Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Sydney is taken aback by Julian's unexpected words, which initially seem like a confession of deep feelings. However, she quickly dismisses the idea, convinced that Julian could never be interested in someone like Charlotte, a wealthy heiress.

This realization ignites a determination within her to confront Julian about his intentions, leading her to question whether he is genuinely confessing his feelings or merely rehearsing for a future relationship. As they ride in the car, the tension between Sydney and Julian becomes palpable. Despite the presence of others, an invisible barrier separates them, amplifying their unspoken emotions. Sydney grapples with her feelings for Julian, reflecting on their past and her own hesitations.

Memories of her childhood crush on him resurface, causing her to wonder if she still harbors feelings for him, while also feeling the weight of her own independence and the fear of vulnerability. Julian, sensing the emotional turmoil between them, reaches out to Sydney, drawing her into an embrace that disrupts the silence. This moment of intimacy forces Sydney to confront her feelings head-on, leading her to admit that she is contemplating whether she can still like him.

However, as soon as the words leave her mouth, regret washes over her, revealing her struggle with the complexities of their relationship. Julian seizes the moment to tease Sydney about her admission, shifting the mood from tension to playful banter. This interaction highlights the underlying chemistry between them, yet Sydney remains conflicted. She is acutely aware of their history and the societal perceptions that have always framed her as Julian's little sister, making the idea of a romantic relationship seem impossible.

The chapter concludes with Sydney's internal conflict, leaving readers eager to see how their relationship will evolve amidst these complicated emotions. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 333** **Chapter 333** The words that slipped from Julian's lips seemed to float in the air, casual and light, yet they struck Sydney like a thunderclap. Her initial reaction was to believe that he was confessing something monumental to her. But as clarity washed over her, she dismissed the notion almost immediately.

It was utterly impossible. Julian had never so much as glanced at anyone like Charlotte, the epitome of a wealthy heiress. How could he possibly be interested in her? She was a divorcee, for heaven's sake, the very woman who had walked to his doorstep to finalize a contract. Taking a deep breath, Sydney steadied herself. This time, she wouldn't shy away. She met his gaze head-on, a fire igniting within her as she resolved to get to the bottom of this. "What do you mean by 'treat you as my boyfriend?' Julian, are you confessing your feelings to me?

on you? If I were looking for practice, do you really think you'd be my choice?" Despite her sharp mind, Sydney found herself spiraling into unexpected thoughts whenever emotions were at play. Practice? How had she even entertained such a ridiculous idea? Before she could ponder further, the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. Julian stepped out first, his demeanor still charged

her car back to Haven, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken weight in the air. Once inside the vehicle, even Peter, who was usually slow to pick up on emotional cues, sensed the oppressive atmosphere. He quietly raised the divider, effectively isolating the front from the back. In the rear, Julian and Sydney sat at opposite ends, an invisible chasm between them, neither daring to break the silence. Sydney's gaze was glued to the vibrant neon lights flashing outside, her heart racing with uncertainty. Had she misstepped

been a joke, could it mean he actually had feelings for her? Even just a smidgen? Did he genuinely like her? And what about her own feelings? She wrestled with her thoughts, trying to assess whether she liked Julian. Julian was undeniably good. He had always been good-this much she knew. From her childhood, she had held that belief. When

ephemeral. After that, she had buried those thoughts deep, forging her own path with determination, refusing to lean on anyone too easily. And now, here he was, sending out signals that suggested he might have feelings for her. It felt so absurdly theatrical, like something out of a melodrama. Julian turned his head slightly, his eyes searching for hers. But all he saw was the back of her head, which only tightened the

her into his embrace. Before she could comprehend what was happening, she found herself sitting squarely on his lap, her heart racing. "What's going through that mind of yours?" he asked, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. The sudden intimacy jolted Sydney out of her reverie,

of irritation vanished from his eyes, replaced by a playful glint as he teased, "Now? Can you still..."

refusing to meet his intense gaze. She had matured over the years. She understood that, despite the absence of any blood ties, everyone had always regarded her as Julian's little sister. The thought of them having any other kind of relationship or feelings felt utterly unthinkable. **Chapter 334** Conclusion As the car rolled silently through the city streets, the weight of