Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 23

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

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

The woman noticed him frown as he zoomed in on the photo on his phone, studying it intently before sending it. Her curiosity piqued.

“Who is that? Someone you know?”

“Tsk…”

Zach Ruiz clicked his tongue and, placing his hand around her waist, gently guided her in the opposite direction while lowering his voice. “Do you remember Austin’s niece I told you about? The one who’s not by blood, but she’s always had a thing for him?”

Her eyes widened. “It’s her?”

But that man isn’t Austin.

“Yeah, her. So, what do you think … Shouldn’t we keep an eye on my best friend’s niece?” Zach’s tone became more serious, and as he pondered it, the suspicion grew. He sighed. “That girl had better not end up with the wrong crowd out of a broken heart.”

The woman scoffed. “You’re talking about the wrong crowd? You’re not exactly shining examples of good behavior.”

Zach, sensing the tension rising, quickly attempted to smooth things over. “I’m just talking about Austin’s niece. Why drag us into this? Don’t be upset, alright?”

Across the store, Dawn had no idea she had been secretly photographed.

After picking up the essentials and some snacks, she and Ethan moved on to the fresh produce aisle–fruits, vegetables, and meat.

Ethan didn’t seem at all like a polished office worker. Instead, he resembled a genuine stay–at- home husband, confidently picking out everything from fresh produce to the cuts of meat.

Dawn’s eyes widened in surprise. “You learned all this while you were abroad?”

“Had to.” Ethan sighed dramatically. “My mom always said, if I didn’t learn to cook, I’d never find a wife.”

Dawn couldn’t help but chuckle awkwardly. Is that so?

Ethan picked up two marbled pieces of beef and placed them in the cart. He continued, “But after today’s meal, it seems like my future wife is quite fond of my cooking. Turns out, moms

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22:04 Sun, Sep 14 d

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

do know a thing or two.”

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Dawn blushed, embarrassed, but then thought about it. If he can joke about it so easily, maybe I should relax too.

In the next breath, she nodded and said, “Well then, Mr. Jackson, you’d better keep it up, or this beautiful, kind–hearted wife of yours might just run off with someone else.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow in surprise, then laughed and said, “Alright.”

When they left the mall, they were both carrying large bags of groceries.

Dawn had planned to help, but Ethan refused firmly.

“I’m your future husband–I’ll handle the groceries.”

Dawn couldn’t help but feel sentimental. While Austin had always been kind, he’d never been this thoughtful in the details. Whenever they went shopping, it was always her who carried everything.

It feels nice to be treated like this, like I’m precious.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived home.

Ethan placed the groceries in the fridge, while Dawn went to her room to grab clothes for a shower. Just as she entered, her phone rang. It was Austin.

“Where are you right now?”

Dawn’s voice was calm, almost indifferent. “What do you want?”

The flat tone of her response only seemed to fuel Austin’s anger. He growled, “I’m asking where you are!”

He’d returned from the hospital that afternoon and discovered that Dawn had already made her way back to Trifton on her own.

Originally, he had planned to wait for her to come home for a serious talk, but after he dropped Sydney off, he received the photo from Zach.

The photo had nearly made him lose his temper.

I’ve never heard of any man being around Dawn.

So, who’s that man?

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22:04 Sun, Sep 14 …

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

Is she really going to do anything just to defy me?

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Dawn could feel the fury radiating from him through the phone, but it didn’t stir the same emotions within her anymore. She sat down on the sofa, her voice soft as she spoke, “Uncle Austin, I think Ms. Peay was right. I should start living my own life. I’m really grateful for everything you’ve done for me, but from now on…

She paused, choosing her words carefully. “I want to take care of myself. I need to grow on my own so that I can repay you for all the care you’ve given me.”

After she finished speaking, there was complete silence on the other end of the line. Not a sound for a full minute, just the strained sound of his breathing.

Finally, Austin spoke, his voice tight and low, “Dawn, do you think that by saying this, I’ll just forget everything that’s happened? Do you think you don’t owe Sydney an apology?”

Dawn pressed her lips together but didn’t respond.

“If you make a mistake, you have to face the consequences.” Austin’s voice hardened. “I’ve always taught you that!”

When he didn’t hear her reply, he assumed her silence meant agreement. He continued sternly, “I don’t care what kind of tantrums you throw, but if you plan to hang out with those wild men out there, I’ll ground you. We’ll talk after you’ve learned your lesson!”

Dawn listened to his angry shout and felt a strange urge to laugh.

He still doesn’t know I’ve moved out.

After a pause, she spoke calmly, her voice steady, “Uncle Austin, didn’t you say I could date anyone? You said that it doesn’t matter who, as long as it’s not you.”

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