her face, leaving her looking almost ghostly. His heart tightened at the sight. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Sydney lifted her chin, her clear, luminous eyes locking onto his with an intensity that took him by surprise. "Julian, do you... have a crush on me?" Her question was direct, unflinching, a bold strike at the truth he had desperately tried to bury deep within

crush... is on Yoyo." Patience was crucial in this moment; he knew that. If he didn't tread carefully, her stubbornness would only push him