Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 218

"Fine, if you refuse to listen, I won't waste my breath. I'll just leave this with you, Dawn. I only hope you never live long enough to regret your choice."

He spun on his heel and went upstairs without sparing her a glance.

A few minutes later he came back down, his backpack hanging from one shoulder. His every movement carried the weight of finality, and Dawn could feel he had made up his mind to walk away.

It was as if Micah had only stayed with the Jacksons to watch, to see if she and Ethan would actually marry.

He had never meant to interfere.

He had only wanted to see it unfold.

Now that he had witnessed the outcome, he was leaving.

"Micah!"

Her voice rang through the room just as he reached the front door. Dawn's brow creased, and unease twisted in her chest. She hesitated, then forced her question out. "Do you know something I should know?"

Micah didn't turn back.

His back was stiff and unyielding, and though his frame still carried traces of youth, there was already the strength of a man in it.

He paused for a long moment, then walked out without so much as a backward glance.

A sharp car horn blared through the air. Dawn's chest clenched, her heart stumbling with a sudden panic she couldn't explain. Before she could gather her thoughts, the phone on the couch buzzed.

"Dawn."

Her uncle Lucas's voice came through the line.

She steadied her breathing and answered, "Uncle Lucas."

"I noticed you were all busy today, so I didn't want to intrude. Your cousin wants to stop by tomorrow. Will you be around?"

Dawn froze. From what she remembered, Cindy had always despised her. Now that she was away at college, it only made sense for her to keep her distance.

Lucas seemed to catch her hesitation, and he chuckled. "You didn't know, did you? Ever since she stayed with you for a bit, she's been talking about you. She wanted to come today, but a professor had class she couldn't skip. So she'll come tomorrow instead. She even prepared a gift."

Dawn let out a small sound of agreement. "Alright. I'll be home waiting for her."

And sure enough, the very next morning Cindy stood on the doorstep of the villa.

Lucas escorted her in, then turned to leave.

"I've got work waiting at the company. Spend some time with Dawn, alright?" His eyes lingered on Dawn, serious for a beat before softening into a smile. "I'll go now. Keep an eye on Cindy for me."

Cindy's face twisted with impatience. She didn't even look at her father.

The moment he was gone, she shoved a box into Dawn's hands.

"Here. Take it."

Dawn gave her a long look. "Did you actually make this yourself?"

"Take it or don't. I don't care." Cindy rolled her eyes, making no effort to explain.

"This. Can you see this?"

Silence.

Cindy's eyes grew wide, her lips parting in awe. She gave a low whistle and lifted her thumb in approval. "That's badass."

Dawn said nothing.

Before she could answer, footsteps sounded on the stairs. Ethan's tall frame came into view. Cindy inhaled hard, sitting up straight, nerves stiffening her features. "I take it back," she blurted quickly. "Your husband's committed. Seeing how much he loves you, I bet my dad and my aunt can finally rest easy in heaven."

Huh?

What on earth is this girl even saying?

Ethan's lips tugged into a slow smile, his voice rich and unhurried. "Your cousin came?"

"Yes." Cindy's voice turned solemn, louder than she ever spoke at school. "Hey, Ethan. Guess you're my cousin-in-law now."

Dawn's mouth twitched, but she didn't waste words correcting her. She turned to Ethan instead as he drew near. "Heading to the office?"

"Yes." He bent and kissed her mouth softly, then slid his hand around her neck and pressed another quick kiss against her lips, light as a bird peck. "The project's nearly done. Once I finish it, I'll take you on our honeymoon. Start thinking about where you want to go."

"Honeymoon?"

The thought had never once crossed Dawn's mind until that moment.