\u00a0<\/p>\n
Agatha confronts Julian about his plans for the next day, teasing him about spending time with his new girlfriend. Julian, however, is evasive and dismissive, revealing a hint of jealousy when he imagines Sydney dining with another man. His internal struggle is evident as he questions why Sydney is married to someone else and not him.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The next morning, Sydney visits Agatha to pay New Year\u2019s respects, bringing health supplements as a thoughtful gift. Agatha warmly welcomes her and appreciates Sydney\u2019s kindness, secretly lamenting that Julian is not fortunate enough to have her as a wife. Sydney notices a pair of expensive leather shoes in Agatha\u2019s home that resemble Julian\u2019s, but dismisses the thought since Julian\u2019s grandmother is someone else.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Julian abruptly leaves after overhearing Agatha\u2019s phone call, causing confusion among his subordinates. His colleagues speculate about his relationship with Sydney, with some unable to understand why he is so guarded, especially since Sydney is still married to Caleb. Julian\u2019s cold response to their teasing reveals his discomfort and the complexity of his feelings.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
After lunch at Agatha\u2019s, Sydney prepares to leave and plans to meet Marcus to pick up her mentor Alan and his wife Eliana from the airport. As they drive, Marcus notices Sydney has lost weight, showing his concern and the gentle care he has for her wellbeing. The chapter ends with a quiet moment of observation between them amidst the busy post-holiday travel.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 204<\/p>\n
Agatha cast a sharp sideways glance at Julian. \u201cWhy does it matter to you? Are you planning to stay home tomorrow, or will you be keeping your new girlfriend company?\u201d<\/p>\n
Julian was in high spirits. \u201cI already spent the whole day with her today.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, no plans to go out tomorrow?\u201d Agatha asked bluntly, her tone edged with curiosity. \u201cI\u2019ve invited that doctor over for dinner. It would be nice for you to meet her as well\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Julian interrupted abruptly, his voice flat and serious without a hint of hesitation. \u201cI just remembered I have other plans tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Agatha\u2019s eyes narrowed in displeasure. \u201cYou little brat. Is your girlfriend really that jealous? Does she get upset if you even talk to someone else?\u201d<\/p>\n
For a moment, Julian\u2019s eyes darkened. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket, rolling it between his fingers absentmindedly. \u201cIf she were having dinner with a man she was almost matched with, then yes, I\u2019d be jealous.\u201d<\/p>\n
Every time he saw Caleb sitting beside Sydney, a gnawing question ate away at him: Why was Sydney married to someone else? Why wasn\u2019t it him?<\/p>\n
The following morning, Sydney woke early. After tidying up her apartment, she decided to pay New Year\u2019s respects to Agatha. This time, she chose to visit in person rather than asking the older woman to come to her place.<\/p>\n
\u201cMs. Wilson, Happy New Year!\u201d Agatha greeted warmly as Sydney arrived, carrying an armful of health supplements.<\/p>\n
Waving her hands in protest, Agatha said, \u201cOh dear, I only invited you for a meal. Why did you bring so many things?\u201d<\/p>\n
Sydney smiled softly. \u201cIt\u2019s only right to bring something.\u201d<\/p>\n
As she slipped off her shoes in the entryway, her eyes fell on a pair of leather shoes tucked neatly in the cabinet\u2014shoes that looked oddly familiar.<\/p>\n
They were high-end, handmade, and undoubtedly expensive. Julian owned the same exact style and had worn that very pair just yesterday.<\/p>\n
But Julian couldn\u2019t possibly be here\u2014his grandmother was Eloise, not Agatha.<\/p>\n
Putting on a pair of warm wool slippers, Sydney followed Agatha into the living room, still smiling. \u201cI chose these supplements carefully based on your health. They\u2019re all safe to take.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s good, that\u2019s good,\u201d Agatha beamed, clearly pleased. \u201cYou\u2019ve spent too much again!\u201d<\/p>\n
The more Agatha looked at Sydney, the more content she felt. Sydney was gentle, thoughtful, and considerate. It was truly a shame that Julian wasn\u2019t lucky enough to marry someone like her.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, a sleek black Bentley glided smoothly out of the villa district. Peter glanced back from the driver\u2019s seat, raising an eyebrow. \u201cMr. Sterling, you\u2019re running away like you\u2019re escaping a ghost. What exactly are you so afraid of?\u201d<\/p>\n
Just ten minutes earlier, Julian had overheard Agatha\u2019s phone call. Suddenly, he had changed clothes and bolted out the door, as if terrified of running into a phantom.<\/p>\n
Elliot, who was sharper than Peter, sneered, \u201cNo wonder you\u2019re only ranked second. You really are clueless.\u201d<\/p>\n
Peter shot back, \u201cYou\u2019re the fool.\u201d<\/p>\n
Julian remained completely unfazed by their bickering.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s just scared he won\u2019t be able to explain things to Ms. Sydney,\u201d Elliot remarked knowingly.<\/p>\n
None of the subordinates could miss the obvious connection between Julian and Sydney\u2014except Peter, who had been slow to catch on.<\/p>\n
Peter still looked bewildered. \u201cWhat\u2019s so hard to explain? Ms. Sydney is still married to Caleb. What\u2019s wrong with our boss having dinner with another woman?\u201d<\/p>\n
The atmosphere instantly turned icy cold. Even with the heater running, Peter felt a chill creep down his spine.<\/p>\n
From the back seat, Julian\u2019s voice cut through the silence, sharp and cold. \u201cAre you trying to make me think you\u2019re mute?\u201d<\/p>\n
Peter thought bitterly to himself, *Can\u2019t even handle the truth, huh.*<\/p>\n
After lunch at Agatha\u2019s house, Sydney lingered for a moment before preparing to leave.<\/p>\n
Alan and Eliana\u2019s flight was scheduled to land at 4:00 p.m. at Jouleston Airport, and Sydney had arranged to meet Marcus so they could pick the couple up together.<\/p>\n
As they drove toward the entrance of Marcus\u2019s neighborhood, Sydney checked the time. The post-holiday travel rush had already begun, and the road to the airport was sure to be congested. If traffic slowed down, they would arrive just in time to greet her mentor and his wife.<\/p>\n
Marcus climbed into the car and buckled his seatbelt, studying Sydney\u2019s face carefully.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve lost weight recently, haven\u2019t you?\u201d he said softly, a gentle chuckle escaping his lips.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The chapter delicately navigates the tangled emotions of longing, jealousy, and the unspoken tensions that bind the characters together. Julian\u2019s internal struggle with Sydney\u2019s presence and her complicated ties to Caleb casts a shadow over their interactions, highlighting the bittersweet nature of unfulfilled desires and the complexities of love. Agatha\u2019s warm acceptance of Sydney contrasts with Julian\u2019s guarded demeanor, underscoring the different ways people cope with heartache and hope.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As Sydney moves through her day with quiet grace, her thoughtful gestures and gentle spirit leave a lasting impression on those around her, even as the undercurrents of uncertainty ripple beneath the surface. The subtle moments\u2014like the familiar shoes in Agatha\u2019s home and Marcus\u2019s observant concern\u2014remind us that beneath every facade lies a story of vulnerability and resilience, waiting to be understood. This chapter leaves us with a poignant sense of anticipation, as the characters stand on the precipice of change, their emotions quietly unfolding like the tides of the ocean.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions simmering beneath the surface, as Julian\u2019s conflicted feelings about Sydney and Caleb become harder to conceal. The tension between Julian and those around him, especially as he tries to navigate his complicated relationships, will likely escalate, revealing cracks in his carefully maintained facade. Meanwhile, Sydney\u2019s visit to Agatha hints at subtle shifts in alliances and perceptions, suggesting that not everyone sees the situation in black and white.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As Sydney prepares to meet Marcus and welcome Alan and Eliana, the story seems poised to explore the impact of past connections and the weight of unspoken truths. The quiet observations and gentle concern Marcus shows toward Sydney hint at deeper undercurrents that may soon surface, challenging the characters to confront their vulnerabilities. Expect moments of introspection and emotional revelation that will deepen the intrigue and set the stage for the difficult choices ahead.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella\u2019s storytelling style is immersive and addictive\u2014perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.<\/p>\n
When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 204 When The Ocean Learned […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22186","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-when-love-is-gone-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22186","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22186"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22186\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22322,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22186\/revisions\/22322"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22186"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22186"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22186"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}