Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 200

However, Austin had always been stubborn. In all the years Sandra had been married to the Osbornes, she had never seen him listen to anyone. Naturally, there was no persuading him.

Letting out a faint sigh, Sandra said, "Jessica, young people have their own way of thinking. Maybe Austin has his own concerns."

Today was the day the in-laws were visiting, and it was not right for them to overhear such things.

Jessica understood, but she also enjoyed watching her son stumble.

Her youngest had never suffered much growing up and always assumed people should do as he said.

If Dawn's situation could teach him a lesson, maybe it would not be such a bad thing for his long life ahead.

The two women chatted for a while until the sound of voices came from the gate. Jessica's face lit up—she set down her plate and hurried outside. "Dawn's home!"

In the yard, a few of them were speaking with the gardener.

The moment Dawn saw Jessica, she spread her arms wide, her smile bright.

"Grandma, I'm back!"

Jessica let out a reply and quickened her steps. "You little brat, back home and the first thing you do isn't to run here? Not even married yet and already forgetting which house is yours?"

Though she sounded scolding, her voice brimming with affection and laughter.

Dawn gave her a big hug, a lump rising in her throat with sudden emotion.

"I had to tidy myself up before coming to see you. I didn't want you to catch me looking messy."

"Our Dawn is the prettiest—nothing about you could ever look messy."

Jessica beamed, then turned her gaze toward Ethan. Her eyes were assessing. "So this is the Jackson boy ... I haven't seen you in years, and you are still as handsome as ever."

Her tone was neutral, not exactly warm, but not hostile either.

Ethan shed his usual casualness, meeting her eyes with sincerity, respect, and composure.

"Hello, Grandma. I'm Ethan Jackson."

"Hello."

Jessica gripped Dawn's hand tightly. A glimmer flickered in her eyes before she smiled. "Let's go inside to talk."

She then turned to Tara, her expression brightening. "And you must be Tara."

"That's me."

Relief softened Tara's features as she laughed, looping her arm through Jessica's. "I was starting to think all the effort I've put into taking care of myself these past two years went to waste—you didn't recognize me."

"Of course not—you're still as beautiful as ever."

"Who would've thought we'd end up family? If I'd known, I would've fostered the bond back when we were still neighbors."

Harry's words were not about currying favor—just a genuine lament.

The kids had played together when they were little, but no one had imagined they would marry one day.

Ethan remained composed, neither arrogant nor humble. "It's not too late now. We'll be staying here for a while since Dawn wants to spend more time with you all."

At that, Dawn turned to him in surprise.

He had not mentioned that before.

Later, when the living room quieted and it was just the two of them, Dawn finally asked about it.

"What, you don't want to?" Ethan's eyes softened. "I could see you didn't want to leave Grandma. A few more days won't hurt."

Of course, Dawn was happy, but she still had work matters unsettled. "You're not in a rush to go back? I thought you'd be too busy."

"No matter how busy I am, it's not more important than how you feel."

Seeing she still worried, Ethan added, "I can handle most things online. If there's something I can't, I'll fly back first. Don't stress."

Only then did Dawn feel relieved.