Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 208

"I was with Grandma for a while this afternoon ... " She opened her mouth, wanting to explain something, but then felt it was not necessary. Standing up, she said, "Uncle, if you don't want to see me, I can just ... "

"When did I ever not want to see you?"

Austin's brows furrowed tightly, his gaze carrying emotions too complicated to name.

"It's you who doesn't want to see me."

He said it in a low voice, then turned and went upstairs.

Dawn stared at his back, her mood a tangled mess.

Maybe Austin was just not used to her suddenly "disobeying" him. Maybe once he got used to it, things would be fine.

Dinner was ready by the time Sandra came back from her errands. She had stopped by the mall and bought clothes for everyone, asking them to try things on after eating.

"Jessica, this outfit is red but not too flashy. I think it's perfect for Dawn's wedding. What do you think?"

Jessica opened it, nodded over and over.

Her daughter-in-law always knew how to do things that warmed her heart.

"You're right. Then let's keep it for Dawn's wedding. What about the rest of you? Take yours out too. We've got to match as a family. Hey, Austin, where are you going?"

His voice came back cold and heavy. "It is stuffy in here, so I'm going out for some air."

Air, really?

It was more like he was running away.

Jessica pouted, her gaze sliding to Dawn, eyes rolling around with thought. "Dawn, why don't you stay over tonight and keep Grandma company?"

But her little plan failed—not because Dawn refused, but because before she could even answer, an uninvited guest came in through the door.

Sydney walked in with luggage, travel-worn.

Jessica let out a dry laugh, pretending not to see her.

Sandra looked embarrassed and went forward to welcome her. "Ms. Peay, did you come here by yourself? Austin just went out. Why didn't you ask him to pick you up?"

"Ah, did he?"

Sydney had planned to surprise Austin.

Besides, even if she had told him, he might not have agreed.

Her gaze skimmed past Dawn with an almost invisible edge, then she smiled. "Sandra, did Austin say where he went? I can go find him."

"He just said he was getting some air. I really don't know which way he went." Sandra smiled as she answered, but Jessica let out a cold snort.

"What's the point of going out for fresh air? He's just upset about Dawn getting married, that's all."

Sydney's face flushed red, then turned pale. Austin's mother's attitude was nothing less than a slap in the face, a clear statement that she was not welcome.

"Ms. Peay ... " Sandra kept her polite smile as she bent down to pour Sydney a glass of water. "My mother-in-law is getting older. She often speaks her mind however she wants. The family indulges her, so please don't take it to heart."

Sydney accepted the cup with both hands, her smile bitter.

"Of course, it's kind of cute."

What else could she say?

Sandra's words also drew a line between her and the family. Even when she and Austin were already engaged, even when she had given them her whole heart.

Sydney lowered her eyes, her reflection trembling in the water.

Resentment. Bitterness.

By the time she looked up again, her expression was soft and fragile, her voice gentle and understanding. "I'm sorry, Sandra. I called Austin several times today, but couldn't reach him ... I must have been too anxious. I didn't even bring you all any gifts. Maybe I should just stay at a hotel tonight."

Hearing that, Sandra felt bad.

She quickly waved her hands. "There are plenty of rooms here. The maid can get one ready for you."

"Besides, Austin will be back soon. If he finds out you came and left again, he'll be worried sick."

Sydney put on a show of refusing a couple more times before finally reluctantly agreeing.