Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 229

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You**
**by Aurelia**
**Novel 229**

**Chapter 229**

Sydney felt a jolt of surprise coursing through her as she processed Julian’s unexpected recollection. How could he possibly remember something so trivial? For a brief moment, she stood frozen, grappling with the flood of emotions that surged within her. Then, with a hesitant smile, she accepted the small piece of chocolate he offered. “Thanks,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, as if the word itself might shatter the fragile moment between them.

Just as she turned to make her escape, Julian’s voice cut through the air, rich and teasing. “That’s it?”

His long fingers wrapped around her wrist with a casual yet commanding grip, sending a shiver down her spine. There was an air of nonchalance about him, but Sydney knew better than to underestimate the intensity lurking beneath his easy demeanor. Resisting him felt like trying to swim against a powerful tide—impossible.

The sudden, insistent knock at the door sent her heart racing, each thud echoing in her chest like a drum. Panic surged through her veins, and in a moment of impulsive bravery, she grabbed the collar of Julian’s shirt, stood on tiptoe, and pressed a fleeting kiss to his collarbone. It was a bold move, one that surprised even her. Quickly, she fastened the button she had carelessly undone, ensuring not a trace of lipstick remained—a lesson learned from past mistakes.

For a heartbeat, Julian stood there, momentarily stunned, his expression a mix of surprise and intrigue. Taking advantage of his shock, Sydney flung the door open, only to nearly collide with Caleb, who stood there, his presence steadying her with a hand on her shoulder.

“Whoa, easy there!” he said, his voice a calming balm against her rising anxiety. She had known he was waiting outside, yet the sudden closeness ignited a rush of panic that made her instinctively pull back. “You’re here?” she asked, trying to sound casual, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her.

“Yeah,” Caleb replied, his gaze flicking to the crack in the door, assessing the situation. “Why weren’t you downstairs?”

Sydney held up the chocolate as a makeshift explanation. “Jules insisted I come up to get this.”

Caleb’s eyes softened as he glanced at the treat, and a warm smile spread across his face. “This brand seems old. Is it good?”

She nodded enthusiastically, a hint of nostalgia washing over her. “Delicious. I loved it as a child.”

Caleb studied her delicate features, his gaze lingering on her palm-sized face. “Let me try?” he asked, his tone playful yet earnest.

Her brows knitted together in hesitation, a flicker of worry crossing her mind. Julian already harbored a dislike for her closeness with Caleb. If he found out she was sharing something he had given her, she could only imagine the storm that would brew.

Before she could voice her reluctance, Caleb chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Reluctant? What are you, a child? Still guarding your sweets?”

Sydney couldn’t help but touch her nose, allowing his teasing to wash over her without resistance.

“Come on,” Caleb urged, extending his hand toward her.

Just then, Eloise appeared, her demeanor surprisingly amiable. “Cal, since you’re here, stay for dinner,” she suggested, her tone light but with an undercurrent of scrutiny.

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