Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 4

It was the first time Ethan had ever heard Dawn speak in such a tone. He paused slightly, then came the sound of rustling.

His voice tightened. "What happened? Did you go to the hospital? Where are you? I'll have a friend pick you up ... "

His concern was unmistakable.

Unexpectedly, Dawn found his nervousness amusing.

"My waist hit the table, it's not serious."

She took a deep breath and her earlier emotions dissipated a little. Walking over to the couch, she sat down and added, "I already went to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor prescribed some medicine. No bones were injured."

The other end of the line suddenly went quiet, as if the man had finally breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm not there. Can you take care of my wife properly?"

The way the word "wife" rolled off his tongue made Dawn's face heat up. It sounded so natural and pleasant.

"What nonsense are you talking about?" she muttered.

"How is it nonsense?"

There was the soft sound of footsteps through the receiver, and then Ethan's voice returned to its usual lazy drawl. "Dawn, I'm really looking forward to the day of you becoming my wife."

Dawn was at a loss for words.

She and Ethan were too familiar with each other.

The sudden change in their relationship felt a little strange and a little ... thrilling.

She decided to change the subject and teased him, "You weren't about to hop on a plane and come find me just now, were you?"

Ethan fell silent for a moment before letting out a bitter chuckle. "That was my first instinct. It only just hit me that I'm across the ocean. I had a last-minute business trip yesterday."

Dawn had been joking, but it turned out to be true.

She wasn't quite sure how to feel. Something about it made her feel a pang in her chest. Before she could say anything, his voice came again. "I have a friend who runs a holistic therapy center. Go see her tomorrow. She'll take good care of you, and you'll recover faster."

"No—"

"Dawn, don't refuse me."

Ethan's voice was gentle but firm. "We're getting married soon. Taking care of you is my responsibility. Especially since I'm not there right now ... You can even get mad at me if you want. Understand?"

Since returning from Sydney, Dawn hadn't experienced this kind of care in a long time.

She sniffed and nodded.

Realizing he couldn't see her, she whispered, "Okay."

The holistic therapy center Ethan mentioned was in the city center. When Dawn arrived, she realized it wasn't just an expensive place—it operated on a members-only appointment system. Even if you had money, you might not get in.

The owner, Alice, was a stunning beauty and one of Ethan's college friends.

After Dawn's treatment, Alice personally escorted her to the door.

"Next time, just come straight to me, Ethan's girlfriend. No matter how busy I am, I'll make time for you," Alice said as her eyes twinkled with curiosity. "But in return, can you tell me the story of you and Ethan?"

She was dying to know.

Ethan had always been untouchable. Who would've thought he'd fall for a little girl like this?

After spending some time together, Dawn had warmed up to Alice. She liked this beautiful and straightforward woman.

Shrugging, she answered honestly, "There's no story. We're only faking our relationship."

Alice's eyes widened in disbelief.

She was about to press further when a surprised female voice cut in. "Dawn? It really is you."

Dawn and Alice turned around.

He frowned slightly and asked with concern, "How's your back now? Are you feeling better?"

Sydney, who was standing by the side, caught the worry in his eyes.

Her gaze darkened but she said nothing.

Dawn, on the other hand, had long since become immune to his belated concern. It neither moved her nor saddened her. She simply replied nonchalantly, "I'm much better."

Austin looked at her expression and assumed she was upset. He tightened his grip on Sydney's hand for a brief moment before letting go.

Dawn had a fiery temper. If she caused a scene here, it wouldn't look good.

Sydney lowered her gaze at her now-empty hand and couldn't help but clenched her fist in anger.

Austin didn't notice anything. He simply assumed the role of an elder and spoke in a firm tone. "Since you're better, go home and rest. Don't wander around too much. If it gets worse, don't come crying to me."

He put it as if she was the type to cry to him.

Dawn smiled and met his gaze. "Don't worry, Uncle Austin. That will never happen again."

The resolute look in her eyes sent a fleeting sting through Austin's heart.

He quickly averted his gaze. "Take a taxi home. I still need to stay with Sydney for her treatment."

Dawn glanced at him but didn't respond.

Instead, she took Alice's hand. "Alice, I'm leaving now. Let's meet up when you're free."

Alice caught her meaning immediately and her lips curled into a meaningful smile. She reached out, playfully pinching Dawn's cheek. "Of course. Bring him next time."

She was talking about Ethan, but Austin had misunderstood it.

Once Dawn was gone, his expression turned serious. Looking at Alice, he said, "Ms. Alice, Dawn is only my niece. Please don't play matchmaker where it's not needed."