Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 97

Chapter 97 Back At Home

Chapter 97 Back At Home

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Tony glanced at her and gave a quiet thumbs–up.

No wonder she clicks with Mr. Jackson.

She can spin nonsense with the same confidence he did.

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Hannah didn’t notice Tony’s look and kept fussing in a worried voice. “Your boss loves dragging you into pointless stuff. Why go all the way out for a field trip? You could have done it in the garden. And now look at you. Mud everywhere. And a dog chased you.”

Her voice slowed until it became nothing but a tired sigh.

Dawn felt a small pinch in her nose and said gently, “It’s okay, Hannah. The outdoors was nice. The air felt good.”

“It is nice. But you still have to think about how it actually works, right?”

Hannah gave her a sharp look. “Get showered now. I’ll make you some tea.”

Being back in a familiar place with Hannah and Tony nearby made Dawn feel calmer. Her chest loosened. She didn’t think about anything else. She just wanted to sleep.

After finishing the tea, she returned to her room and drifted off.

She slept deeper than she had in a long time.

She even dreamed of her mother.

Her mother had always been a gentle soul who gave all her energy and love to the family. Dawn remembered the first time she met her uncle. She had not understood what an uncle meant, so she had been a little cheeky.

Her mother had explained patiently. “Your uncle is my brother. He is family. He is one of the most important people in my life. You have to love him too, Dawn. Do you understand?”

Dawn had been confused and didn’t really understand.

She thought for a moment and asked, “Will he love me like you do?”

Her mother smiled. “Of course. You are family. He will always care about you.”

She could not remember exactly how old she had been.

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Chapter 97 Back At Home

Four, maybe five.

At that age, Dawn only understood family and blood. She did not understand human nature or how quickly people could change.

Then the dream shifted. The sky turned red and fire swallowed everything. Flames climbed high and wide. It felt like a demon had arrived, opening its mouth to consume her father, her mother, her home.

Everything was gone.

All gone.

A small sob slipped out of her lips.

Dawn curled into herself. She tried to shrink small enough to feel even a tiny bit of safety.

“Dawn, wake up.

“Dawn…

“Don’t cry. I’m here. Come on, stop crying.”

Someone pulled her out of the fire and held her like she was the most important thing in the world.

Dawn’s eyes

fluttered open. The familiar scent wrapped around her like a soft blanket. She lifted her head and saw the sharp line of a man’s jaw shining under the moonlight.

Her voice came out hoarse. “Ethan.”

“I’m here.”

He drew a steady breath and tried to make his voice calm. “I’m here.”

Dawn pressed herself against his chest without thinking. Her voice trembled with trust. “I think I just saw my savior.”

Thank you for showing up when I needed you most.

Ethan’s slender fingers combed through her hair. His dark eyes reflected the dim room around

them.

Holding her like this made his own heart feel steady.

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18:02 Wed, Sep 17

Chapter 97 Back At Home

He bent down and kissed her forehead. His voice was soft. “You silly girl.”

Dawn lifted her head. “You … just got back?”

“I’ve been here a while.”

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Ethan leaned over and clicked on the bedside lamp. Warm light spilled across the room. He spoke gently. “I just wanted to check if you kicked the covers off. I didn’t expect you to hold on so tightly. Did you miss me that much?”

He sounded serious. No teasing, no joking.

Dawn lightly tapped his arm. “What are you talking about?”

“Not nonsense, that’s for sure.

Ethan leaned closer. “You just pressed yourself onto me a moment ago.”

“You … hey!”

Dawn forgot her sadness. She was angry and helpless at the same time. Ethan sounded like he had

gone back to being a mischievous kid, teasing in that annoying way that used to make her laugh and roll her eyes.

He let out a soft laugh and studied her face for a moment.

Then he reached up and tapped her nose lightly.

“That’s all for teasing.”

He tugged the covers and held her shoulders gently to lie her down. “Close your eyes. Sleep now. Tomorrow morning everything will be fine. I promise.”

Dawn stared into his dark, steady eyes and felt a calm she hadn’t known in hours.

She was lucky to have Ethan.

“Ethan.”

“Yes?” He thought she wanted to say more and waited patiently.

Dawn whispered, “Good night.”

She knew she would sleep soundly tonight.

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18:02 Wed, Sep 17

Chapter 97 Back At Home

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Her nerves had been stretched tight all day. Slowly, sleep claimed her. Her eyebrows were slightly furrowed as if some small worry lingered, but the weight of rest pressed her under its quiet embrace.