Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 299

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 299**

**Chapter 299**

Julian’s words struck Sydney like a sudden chill in the air, causing her to halt mid-motion. Her heart raced, the thumping echoing in her ears, drowning out the world around her. The unexpected intensity of her reaction elicited a slight arch of Julian’s eyebrows, a flicker of surprise dancing across his features.

It was a moment laden with significance; for the first time in what felt like ages, she had leaned toward him without hesitation. This small gesture hinted at a shift in her feelings, a sign that perhaps she was no longer inclined to keep him at arm’s length as she had done for so long.

Clenching her palm tightly, Sydney stammered out a string of words that felt jumbled and chaotic, more for her own benefit than for his understanding. “I just didn’t drive today. I thought I’d hitch a ride, that’s all.” The truth was, her car remained parked at the clinic, a silent witness to her earlier turmoil. Charlotte had been kind enough to drop her off, but now, she felt the weight of her own words.

Julian’s lips curled into a subtle smile as he observed her flustered demeanor. His gaze deepened, a glimmer of amusement sparking in his eyes.

“What I actually meant to ask was whether you’ve been staring at me because you’ve fallen for me,” he remarked, his voice low and teasing. “Not because you need a ride in my car.”

Sydney could barely muster the courage to breathe. The frantic beating of her heart felt so loud, she worried he might hear it thudding away in her chest. Gathering her thoughts, she took a steadying breath and replied with a bravado that felt forced, “An expert online said that looking at handsome men can actually extend your lifespan. I’m just testing to see if it’s true.”

“Is that so?” Julian’s smile widened, and he rested a large hand on her head, his voice smooth and playful. “And did this expert also mention that staring too long at handsome men makes your heart race?”

“Of course it will,” Sydney shot back, unable to resist the banter. “If it doesn’t, then you’re a corpse.”

In that moment, Julian finally grasped why Charlotte had once mused that he and Sydney shared a certain resemblance. Yet, he knew all too well that such similarities didn’t always bode well for their dynamics.

He narrowed his gaze slightly, a hint of concern creeping in. “Have you eaten?”

Sydney hesitated, the question hanging in the air. Then, before she could rein in her impulsive thoughts, she blurted out, “Julian, why don’t you take me out for dinner today?”

Julian paused, his dark eyes softening with a warmth that made her heart flutter. “Then let’s eat at home.”

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