Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 7

This was the answer Austin had been hoping to hear.

However, for some reason, when he looked into Dawn's calm, unwavering eyes, an inexplicable heaviness welled up in his chest. That feeling was completely out of his control.

Austin averted his gaze and said, "Get some rest. Stop being so disobedient all the time."

Dawn watched his retreating figure in amusement and exasperation.

All she had done was attend a friend's newborn celebration without telling him and laugh while Sydney was complaining.

And, that was considered disobedience in his eyes.

She used to be so obedient.

No matter how bold and reckless she appeared to others, she had always been the quiet, compliant girl who never questioned anything in front of him.

Whether it was something he told her to do or someone he told her to stay away from—she had never once disobeyed him.

But Austin—

From now on, I'm going to live for myself.

After that unpleasant encounter, Dawn didn't see Austin for several days. She was busy anyway. Her classmates were preparing for their new jobs, so before they left, they met up a couple of times for farewell dinners.

Then, she started packing.

Having lived here for so many years, she had too much stuff to take everything with her. She could only bring what was most important.

She planned to donate the rest.

Sydney would probably be moving in soon.

Neither of them would want any trace of Dawn left in this house.

She started by pulling out her suitcases, then piled all the clothes she wanted to take on the bed. After that, she folded them neatly before packing them away.

She was in a good mood as music played softly in the background.

Just as she was about done, a familiar, cold voice sounded from the doorway.

"Why are you packing?"

Dawn's good mood was instantly interrupted. She paused for a moment before replying, "I'll be starting work soon. Since I have some free time, I thought I'd visit Dad, Mom, and Grandma before that."

Even though she had grown up by Austin's side, Harry and Sandra Osborne were her legal guardians. They had always treated her well. They were like family to her.

She didn't know if she'd ever return after this trip to Northville.

She owed them a proper goodbye.

For a brief moment, panic flashed in Austin's eyes. But when he heard her explanation, he relaxed, "When are you leaving? I'll take you."

The Osborne family business was founded in Pettington, not Trifton.

Dawn shook her head. "It's fine. I can go on my own."

Austin said nothing.

She looked up and met his questioning gaze.

Dawn knew he didn't like it when she refused him, so she rarely did.

After some thought, she added, "Aren't you busy spending time with Sydney these days? I'm not a child. I can handle this myself."

Sure enough, the moment she mentioned Sydney, Austin's expression darkened.

He said coldly, "Yeah. Sydney just got back—I need to help her settle in.

"Go ahead then. Just don't go whispering nonsense to Harry and Sandra. You should know me well enough by now, Dawn—no little tricks will work on me."

Dawn looked at his indifferent figure and lowered her gaze while chuckling.

Did he think I was going back just to complain about him?

Good thing I had already let go of my feelings.

If this had been the old me, those words would have hurt.

She forced a smile and continued, "If that's the case, then shouldn't we spend more time together since I'm your uncle's girlfriend?"

Dawn frowned. "You're Uncle Austin's girlfriend, not mine. Why would I need to spend more time with you?"

Sydney was speechless for a moment.

"You—How can you say that?"

"How else should I say it?"

Dawn placed her water on the table and met her gaze directly. "Sydney, whatever happens between you and Uncle Austin is your business. Stop trying to involve me—it's pointless."

She wasn't stupid.

Sydney kept testing her over and over, just to make sure there was nothing between her and Austin.

Dawn found it ridiculous.

Austin had already made it clear where he stood. What more did Sydney want?

Sydney's smile finally faltered and she gritted her teeth. "Are you saying you've never had feelings for Austin?"

"I did," Dawn admitted it openly, without even blinking. "But not anymore. And never again. You don't like me and I don't like you either. Let's just be strangers from now on. There's no need for this pointless act."

Sydney had been ready to argue, but Dawn's blunt words left her momentarily stunned.

After a long pause, she finally sneered, "You sound so righteous, but as a grown woman, don't you think it's inappropriate to have lived with an unrelated man all this time? Doesn't that make you feel ashamed?"

Dawn had tried to move out when she started college, but Austin hadn't allowed it, insisting she wouldn't be able to take care of herself.

Now, Sydney was using that against her.

Dawn clenched her fists. "I will be moving out."

Sydney pressed on, "When?"

Before Dawn could answer, another voice cut in, "Oh? Ms. Peay, does Mr. Osborne know that you're pushing his niece like this?"