Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 5

Alice wanted to say something but kept quiet in the end.

Forget it.

It's good for a man to have confidence.

What's the point of exposing him?

She chuckled meaningfully and said nonchalantly, "Yeah, I must have been mistaken. Dawn isn't good enough for you. This young lady by your side is obviously a much better match for your temperament."

Alice had seen Sydney's reaction just now. She didn't miss a thing.

A confident man paired with a scheming woman. Perfect.

She was just curious about how Austin would react once he learned the truth. The thought of it made Alice look forward to the show.

With a dazzling smile, she turned and beckoned to a store employee nearby.

"I have something else to take care of right now, so I won't be able to entertain the two of you personally. My apologies."

Just as she finished speaking, the store employee arrived. Alice gave a few instructions with a straight face, then turned back to Austin and Sydney with her signature smile. She nodded politely before walking away, swaying her hips.

The moment she returned to her office, she recounted everything to Ethan.

She concluded, "Dawn's feelings for her uncle are really something else. Are you sure you've got this under control?"

It was already nighttime in Meriax. Ethan sat before a massive floor-to-ceiling window. The city lights reflected in his dark eyes, making them seem even deeper and more unreadable.

He retracted his long legs, which had been crossed atop his desk, and spoke in a low voice. "I'll wrap up my work here as soon as possible and go pick her up."

"Sounds like you're sure of your victory."

Alice licked her red lips. "I'll be waiting."

This is going to be interesting.

After hanging up, Ethan twirled his phone in his palm before sending a message to his pinned contact in WhatsApp. "Has your treatment ended?"

Dawn had just gotten into the car when she received the message.

She smiled involuntarily after seeing the notification.

"Yeah."

"Alice's massage was really relaxing. I didn't feel any pain at all."

"Thanks, Ethan."

She even attached a "best friend forever" meme at the end.

Ethan was momentarily speechless. After a brief pause, he replied, "If it works, go a few more times. She's got plenty of free time—think of it as helping her practice."

Dawn already knew they were close, so seeing his response only made her smile widen.

"She said that when you're back, we should go and hang out with her."

She said "we."

Ethan lowered his gaze and chuckled. His mesmerizing eyes shimmered excitedly.

They continued chatting for a while until Dawn's phone beeped with a low battery warning.

"You should get some rest. I'm going home to pack up a few things. Good night."

Once she married Ethan, she would be moving to Northville, so she had to decide what to take with her.

As for the rest, Austin and Sydney wouldn't want to see it anyway.

She'd have to deal with it first.

By the time she got home, it was already afternoon. Dawn plugged in her phone to charge and then began sorting through her things, losing track of time in the process.

But, Austin will definitely be there too.

So what if Austin is there? I don't have to avoid him just because he rejected me. It wasn't like I had done anything wrong.

The venue was at a manor on the outskirts.

By the time Dawn arrived, many guests were already gathered in the main hall, chatting leisurely.

Most of them were acquaintances. Many were aware of the recent tension between her and Austin. The moment Dawn appeared, their expressions subtly shifted, and whispers spread among the crowd.

Sensing the change in atmosphere, Cecelia quickly walked over and took Dawn's hand.

"Dawn, don't mind these people. They just love to gossip. Come on, let me take you to see Peanut."

Dawn, however, wasn't bothered.

"It's fine. They're only stating the truth."

She and Austin had indeed fallen out because of another woman.

Cecelia observed her reaction carefully. Seeing that Dawn truly didn't seem to care, she sighed and admitted, "Honestly, I always thought he'd accept you sooner or later."

After all, she was a stunning young woman, one he had spoiled since childhood. How could Austin not be moved?

Cecelia couldn't help but wonder if Austin was truly devoted to another woman or if he simply never understood his ownfeelings.

Dawn smiled faintly. "Maybe it just wasn't meant to be. I won't force it anymore. Anyway, let's not talk about this. I got Peanut a gift. I hope he doesn't mind my taste."

"How could he?" Cecelia was relieved to see Dawn in good spirits and she playfully tapped her nose. "Peanut wishes you to find your true love soon and spite that blind fool of a man."

For some reason, at that moment, Dawn thought of Ethan. Her voice carried a happiness she hadn't noticed. "I already have found—"

Cecelia was about to press for details when another voice interrupted before she could speak. "What have you found?"

The familiar voice made Dawn's heart clench. She turned around and saw Austin's dark and stormy expression.

Had he heard that?