Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 146

Ethan gave her a gentle smile, looking down at her upturned face. He had to fight back the urge to reach out and pinch her cheek. "All right. I'll just go use the restroom," he said softly.

Their easy closeness made Austin's eyes burn with jealousy.

Ethan turned his head and raised an eyebrow at Austin.

"Mr. Osborne, if you ever need me—business or personal—you know where to find me."

Business clearly meant the project.

But personal?

Austin's eyes darkened as he forced a smile. "Mr. Jackson, you're too polite."

Ethan didn't say anything more. He turned and walked away.

Austin finally turned to Dawn, his gaze sharp and intense. "So, what did you want to say?"

The pressure coming off him felt like a heavy, invisible shield, making it hard for Dawn to breathe. Her hand at her side tightened into a fist.

She took a deep breath and, after a pause, finally spoke. "Uncle Austin, I got married."

He didn't say a word. The tall green plant behind him blocked out the afternoon sun, casting a heavy shadow across his face and turning his eyes even colder.

Dawn pressed on. "I told you before I was dating someone. It's true. It's Ethan. We just got our marriage certificate today ... "

"Dawn, do you really expect me to believe that?"

" ... I'm not lying."

"Not lying about what?"

His eyes were almost unnaturally red as he stepped closer, gritting his teeth. "You said he was taking care of you, and I believed you. But that's just giving you a ride once in a while. You two were always close as kids, weren't you?

"Married? Hah ... What gives him the right to marry you?

"The Jacksons are a big, powerful family. Even I have to work hard just to stay on good terms with them. But you? What do you have? Who are you?"

His breathing grew heavier, his words rough and wild, every syllable pounding like a hammer. "Or do you really think Ethan can't find another woman?"

Dawn's face went pale, her lips trembling. She couldn't get a single word out.

So in his eyes, she was nothing.

Not good enough.

She'd never been good enough to love someone, and now she wasn't even good enough to be loved by someone else.

Austin finally noticed the shattered look in her eyes and realized he'd gone too far.

He let out a shaky breath and put both hands on her shoulders. "Dawn ... I would never hurt you. A man like Ethan—he could have any woman he wants. There's no reason he'd choose you.

"And honestly, the fact that he's such a good person is exactly why I'm not afraid he'll hurt me. If, one day, we realize we're not right for each other, then we'll part ways. That's all."

Dawn wasn't the type to force anything. She and Ethan had each made their own choices.

One of them was ready to walk out of someone's life. The other just happened to need someone to marry.

The timing was just right.

Austin's face darkened with anger and his jaw clenched so tight it looked like he might explode.

He didn't say a word, just stared at her with those fierce eyes.

Dawn used to be afraid of him when he got mad. But now ...

It just didn't matter anymore.

She was about to speak again when he cut her off with a cold voice. "How long have you even been with him? You trust him that much already?"

Dawn lifted her chin. "We've known each other since we were kids. I know him better than you do."

"Know him?"

Austin let out a harsh laugh. "Do you really think you understand men better than I do?"