Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22 I’ll Just Get a New One

Chapter 22 I’ll Just Get a New One

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She blinked, her mind going blank for a moment before responding, “Y–yeah, I’m done staring.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. “Then I’ll continue cooking.”

Dawn bit her lip, feeling embarrassed. After a brief pause, she walked into the kitchen, hands clasped behind her back. “I didn’t know you could cook.”

“There are a lot of things you don’t know,” Ethan replied, his attention fixed on the sautéed pork in the pan. His voice was calm and measured. “But you’ve got plenty of time. You’ll learn more about me as we go.”

Dawn stayed quiet, her eyes drifting over his sharp, handsome profile.

She had once believed their marriage would be nothing more than a practical arrangement, a convenient partnership without any real expectations. There would be no obligation to care for each other or put effort into making things work.

But now, watching him, she wasn’t so sure anymore.

If this is what it means to settle down with him, maybe it won’t be so bad after all.

Ethan’s cooking wasn’t perfect, but each movement was precise, and the dish he prepared looked delicious and appetizing.

Dawn helped set the table, walking to and from the kitchen with ease.

“Dawn.”

“Yeah?”

“Come here and help me.”

His deep, rich voice called from the kitchen. She quickly set the spoon down and hurried over.

Ethan looked up at her, wearing a slightly helpless expression. “The string on the back of my apron’s all tangled. Can you help me with it?”

“Sure…

11

Dawn stood next to him, suddenly unsure of what to do. Ethan’s back was to her, and after a

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Chapter 22 I’ll Just Get a New One

moment of hesitation, he turned slightly. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing…”

She couldn’t exactly admit the real reason.

That, as she stood behind him, her eyes kept wandering to a certain spot.

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Dawn took a deep breath, trying to focus, then reached out to his waist with her delicate hand.

For some reason, what should have been a simple knot only seemed to get tighter in her hands.

A strange feeling crept over her.

Standing there with him, it almost felt like they had been living together for years–just like any regular married couple.

The thought made her cheeks flush, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit flustered.

Time passed without her noticing, maybe a minute or two.

Ethan turned his head slightly. “Can’t untie it?”

Dawn’s hands trembled ever so slightly, and she mentally scolded herself. Trying to keep her composure, she said, “I don’t know how you tied it, but this feels like a Gordian knot.”

“In that case, don’t bother untying it.”

His gaze lingered on her, his voice low and almost teasing. “I’ll just get a new one.”

That sounds… a bit odd.

Dawn didn’t question him further, instead grabbing a pair of scissors and cutting through the apron’s strings. Ethan then suggested, “I’ll need a new one. How about we stop by the supermarket after dinner?”

Dawn thought it would be a good idea to pick up a few things, and it would also help ease the awkward tension. She nodded enthusiastically.

After dinner, they changed and went to a large shopping mall not far from their place.

Ethan parked in the underground garage before heading up to the mall with Dawn.

Trifton’s downtown was known for its affluence and lively atmosphere, and even on a weekday,

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Chapter 22 I’ll Just Get a New One

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the crowds were steady. The trendy cake shop on the first floor had a long line, and the smoothie place was packed with people.

Ethan asked, “Would you like something to drink?”

Dawn rubbed her stomach and sighed softly. “I can’t eat anymore.”

Her voice was quiet, but Ethan didn’t seem to hear. He glanced down at her and asked again, “It’s still early. You could get something–cake, maybe a smoothie?”

“No, thanks. I’m on a diet,” Dawn replied, noticing Ethan seemed particularly drawn to the shops. She assumed he was eager to indulge, so she grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the stairs. “These kinds of shops are just gimmicks. If you really want to go, I’ll take you next time.”

Ethan’s gaze lingered on where her arm was linked with his.

“Alright,” he said.

They continued on, Dawn subconsciously holding onto his arm as they walked through the store, picking out a few items here and there.

This one’s really good. Perfect for when you’re watching TV,” she said, holding up a snack.

“We’re out of face wipes. We’ll get a pack,” she added.

“This one looks nice … ”

Ethan didn’t share any thoughts, merely glancing at her every now and then with a soft smile as he pushed the cart. His quiet presence felt comfortable and easy.

To anyone observing, they were a striking pair, their chemistry undeniable. A woman nearby couldn’t help but admire them, speaking to her companion. “It’s so nice to see young people like them–shopping together, so in love. Unlike us …

She shot a glance at the man next to her, puffing out a little sigh. “When I ask you to come shopping with me, I feel like I have to beg … Hey, what are you doing?”

“Shh!”

The man had stepped behind a shelf, signaling for her to be quiet.

He pulled out his phone and snapped a picture. Though both of their faces were in profile, anyone who knew them well would recognize Dawn right away.

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Chapter 23 It Doesn’t Matter Who, as Long as It’s Not You