Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16 Am I Not Allowed to Hit You?

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The two of them in the study snapped back into reality. Dawn quickly stood up, ignoring the sharp ache in her ankle as she moved to the side.

Austin’s expression was dark and unreadable; he gave no sign of what was going through his mind.

Sydney rushed into the room, standing between them. Her eyes flicked nervously between the two, her voice quivering with tension. “Wh–what were you two just doing?”

Dawn quickly composed herself and answered indifferently, “I almost fell, and Uncle Austin just helped me.”

“Almost fell?”

Sydney had seen everything clearly moments before. The way their eyes were locked, it looked like they were about to kiss! She scoffed. “Well, your hand sure was steady. You were about to fall, yet you still managed to hold onto that tray, and Austin just happened to be right there.”

Dawn opened her mouth to respond, but then realized there was no need to explain herself. Instead, she said, “I’ve already said what I needed to. If you still have questions, you can ask Uncle Austin yourself.”

Her ankle still throbbed, confirming that she had indeed twisted it.

She turned toward the door, taking careful steps.

Sydney saw her limping and immediately her temper flared. “You’re not going anywhere! You

“Enough!”

Austin’s voice cut through sharply, and he grabbed Sydney’s wrist, pulling her back.

Dawn hesitated for only a moment before picking up her pace to leave.

“Why are you letting her go?” Sydney’s eyes were red with frustration. She had always kept her cool because she had no real proof, but now, finally catching them “in the act,” she was determined to make it count. “Austin, I really thought you two only had a simple uncle–niece relationship. I never imagined…”

“Never imagined what?”

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Chapter 16 Am I Not Allowed to Hit You?

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Austin’s voice was quiet, but firm. His hair fell over his forehead, hiding his expression, but when he looked up at Sydney, his gaze was cold and steady. “What else do you think we have, besides an uncle–niece relationship?”

Sydney stared at his unyielding eyes and found herself at a loss for words.

“I raised her. She almost fell, so of course I had to catch her. Was I supposed to just let her fall?”

Austin’s patience was wearing thin. He let go of Sydney’s hand and said firmly, “Sydney, I don’t know what you’re thinking, but Dawn is just a kid. Can you stop treating her like an enemy?”

Sydney heard the change in his tone, and her heart sank. She softened her voice. “I didn’t mean it like that. I was just a little startled by what I saw.”

She walked closer to him, draping her arm around his, trying to sound playful. “I just needed you to explain it to me nicely. I’m not unreasonable.”

“Now that I’ve explained to you, are you still upset?”

“Not anymore.”

Sydney shook her head. “I’ll apologize to Dawn tomorrow. Does that sound good?”

A dark glint flashed in her eyes, betraying her true thoughts. Apologize? As if! The girl is lucky I’m not ripping her apart.

I know she’s been harboring feelings for Austin for a long time. Austin might not think that way, but I’m sure Dawn fell into his arms on purpose! She spoke so casually, wanting us to think she’s given up, but in reality, she’s planning something else.

Sydney was determined to handle Dawn, once and for all.

The next morning.

Dawn had just gotten up when she saw Sydney in the hallway. Sydney was dressed casually in homewear, her long hair flowing lazily over her shoulders. The sunlight streamed through the window, giving her an almost ethereal glow.

“Good morning, Dawn.” Sydney smiled as she walked toward her.

“Austin already explained everything about last night. I’m really sorry that I misunderstood you. Please don’t be mad at me, okay?”

Dawn wasn’t sure what was going on with Sydney, but she hadn’t been upset about the incident in the first place, so she replied casually, “You’re overthinking it, Ms. Peay. I’m not mad.”

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Chapter 16 Am I Not Allowed to Hit You?

“I’m glad.”

Sydney sighed with relief. “I’ve been so worried all night that I couldn’t sleep.

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“By the way, I heard from Austin… that the Virgin Mary pendant he gave me was something your mother left for you. I didn’t know that before. Wait here, I’ll get it for you.”

Dawn eyed her with suspicion.

What is Sydney up to now? Why is she offering to return the pendant to me?

A few moments later, Sydney returned, holding the jewelry box. Her face was sincere, and her voice soft as she said, “Dawn, I know I’ve probably hurt you before, but let’s clear things up today and get along from now on, okay?”

Dawn scrutinized her for a moment before speaking. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Sydney’s lips twitched. “I’m just returning your things.”

But just as Dawn reached for the jewelry box, Sydney cleverly moved her hand, causing the box to slip and fall to the floor with a loud thud.

“Oh, no! Why didn’t you catch it?”

She blinked innocently.

Dawn’s heartbeat skipped for a moment. Her hand froze in mid–air. It had fallen … and that pendant was the only thing her mother had left her!

Dawn slowly clenched her fist, bent down, and carefully picked up the box. She opened it–her precious Virgin Mary pendant was now in three broken pieces, a crack running right through Mary’s smiling face.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she remained silent.

Sydney watched from above, a flicker of satisfaction flashing in her eyes.

“Dawn, didn’t you say you treasured that pendant? How come you couldn’t hold onto it? Now look, your mother’s last gift to you is ruined…

Before she could say more, the girl on the floor suddenly stood up.

A sharp slap rang out, echoing through the room.

Sydney was caught off guard, stumbling to the side, holding her cheek, her eyes wide with

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Chapter 16 Am 1 Not Allowed to Hit You?

shock. “H–how dare you hit me!”

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“Why? Am I not allowed to hit you?”

Dawn’s eyes were bloodshot, but there were no more tears.

She glared at Sydney coldly, speaking each word clearly, “This is the last time. If you mess with me again, you’ll get to see if the rumors about me being arrogant and overbearing are true.”

If she wants Austin, fine, she can have him.

But she’s made one big mistake—she used my mother’s keepsake to provoke me.

Dawn tightened her grip on the jewelry box and walked past Sydney.

She suddenly stopped, and Sydney flinched instinctively.

Dawn smirked sarcastically. “Sydney, you’re pathetic. Your tricks are so basic, it’s embarrassing. If I were a man, I’d rather stay single forever than end up with someone like you.”

That was probably the greatest insult to a woman.

Sydney stood frozen, staring at the spot where Dawn had been, her mind racing.

This psycho… Has she lost her mind?!

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Chapter 17 Do You Really Think You’re So Great?