Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 292

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You**
**by Aurelia**
**Novel 292**

**Chapter 292**

Sydney halted mid-stride, a moment of hesitation washing over her. She allowed Marcus and Billy to step through the doorway ahead of her, then turned her attention toward Julian and his group.

Julian advanced, closing the distance between them with an easy confidence, and reached out to tousle her hair affectionately. “So, having lunch with Marc and the others?” he inquired, his tone casual yet warm.

“Yeah,” Sydney replied, her voice steady, though her mind raced.

Julian shifted his gaze to the middle-aged man standing beside him, his demeanor shifting slightly as he introduced her. “Mr. Octavo, this is my girlfriend, Sydney Wilson.”

At those words, Sydney felt her heart skip a beat, her breath hitching in her throat. Girlfriend? When had that label been affixed to her? Just days ago, Charlotte had mentioned that Julian was interested in someone else.

Andre Octavo blinked in astonishment, his smile broadening as he took in the scene. “Mr. Sterling and Ms. Wilson—a perfect match indeed. I presume the big day is approaching, hmm?”

The midday sun blazed down upon them, casting a warm glow, and for a fleeting moment, Sydney thought she detected a subtle smile playing at the corners of Julian’s lips.

His voice, unusually composed, cut through the air. “Soon.”

In that instant, it was as if they were just another ordinary couple, basking in the glow of young love.

Sydney fought to suppress the fluttering sensation in her chest. Uncertain of Julian’s true intentions, she plastered on a smile and decided to play along. “Well, I’ll let you two chat. I’ll head inside first.”

“Go ahead,” he replied, his hand brushing against her hair once more as he tilted his chin up slightly, a gesture that felt both protective and intimate.

Once inside the restaurant, just as Sydney reached the private room that Marcus and Billy had reserved, her phone buzzed insistently in her pocket.

Charlotte: [The girl next to Mr. Sterling? She’s Mr. Octavo’s daughter. He heard Julian was single and wanted to introduce her today. But before he could, Julian interrupted.]

Sydney’s fingers hovered above the screen, her heart racing as a sense of unease settled in.

Sydney: [You mentioned Julian liked someone. Do I know her?]

Something felt amiss, a disquieting intuition gnawing at her.

“See?” Billy chimed in, a teasing lilt to his voice. “Syd, I’m telling you, my uncle is completely biased. He remembers everything you like but forgets all about me! That burrito dish? I had to order it myself.”

Sydney raised an eyebrow, intrigued. She looked toward Marcus, who wore a gentle smile as he met her gaze.

“You’re always traveling, and your tastes are constantly evolving. Who could possibly keep up?” he replied, his tone light yet sincere.

“Then I’ll stay home this time,” she declared playfully. “You’d better remember what I like from now on.”

“Of course,” Marcus responded effortlessly, his confidence reassuring.

Sydney blinked in surprise. “So, Billy’s not going abroad anymore?”

Marcus cast a brief glance at his nephew, a flicker of concern in his eyes. “No. My sister and brother-in-law are going through a divorce. He’ll be staying here for a while.”

The weight of those words hung in the air, a reminder of the complexities life often threw their way. Sydney felt a pang of sympathy for Billy, even as the atmosphere remained light. The day was still young, and the promise of laughter and shared moments lingered in the air, waiting to unfold.