Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 346

Neither of them looked at each other, and both answered at the same time, "No."

"... Oh."

Tara licked her lips. Seeing no one objected, she added, "Ethan, there's fishing gear in the tent. Want to go try your luck? The weather is great tonight. Let's just stay here."

Dawn and Ethan both glanced up.

Their eyes met for a second before they quickly looked away.

Tara caught that spark right away and knew there was still hope. She clapped her hands and decided, "Alright then, let's do it!"

After that, she kept creating little chances for them to be together. At first, Dawn figured Tara was an elder, so she couldn't object.

But then, Tara zipped the tent shut with both of them inside and said, "Couples fight all the time, but they always make up. Whatever you two have to say, say it now and stop dragging it out. You're staying here tonight!"

Dawn's cheeks turned red—maybe from the heat, maybe from anger, or maybe ... just from feeling unsure of what to do.

When it finally grew quiet outside, she hesitated, then unzipped the tent and stepped out—only to bump right into Tara.

Before she could think of an excuse, Ethan spoke from behind her. "Mom, what's between us is our own business. I'm engaged now. You shouldn't get involved. Dawn has got her own life to live."

His calm, low voice drifted with the wind. He wasn't wrong. Dawn had already accepted that.

But hearing him say it out loud sent a cold wave through her chest.

It hit so hard that she could barely breathe.

"Mrs. Jackson, I ... I can't stay out tonight. I'll go ahead," she blurted, turning to leave.

Tara didn't even get a chance to stop Dawn. She smacked Ethan on the arm, fuming. "Why are you just standing there? Go after her! If anything happens to Dawn, I'll wring your neck!"

Ethan's brows drew together, his fist tightening.

He ran after her.

At the camp entrance, Victor and the two other bodyguards had been waiting. When they saw Dawn, they looked both surprised and relieved.

If she refused to return, they had no clue how to explain it to Jonathan.

"Ms. Porter," Victor greeted her.

Dawn kept her eyes down. "Let's go."

The car door opened, and Ethan appeared nearby. The headlights cast over him, showing his tall, firm frame.

"Dawn ... "

She stopped for a moment but didn't glance back.

Victor frowned and lifted a hand. "Mr. Jackson, please stay here."

Light from outside shimmered across the ceiling, swaying with the wind.

Old memories played through her mind like a movie. People appeared, then left. Life was just one goodbye after another.

She couldn't tell when she finally drifted off.

A knock woke her.

Victor stood outside. Seeing her in pajamas, he politely looked away. "Ms. Porter, your call."

Dawn checked the screen. It was Tara.

"Hello, Tara," she said softly, walking back into her room. "Sorry. I left in such a hurry last night. Did I upset you?"

"I get that you mean well. You don't need to apologize."

Dawn paused for a moment. Chances to see each other again might be limited.

"Tara, I'm busy the next couple of days, so I probably can't keep you company. Please take care of yourself."