Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 264

Dawn had no idea what Janice was scheming. After texting Ethan, she drove straight to the restaurant they'd agreed on.

Just as they were about to arrive, Janice glanced at her phone and said, "Wait a sec."

Dawn turned to her. "For what?"

"Oh, don't ask. Just circle around once more."

She pointed ahead. "Over there. Let's loop around before we go in."

Dawn didn't get it, but she did as told. By the time they came back to the restaurant entrance, a black Cayenne pulled up right beside them.

Janice rolled down the window with a bright smile. "Mr. Brown."

Following her gaze, Dawn met a pair of deep, unreadable eyes.

She gave a polite nod and parked the car properly.

"Well?" Janice grinned. "Handsome, right?"

Unbuckling her seat belt, she quickly fixed her hair. "Let's hope it works out tonight."

Just then, the man stepped out of his car.

Janice hopped out, instantly switching to her poised, confident self.

Daniel Brown's warm smile reached his eyes. "Sorry I'm late—something came up last minute. Hope I didn't keep you waiting, Ms. Knowles."

"Not at all. We just got here," Janice said smoothly, then gestured toward Dawn walking up behind her. "This is my friend and colleague, Dawn Porter."

"Daniel Brown," he said, giving a polite nod.

Dawn nodded back.

"I've heard about you twice from Ms. Knowles," he said, his glasses catching the light. "She says you're an exceptional designer. I hope I get to see your work someday."

"Oh, you flatter me, Mr. Brown. I'm still pretty new to the field—I've got a long way to go before I can reach Janice's level."

Perfect delivery.

Janice shot her a secret thumbs-up and laughed. "It's blazing out here. Let's head inside."

Daniel stepped aside like a gentleman, letting them go first.

The restaurant's interior was cozy and romantic, and Janice picked a table by the window.

She and Dawn sat together on one side, while Daniel took the seat across from them.

His gaze lingered on Dawn for a moment before he asked, "Do either of you have any dietary restrictions?"

Dawn shook her head.

Janice looked a little uneasy. "I don't eat ginger."

Daniel nodded and signaled for the waiter to take their order.

Janice raised an eyebrow. Your turn.

"My mistake," Daniel said apologetically. "I thought you just didn't eat ginger itself. Didn't realize even the flavor bothered you. I'll be more careful next time—hope you can forgive me?"

Janice shook her head quickly. "It's fine, really. I can still have a little."

Dawn was speechless.

Watching Janice try so hard to please him, she didn't know whether to be frustrated or disappointed.

As the meal wound down, Janice stood up. "Excuse me, I need the restroom."

Once she was gone, only Dawn and Daniel were left at the table.

He adjusted his glasses, the reflected light flashing coldly. "From your accent, you're not from Northville. What made you decide to settle here?"

"My husband's here," she replied.

"So you two must be very close."

"Of course."

Something about his tone felt off. Maybe it was just her imagination, but talking to him made her uneasy, no matter how polite he seemed.

Daniel smiled faintly. "Newlyweds always think love lasts forever. But after a while, people realize—nothing stays the same. Especially feelings."

Dawn's brows furrowed. "What exactly are you trying to say, Mr. Brown?"

"Dawn," he said, this time using her name directly. His voice dropped, heavy and deliberate, like a curse. "I'm saying—you and your husband don't belong to the same world. You'll understand that soon enough."