Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 196

"Mom ... "

Dawn froze for just a second before rushing forward, pounding the door with all her strength. "Mom! Please come out, Mom! Open the door!"

Thick smoke filled her nose and throat, choking her until the neighbors dragged her back. Faces blurred before her eyes, and she could not tell who was who. In her mind, there was only one thought: her mom was still inside. She had to save her. Someone, anyone, please help her!

Despair crept up on her, and as she struggled and cried, all she could hear was a buzzing in her ears.

Then, a cool hand suddenly covered her eyes.

A young voice, calm and steady, said, "Don't look. And don't be afraid."

Chaos roared all around, people running and shouting.

Yet the icy touch somehow soothed the panic in her chest. Her eyes were stung red from the smoke, and even when she forced them open, she could not see the boy's face.

"Where is my mom? Will my mom be okay?" she asked, voice trembling.

"They'll do everything to save her. But your mom wouldn't want to see you hurt. Be good and stay right here."

And so Dawn listened. She stayed still and obedient.

In the end, she never saw that boy's face. When she opened her eyes again, all she saw was Ethan's handsome face, full of worry, his hand gripping hers tightly.

"Had a nightmare?"

Ethan let out a sigh of relief, pulling her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. "You scared me to death just now."

Dawn did not answer, only stared at him, unblinking.

One second. Two seconds.

That look made Ethan uneasy. He even reached out to touch her forehead. "What? Did you go stupid on me?"

"Ethan."

Her voice was hoarse.

He met her gaze, waiting for her to go on.

However, she said nothing more. She just opened her arms and clung to him like a child. "Hold me."

Ethan raised a brow, then chuckled.

Sliding an arm beneath her neck, he scooped her into his arms. "Looks like my little one's really shaken. Needs a little comforting."

Dawn did not speak, but the corners of her lips lifted faintly. A single tear slid down her cheek—whether from happiness or regret, even she couldn't tell.

By the time the two of them messed around, got ready, and came downstairs, Tara was nearly done with breakfast.

Seeing Ethan there, even she was surprised.

"When I saw the car in the yard this morning, I thought I was seeing things. When did you get back?"

Ethan sat down slowly, picked up an egg, and began peeling it for Dawn. "Last night."

"Oh."

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