Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 139

Chapter 139

“Yoyo?” Sydney stiffened, snapping her head up. “What did you just call it? Its name is Yoyo too?”

Julian stepped closer and reached for the dog, but it stayed nestled in her arms, ignoring him completely.

‘Ungrateful mutt…’ He huffed, answering flatly, “It is Yoyo.”

“Really?!” Sydney’s eyes lit up, glowing under the winter sunset. Her dimples deepened as her face came alive.

Whatever teasing remark Julian had ready died on his lips. Seeing her like this, he couldn’t say it.

He gave a light nod. “When have I ever lied to you?”

Just like that, Sydney, usually all steel and stubbornness, burst into tears.

Julian had never lied to her. Sydney knew that.

She hugged the dog tighter and pressed her cheek against its fur, laughing and crying at once. “Yoyo, it’s really you?”

“Woof!”

“Yoyo?” she tried again.

“Woof!”

Sydney’s joy spilled over. She looked up at Julian, her eyes crescent-shaped with her smile, all past resentment forgotten. She shared excitedly, “Julian, Yoyo really remembers me!”

She was stunning when she smiled like that-radiant, untouched by pain, as if she had always been his pampered little princess.

Julian’s throat tightened, and his Adam’s apple bobbed, as his gaze swept across her rosy lips. The rimless glasses on his nose were the only thing hiding the storm in his eyes. “What did you just call me?”

A trace of clarity returned to Sydney, and she addressed him, “Mr. Sterling.”

Julian didn’t answer. This shouldn’t be it.

ཁ ང འ

In the past, whenever she used his full name, a single reminder was enough to make her switch back.

Now, Sydney’s focus was entirely on the dog. She didn’t notice anything off with Julian. Her voice was nasal from crying, her cheeks still flushed. “Back then, Jason told me Yoyo-”

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“Elliot rescued Yoyo,” Julian said lightly, then called out, “Yoyo, let’s go home.”

That was when it hit Sydney. Her new tenant seemed to be Julian.

She shot to her feet, licking her lips nervously. “Mr. Sterling… you moved here?”

“Mm.” Julian glanced at the apartment across and lifted a brow in mock surprise. “You live across from me?” “Yeah,” Sydney said.

For once, she felt like the oppressed laborer who had scored a win over the capitalist. She grinned, reminding him, “I’m actually your landlord.”

“Perfect.” He nodded thoughtfully. “If anything goes wrong with the place, I’ll be sure to call you right away.”

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Sydney cursed herself for speaking.

As Julian and Yoyo headed inside, she blurted almost desperately, “Yoyo… is mine, right?”

Julian didn’t deny it. He looked at her directly and asked smoothly, “Then how are you planning to repay me for raising Yoyo all these years?”

Sydney froze. She had nothing of value to give him. Whatever she had, Julian didn’t need.

Clenching her fists, she asked bluntly, “Then how do you want me to repay you?”

As long as it wasn’t murder or arson, she would agree for Yoyo’s sake.

“Let me think,” Julian replied.

Sydney’s defiant, do-your-worst expression stirred something in him. He took two long strides and cornered her against the wall. He leaned in, and his sharp gaze flicked to her lips. Heat coiled low in his chest.

Julian’s faint sandalwood scent surrounded Sydney, making her inexplicably nervous. She turned her face away.” Well? Thought of something or not? If not, then…”

Her tone wasn’t her usual cool distance. There was a flush of irritation, an almost embarrassed defiance. Her cheeks burned pink.

Julian swallowed. His voice came low, hoarse. “Yeah. I thought of something.”

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