Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 9

As always, Austin's tone was one of interrogation, but Dawn no longer cared for it. She replied coolly, "It's my freedom to go out with whoever I want. Uncle Austin, you wouldn't go so far as to limit who I can be friends with, would you?"

Austin had been nowhere to be seen these past few days. Now that he had suddenly returned, it was obvious that Sydney had run to him complaining again.

Dawn found it amusing that Sydney saw her as some kind of rival.

"If you have something to say, Uncle Austin, get to the point. I want to rest."

Austin had never seen her this impatient before. He gritted his teeth and said, "Dawn, it looks like you've grown up now, huh? It's bad enough that you're going out with questionable people, but now you're speaking to me with this attitude?"

Dawn lifted her head. "And what do you mean by ‘questionable people'?"

I had only gone shopping with Alice. Does not telling him about it make it questionable?

Austin, however, had noticed the shopping bag in her hand. Not long ago, Sydney had taken him to that same store.

It was a brand specializing in custom-made men's fashion.

It wasn't quite on the level of luxury brands, but it was far from cheap.

Dawn usually used Austin's supplementary card, yet today, he hasn't received any payment notifications.

He had met her two closest friends before. Neither of them were rich.

Which meant Dawn had gone shopping with a man.

Otherwise, why would she have gone to a men's boutique?

Austin's expression darkened. "Haven't I told you before? Don't get too close to guys with bad intentions. They're never truly interested in being your friend."

"In your eyes, it seems that everyone except you has bad intentions."

Dawn looked him straight in the eye and said, "But Uncle Austin, I'm not a child anymore. Even if I were dating someone, it would be perfectly normal. Besides, isn't that what you want?"

Austin was momentarily caught off guard.

Yes.

If Dawn started dating, she wouldn't cling to me anymore.

However, he felt a pang in his chest at that thought.

Austin gulped as he averted his gaze slightly. "You can date, but it has to be with someone reliable. Dawn, I'm only looking out for you."

Dawn stared at him expressionlessly for a moment. She had no interest in arguing about this any further. Pressing her lips together, she simply said, "I went shopping with Alice. There's no need for you to worry."

With that, she turned and went upstairs, placing the gift she had bought for Ethan into a box.

She had originally considered telling Austin about it, but after seeing his reaction just now, she dismissed the idea.

If he found out, she probably wouldn't even be able to leave Trifton.

Austin watched her go upstairs and his eyes clouded with emotion.

Just then, his phone rang.

He walked over to the couch and sat down, rubbing his temples before answering.

"Austin, are you home?" Sydney's gentle and concerned voice came through. "Dawn is already a grown girl now. Don't be too harsh on her just because of what I said. Even if she doesn't show it, she'll definitely resent you."

That girl had already made her resentment perfectly clear.

Austin let out a low chuckle. "I didn't say anything to her."

On the other end of the line, Sydney clenched her jaw.

I had cried my heart out to him, yet he hadn't even reacted.

Suppressing her frustration, she asked, "Is Dawn ... okay?"

"What could possibly be wrong with her?"

Austin's eyes darkened again as he recalled the shopping bag Dawn had been holding. "If she's ever rude to you again, just put her in her place. There's no need to hold back just because she's older now."

"Wouldn't that be too harsh?"

Their relationship was nothing like an uncle and niece.

No, I have to find a way to drive Dawn away from Austin once and for all.

"Are you heading out?"

"Mm. I have some things to take care of at school."

Austin nodded. "Have you finished packing for your trip?"

"Almost."

On the surface, she seemed obedient, answering every question.

However, Austin knew her too well—this was a silent protest. He pressed his tongue against his molars, suppressing the irritation that was starting to rise again.

His voice was low and heavy. "You've pushed things far enough.

"You ran into Sydney yesterday, showed her no respect, and even spoke harshly to her. I didn't say anything, yet you're still giving me attitude?

"She, on the other hand, actually spoke up for you. Dawn, when will you finally learn to be more mature?"

Listening to him, Dawn suddenly lost her appetite for what seemed like a delicious meal.

She was indeed immature.

However, he hadn't even asked for her side of the story and yet he had already condemned her based on Sydney's words alone.

Austin, just how mature are you, really?

Dawn put down her spoon and took a napkin to wipe her mouth.

"Uncle Austin, I did run into Ms. Peay yesterday. But I didn't insult her—I'm not some lunatic who just picks fights with people for no reason.

"She asked me when I would leave your side. I told her, ‘soon.' That's all."

She didn't know how Sydney had twisted the story, but it was probably far from pleasant. Otherwise, Austin wouldn't have held it in since yesterday, only to scold her first thing in the morning.

Seeing his face darken like the bottom of a burnt pot, Dawn smiled.

"I sincerely wish you and Ms. Peay a blissful marriage and a lifetime of happiness."