Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 222

Jonathan loosened two buttons on his black shirt, and the faint ridges of muscle beneath the fabric revealed years of discipline. His stance was sharp, edged with the kind of danger that drew attention whether one wanted it or not.

His expression stayed cold, yet his voice carried a bite of mockery. "So you've stopped calling me Jonathan?"

From the moment they had crossed paths again until just now, she had been calling him that like it was second nature.

Dawn pressed her lips together and said nothing.

Jonathan pulled a cigarette from his pocket, though he never lit it. He held it lazily between long fingers, his tone low and rough. "I've always wanted to tell you I'm sorry about what happened back then."

Dawn forced herself to look at him. His eyes were dark, endless, like a pit with no bottom, and no one could ever tell what hid inside them.

Time passed in silence.

Then she gave a brittle laugh. "Sorry? That doesn't change anything."

That word could carry so many feelings, but not every moment was right for it. Not now, not after so many years, and not for what had happened back then. Especially because it had never truly been Jonathan's choice.

The memories clawed back at her, and her breath wavered. She shook her head. "There's no reason to drag up the past. Let's go back. Ethan's waiting."

She didn't look at him again. She turned and walked away.

Jonathan's gaze darkened as he watched her retreat.

Her back was straight, her stride firm, filled with unshakable resolve.

It was the same as that day when she had cried and vowed she would hate him forever.

Dawn walked quickly. By the time she reached the private room again, her cheeks were flushed, her breathing uneven, as though she had been running.

Alex was halfway through a bottle when he noticed her. He grinned and teased, "Dawn, why'd you rush back like that? Don't tell me some guy was chasing you. Want us to take care of him?"

Dawn swallowed, realizing only then how shaken she still was.

It had been years. She didn't need to cling to old wounds.

She steadied her voice. "There was a drunk outside. I was afraid he'd bother me, so I hurried back."

Alex let out a long sound. "You don't need to be scared. No one's ever going to mess with you in this city."

Dawn smiled faintly and said nothing more.

She sat down beside Ethan.

His eyes had been locked on her the whole time. Once she was seated, he asked in a low murmur, "Is that true?"

For a moment she didn't understand. Then she realized he meant the drunk outside.

Her gaze flickered. She forced her tone light. "Of course it is true."

Ethan's stare was steady and unreadable. He didn't speak.

The door opened again, and a tall figure walked inside. Dawn looked at him for only a second before pulling her eyes away. She picked up a glass and took a sip.

Ethan caught her hand and rubbed his thumb against her palm. His gaze was deep, caught between calm and something darker.

Brogan swirled his drink, his face showing a flicker of thought.

Only Alex, drunk already, noticed nothing. He slung an arm over Jonathan's shoulder with a laugh. "Boss, what took you so long in the bathroom? Some woman cornered you?"

Dawn froze and lifted her head.

"What's wrong?"

"Call a driver."

"I can drive."

"You can't."

"Why not?"

His gaze was unreadable, his voice heavy and rough. "Honey, when you came back from the restroom, you finished the glass in front of you. That was strong liquor. You can't drive."

Her breath caught, stuck in her chest.

What was I thinking?

Her head had been full of how to act normal around Jonathan.

She had downed Ethan's drink without realizing it.

"I ... "

"There's no need to explain."

Ethan pressed his fingers to his brow, covering his eyes. His voice was still soft. "Call a driver. We're going home."