Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 155

How old had she been back then?

Five? Maybe six?

Dawn couldn't remember.

All she knew was there'd been an older boy—good-looking, soft hair, face like a doll. He didn't mix with the younger kids, though. He sat off in a corner, playing games by himself.

Then, the memory jumped. She saw herself first meeting Ethan after moving into the Osbornes.

Later, it skipped again to the day they met before deciding to marry. By then, they were both adults.

Dawn thought it was almost magical, like fate had been quietly pushing them toward that moment all along.

Morning light spilled through the window.

She opened her eyes, still caught between her dream and reality. Then, she froze at the sight of a defined chest right in front of her.

And the worst part?

Her hand was still resting on him.

Her cheeks went from pale to red. She was stunned for a long moment before carefully pulling her hand back, ready to roll away and act like nothing happened. But before she could, a low, husky voice murmured above her, "Morning, babe."

Dawn felt her ears tingle and instinctively scooted backward, trying to hide the wildly irregular thumping of her heart.

" ... Morning."

She shot him a glance, then turned away. "Did you sleep well?"

"So-so."

"Then you should sleep a bit more."

Just as she tried to get up, his strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her tight against him. Their bodies fit together too perfectly, his warmth almost burning.

Dawn smiled nervously, pressing her palms to his chest, not sure whether to push or pull closer.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

Before he could answer, she muttered, "I didn't brush my teeth yet."

Her meaning was obvious. Ethan's eyes went to her bright red ears, clearly amused. "Yeah, me neither. It doesn't matter, though."

Her eyes went wide. She couldn't believe how casual he was being.

He raised an eyebrow. "We're getting up soon anyway? Did you think I was gonna do something? Hmm?"

She finally realized he was teasing her on purpose.

"Whatever! I'm getting up!" she huffed, struggling out of his hold.

For a man with power and money, women practically lined up. With Ethan's status, if he wanted a goddess, he could probably charm one down from the sky.

Once that barrier was opened, some words just naturally slipped out.

Her eyes dropped, her voice soft. "But ... don't you think it's unfair?"

"Unfair?"

"To you."

Her lips twisted into a half-smile as her fingers played with the buttons on his shirt. "I ... I used to like Austin. I even thought about being with him forever. Isn't that unfair to you?"

Back then, she'd been through so much with Sydney. And every time Ethan called, it felt like he somehow knew exactly where it hurt.

He'd been there, quietly supporting her, encouraging her, fixing problems she couldn't face alone.

When Dawn asked that, Ethan didn't answer.

The room went quiet, only the sound of their breathing filling the space.

Finally, after a long silence, he reached out and pinched her nose lightly. "Silly girl.

"In this world, fair or unfair doesn't matter. It's about one person willing to give, and the other willing to take. Do you even realize what it means to me that you chose me?"