Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 345

Tara whispered so quietly that Dawn didn't catch it.

She'd grilled a ton of meat with the staff and was having her time.

Finally, Tara went over and pulled her back. "You're not opening a street stall. Why learn it so seriously? Just mess around for fun."

Dawn laughed. "I've got nothing else to do anyway. Just having fun."

"Fun is fine, but don't make a habit of it."

Tara grabbed two wet wipes and gently cleaned Dawn's hands.

"Women gotta take care of themselves. Don't wait for a man to do it. All that grease and smoke ruins your skin. Years in the kitchen, and you turn into a hag.

"It's fine when nobody else can help. But since there are, we might as well make the most of what we've got. Let the staff or the guys handle it. Give them something to do."

It sounded like an elder's gentle advice, but it was all business logic.

Dawn hadn't seen Tara that decisive before. Hearing her now, she looked at Tara a bit differently.

"Why ... why are you staring at me like that?"

Tara thought maybe Dawn didn't want to hear it. "Fine, I won't say it again if you don't want me to."

"No." Dawn shook her head quickly and sincerely. "I just think you look amazing. Like, glowing."

Tara froze for a second, then pinched Dawn's cheek. "Same goes for you."

Her eyes drifted behind them. Her useless son was off doing who-knows-what. She'd invited Dawn out; there were no outsiders, and he still couldn't step up?

"Um ... " Tara's eyes flicked briefly. She rubbed her stomach. "Dawn, hang here. I need to hit the restroom."

"I'll come with you."

"No, no, it's fine!"

She just wanted those two to have some space. No way were they going together.

Dawn got it. But as soon as Tara left, she went stiff. She didn't even know where to look.

Soon, Ethan walked over.

"Want some fruit?"

Dawn looked down. It was freshly washed strawberries with the tops removed, ready to eat in one bite.

If it were before, she'd have wrapped her arms around him, kissed him, and gushed.

But now?

She didn't move. Her smile was stiff.

"Thanks." She shook her head. "But I'm fine. I'm a bit hungry. I want some barbecue first."

"Thanks." She took it and nibbled.

Even without looking, she felt his intense gaze. After a long moment, he asked roughly, "So ... what's your plan after this?"

She had been starving, but the barbecue now tasted like nothing.

Funny how things worked out. She'd come to Northville because of Ethan. Now she was leaving because of him, too.

She never really blamed anyone. Even now, with him marrying Roxanne, she understood he had his reasons.

Maybe it had to do with her. Maybe not.

Either way, in Dawn's mind, anyone who hid the truth or lied "for someone's own good" was selfish.

And Ethan had admitted that himself.

She smiled faintly. "Mr. Jackson, since we're parting ways, you don't need to ask. It's kinda personal."

Ethan's Adam's apple moved. His eyes looked cloudy.

His voice was rough. "Yeah."

After that, neither spoke.