Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

the tension between Caleb, Sydney, and Julian escalates as Caleb grapples with his feelings of jealousy and protectiveness. He is taken aback by the closeness between Sydney and Julian, especially in light of the Sterling family's dark past linked to Sydney's parents' tragic deaths.

Caleb's irritation simmers beneath the surface as he attempts to assert his role, but Sydney's firm stance in defending Julian surprises him and complicates his understanding of their relationship. As they interact, Sydney's protective instincts for Julian become evident, leading Caleb to reassess the dynamics at play. He initially believed Julian was coercing Sydney into this closeness, but her willingness to support Julian and the ease with which she engages with him suggests a deeper connection.

This realization stirs Caleb's emotions, as he feels a sense of loss and confusion about his own place in Sydney's life. When they enter the elevator, Caleb tries to maintain composure while proposing a meeting with Sydney later that evening. Sydney agrees, but her mind is preoccupied with the implications of their interactions. The elevator ride heightens the tension, and as they reach Julian's apartment, Sydney's attentiveness to Julian's injury showcases her concern, despite her growing suspicions about the nature of his injury.

The discovery of a special ointment in Julian's cabinet triggers a flood of memories for Sydney, reminding her of the care Julian once showed her during their troubled past. This moment of recognition is bittersweet, as it forces her to confront the pain of his abandonment while also acknowledging the possibility of his deeper feelings. The chapter concludes with Julian questioning the authenticity of Sydney's relationship with Caleb, hinting at unresolved emotions and the weight of their shared history that continues to influence their present interactions.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 360** **Chapter 360** The way they stood together felt far too intimate for Caleb's liking. As he heard the soft rustle of movement, Caleb turned around, a frown creasing his brow. This was not what he had anticipated. The Sterling family's dark history loomed over Sydney's parents' tragic deaths, yet here stood Julian, brazenly leaning against her, as if nothing had ever happened. Caleb struggled to suppress the irritation bubbling within him.

was direct, cutting through any pretense. She didn't even attempt to distance herself from Julian, who

hit the wall with a loud thud that echoed in the corridor. Sydney rushed

a realization dawning on him that

close, or exhibit those protective instincts. When the elevator doors slid open, Sydney stepped in first, guiding Julian inside with an ease that made Caleb's heart sink. His expression hardened, but he followed them into the confined space. This time, when he turned to Sydney, his demeanor was more composed, though a tension still

better." Tiffany had sent her a message earlier, explaining that she would be stuck at work late, so Sydney figured she wouldn't be home until then. As the elevator dinged and reached their floor, Sydney led Julian into his apartment. She quickly retrieved an ice pack from the freezer, pressing it gently against his injury, her touch careful yet firm. After a moment, she narrowed her eyes, suspicion creeping in.

yours caused this," he retorted, a hint of defiance in his tone.

a box filled with the very same specially formulated ointment she had painstakingly created years ago. The rare herbs that went into its making had always made it prohibitively expensive. After parting ways with him, she had been unable to afford to produce it, resorting instead to weaker substitutes that never matched its efficacy. Yet, she remembered all too well how,