Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 548

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**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 548**

**Chapter 548**

Sydney had never anticipated his arrival would be so swift. For a fleeting moment, she stood frozen, a delightful surprise washing over her features. “You’re home this early?” she exclaimed, her voice a blend of astonishment and joy.

The clock barely nudged past eight, a time she had mentally earmarked for their meeting at the gate.

Just moments earlier, she had stepped out of the shower, droplets of water still glistening on her skin. Her silk-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, and the soft glow of the warm light accentuated her porcelain complexion, making her appear ethereal. A gentle warmth clung to her, reminiscent of a sun-kissed peach, inviting and sweet.

Julian entered with a singular purpose in mind—he only wanted to see her. He hadn’t even taken the time to wash his hands, consumed by the eagerness to be near her.

He fought against the instinct to pull her into his embrace, instead arching an eyebrow playfully and teasing, “Then what time should I have arrived? Did Peter run his mouth and sell me out again?”

Peter had always been a loose cannon. No matter what Sydney asked, he confessed with the urgency of a criminal under relentless interrogation. Whenever Julian concocted a birthday surprise or any form of secret plan, everyone else maintained their silence, but Peter? He would spill the beans without hesitation.

There had been a time when Julian nearly lost his temper over Peter’s indiscretions.

Peter had muttered defensively, “You’re the one who said we must be loyal to you and to Ms. Wilson.”

He was the only one who genuinely adhered to that principle. Peter never told lies to either Sydney or Julian. If honesty had to be prioritized, Julian was certain Peter would choose Sydney without a second thought.

Sydney lifted her chin, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of pride and mischief. “Sell you out? All he did was refuse to lie to me.”

“Right,” Julian murmured, a smirk playing on his lips as he strode past her toward the bathroom. He cast her a sidelong glance, amusement dancing in his eyes. “They’ve spoiled you since you were a child.”

As he began to unbutton his suit jacket, Sydney instinctively reached out to take it from him, but he deftly moved it out of her grasp. “There are too many germs in public places,” he declared, his tone matter-of-fact.

He tossed the jacket aside and approached the sink to wash his hands, the sound of running water punctuating the air.

Sydney remained where she was, leaning against the doorframe, her mind lingering on his earlier comment. “But you spoil me the most,” she countered, her voice light yet earnest.

The words slipped out before she could second-guess them, each syllable ringing true in her heart. In the past, her feelings of abandonment had cast a shadow over her memories. But as time passed, she had revisited every moment they had shared under one roof, gradually unveiling the depth of Julian’s patience and indulgence.

He had given her everything without expecting anything in return. Any casual mention she made seemed to manifest within days. Despite his notorious impatience with others, he had never raised his voice at her. If she pouted or complained, he would acquiesce to even the things he disliked.