Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 209

Sandra slipped into her room, and soon after, the house fell still again.

The grand villa felt stripped of life, so quiet that the silence pressed against the walls.

Sydney stood at the window, her fingers scratching at the wooden sill in a restless rhythm. Her gaze locked on the distant house, unwavering, as if the world outside it had disappeared. The edge of her nail scraped deep into the paint, splitting it, but she did not notice.

She already knew the truth. That house belonged to Dawn's boyfriend.

Are you there, then, Austin?

Sydney walked through the streets, circling the neighborhood. She searched every corner, but his shadow never appeared.

She pulled out her phone and called. The ring cut through the air, yet no one answered.

"Austin, pick up the phone!"

Her jaw shook as she struggled to steady her voice. She called again and again, each attempt swallowed by silence.

Her chest tightened with fury. She nearly hurled the phone to the ground, but she forced her hand to still. In the mess she was in, she couldn't afford to lose it.

Her body folded as she dropped to the floor. She buried her face in her palms, shutting out everything.

Then a sound drifted from ahead, voices soft with laughter.

Dawn and Ethan walked across the yard, their hands joined. They wore matching pajamas—same style, different colors. They moved with lazy ease, their closeness warm and natural.

"Did you see the gift your mother picked out? She crammed so many things together in that box. I don't even know how she came up with the idea."

"You don't like it?"

Ethan tilted his head, his eyes glowing with tenderness. "If it bothers you, we'll change it."

"You're ridiculous. She spent time on it. And it's for the guests, not us. Isn't it better when things are thoughtful?"

Her smile was playful, light, and unguarded. She didn't notice how it shone, but Ethan did, and to him she looked stunning.

He gave a low hum and lifted her hand to his lips. He kissed her gently.

"Whatever it is, it's fine. Because it's you."

His deep voice brushed against her ear, and Dawn felt her heart spark, like a charge of electricity had rushed through her chest.

She only smiled, saying nothing.

Ethan stayed quiet as well.

They had no plans to step outside, but when they reached the door, they froze. Someone crouched at the steps.

A woman sat with her hair falling wild across her shoulders. She clutched her knees tight to her chest. Her eyes were red, but the shine in them burned with intensity.

Anyone who walked by might have been startled if they saw her looking like ... a mess.

Dawn stopped in her tracks, her smile fading.

Dawn and Ethan exchanged a look.

After a long pause, Dawn said, "Maybe it's time you called the cops."

"You—" Sydney's fists clenched tight. Her body leaned forward, ready to strike, but Ethan's cold stare cut into her and stopped her in place. Her chest rose and fell, and then she stepped back, choking on her rage.

Hurt people only know how to hurt others. Staring at Sydney now, Dawn felt her anger fade. There was no reason to waste her feelings on this woman.

She gripped Ethan's hand. "Let's go."

Austin's car had already driven out of her world. Whatever happened between him and Sydney was no longer her concern.

She never knew how long Sydney stayed outside. She never learned whether she found him.

After that night, those who had briefly appeared slipped out of sight again.

The Osborne Estate never saw them return.

Sandra later said Sydney had left for Northville early the next morning.

Dawn didn't ask anything about Austin.

She spent several days with Jessica. When Ethan finished his business, they bought seats on the same flight back to Northville.

They had planned to come back for the holidays, but trouble at work forced Dawn to cancel. She soothed Jessica over the phone, speaking gently for a long time until the dame finally gave in.