You Got Your First Love, I Have My True Love Free Preview

Dawn Porter arrived at Austin Osborne's birthday party with a gift she had prepared with effort.

Just as she reached the entrance, voices could be heard from inside.

"Austin, now that Sydney's back, you two can finally be together ... But, that girl at your place has quite the temper. What if she doesn't agree?"

Through the glass door, Austin's expression was shadowed by the dim lighting, but his indifferent voice was clear. "She's just a child. I can't be bothered by what she said."

"Dawn is still young, but everyone knows she loves you. You've never had any feelings for her after all these years, huh?"

Zach Ruiz's question made Dawn's heart clench.

She wanted to know the answer, too. Has Austin ever had feelings for her?

The man sitting in the center of the sofa exuded a mature charm. He paused briefly before speaking in a low, cold voice, "Why are you guys acting as childish as her? Stop joking about this. To me, Dawn is nothing more than a niece. I will never develop feelings for her."

I'll never have feelings for her.

Those words stabbed straight into Dawn's heart like a dagger.

No one inside had noticed her standing at the door, and the conversation continued. "Yeah, yeah, Sydney's the only one who matters to you. She's your first love, after all. Dawn is nothing compared to her."

Austin gave a nonchalant "Hmm" and said, "Don't mention Dawn in front of Sydney later. I don't want her to misunderstand anything."

"As if we need to bring her up." Zach let out a knowing sigh. "With that girl's personality, she'd never let you be with anyone else."

"Exactly," another guy chimed in and laughed. "If you ask me, Dawn's already 20, right? Why not just treat her as your future wife? You'll have a woman at home and another one outside. Considering her situation and how much she loves you, she'd definitely agree—"

Before he could finish, Austin shot him a chilling glare.

"Stop the nonsense. I only let my brother adopt her because I felt sorry for her.

"My heart belongs to Sydney. Stop disgusting me."

Dawn's grip on the doorknob tightened, and her breath hitched.

So ... my feelings disgusted him?

Seconds ago, she had been ready to walk inside. However, all the strength drained from her body the next moment. She didn't even want to utter a word now.

Lowering her head, she forced herself to hold back the tears, then turned and walked away.

The deserted street was eerily quiet.

This private club was located by the river, and known for its exclusivity, which also meant there wasn't a single taxi in sight.

Dawn clenched the birthday gift in her hand and walked quickly.

Meanwhile, the conversation from moments ago echoed in her mind.

What have I been holding on to all these years?

Dawn, Dawn ... you're so pathetic.

She smiled bitterly as silent tears fell, vanishing into the pavement.

At the upcoming intersection, a car passed with its high beams on. The blinding light stung her eyes, and she let go of her hand in that instant.

The birthday gift dropped to the ground with a muffled thud.

It was a pair of expensive cufflinks she had bought with her hard-earned bonus.

But, it didn't matter anymore.

Taking a deep breath, she pulled out her phone and dialled a number.

"Ethan, I accept your proposal. Let's get married."

Ethan Jackson was five years older than her. He was a neighbor of the Osbornes. He moved abroad after high school and had only recently returned.

Now, he lived in Northville and had only met up with Dawn once. During their conversation, he spoke about the pressures of marriage in their circle, and he was frustrated with it.

"Dawn, whether it's you or me, in the end, we're both going to end up in an arranged marriage. Our families don't care if we're happy. To them, marriage is all that matters.

"If we have to get married anyway, why not pick someone we're comfortable with? We might as well just marry each other."

At the time, Dawn had thought his idea was ridiculous.

However, it didn't seem so bad now.

She turned back to glance at the neon-lit building behind her, its flashing lights as dazzling as her past feelings for Austin.

"We already know each other well. It's better than settling with a stranger. If your parents are pressuring you, we can do it soon."

Ethan seemed surprised by her straightforwardness. He was silent for two seconds before he responded, "Alright. When should I come to get you?"

Dawn lowered her head, and her gaze landed on the abandoned gift bag on the ground. "Once I settle into my internship. It won't take long."

Since she had decided to marry Ethan, there was no longer any reason to stay in Trifton for her internship.

After ending the call, she walked a long way before finally finding a taxi to take her back to Southbay Residence.

Located in the city center, Southbay Residence was in a prime location, only about three miles from what used to be her home, which now lay in ruins.

When Dawn was nine, her family's company went bankrupt. Under the crushing weight of their debts, her parents had taken their own lives, burning down their house in the process.

The creditors had been ruthless, and they nearly laid their hands on the young Dawn.

It was Austin who had taken her in.

He had only been 17 at the time, but he had stood firm before his brother, Harry Osborne, and said, "I'm not married, so I can't adopt her myself. You adopt her and I'll take responsibility for her future."

And, he had lived up to his word, giving her the best life possible and spoiling her for over a decade.

He had always told Dawn that he was her uncle, but Dawn had never once called him that.

She had always believed she and Austin were meant to be together.

The moment she turned 18, she confessed her love to him.

Austin had scolded her, telling her that her feelings were wrong, that their age gap was too big, and that he could only ever be her uncle.

However, he never allowed other men to be around her.

Dawn had thought he was jealous, or he found her too young back then.

So she had waited, thinking that things would change if she grew up.

Watching the rapidly passing scenery outside the car window, Dawn felt a stinging heat in her eyes.

Turns out, growing up didn't change anything. A person's feelings are only a burden to someone who doesn't love them.

Austin—

I'll set you free.

By the time she reached home, Dawn wiped her tears, shoved down all her emotions, and went upstairs. She took a shower and went straight to bed.

She had expected to spend the night tossing and turning. Instead, she slept surprisingly well. The next morning, she woke up to the sound of clattering from the kitchen.

She went downstairs after changing her clothes while yawning.

"Lucy, what are you doing so early—"

Her voice trailed off as the figure in the kitchen came into view.

A woman stood there in a white dress with an off-white apron tied around her waist, accentuating her elegant curves. Her long hair was loosely pinned up with a claw clip.

She was Austin's first love, Sydney Peay.

"Dawn, you're awake?" Sydney turned around with a bright smile. "I was going to finish making breakfast before waking you up, but I didn't expect you to be up so early."

With all that noise, I would've had to be deaf to keep sleeping.

Dawn silently huffed and forced a smile. "Why are you here?"

Sydney covered her mouth as if looking a little embarrassed.

"Austin drank too much last night. I brought him home and helped him shower and change. Since you were here alone, I thought I'd make breakfast for both of us."

So they had spent the night together.

Dawn felt her fragile composure cracking, and her voice turned colder. "I don't need you to make me breakfast."

Just then, a familiar icy voice rang out from behind her. "Dawn, where are your manners? Apologize."

Dawn's back stiffened. It took her a long moment to turn around.

Austin had just finished showering. His hair was still dripping water, and he was only wearing a dark grey loungewear set. Yet even in such casual attire, he remained tall and striking. If one ignored the stern expression on his face, he could easily be every woman's dream man.

Dawn stayed silent and looked away.

Sydney's gaze flickered between the two of them. She feigned annoyance and shot Austin a playful glare before walking over to link arms with him.

"Why are you being so harsh with Dawn? She just woke up—of course, she's a little grumpy. Honestly, your temper isn't any better than hers most of the time."

Her tone carried a hint of complaint, but it was more of a coquettish banter.

Dawn's face turned pale, and she felt even more like an outsider.

Austin's expression remained grim, but the oppressive air around him eased slightly. He patted Sydney's shoulder in a comforting manner before turning to Dawn. "Come with me to the study," he said with a low voice.

Dawn bit her lip and silently followed him.

Sydney called after him worriedly, "You may be her elder, but you don't have to be so strict. Try talking to her softly."

Dawn scoffed internally.

They aren't even married yet, and she's already acting like the lady of the house.

Lost in thought, she didn't notice that the man in front of her had stopped walking. The next moment, her nose crashed into his back.

"What exactly goes through your head all day?" Austin asked.

When Dawn looked up, she met Austin's cold, piercing gaze.

"Don't you already know?"

She didn't know why she said that. Maybe it was the last bit of stubborn defiance in her.

Or maybe she just wanted to see his reaction.

Austin's brows furrowed even deeper. He stared at her for a long moment before saying, "Dawn, I've already told you—don't overthink on things you shouldn't. You're about to graduate. I'll arrange for someone suitable for you to be with, but that person will never be me.

"I'm your uncle. And Sydney will be your aunt in the future. You must respect her just as you respect me. Do you understand?"

Dawn had never heard these words from him before.

Not only did he not like her—he was actually planning to pair her up with someone else.

Ethan was right after all.

How foolish was I to have expected anything different?

He had it all planned out from the start.

Dawn took a deep breath. Strangely enough, she found that giving up on someone wasn't as hard as she thought it would be.

She obediently nodded. "I understand, Uncle Austin."

Austin was surprised. He hadn't expected this reaction from her.

In the past, she only called him "Uncle Austin" when she needed to be forgiven after causing trouble. During conversations like this, she would always argue back.

Thinking she had finally realized her mistake, his expression softened a little. "Look at how kind Sydney is to you—she even made you breakfast. Don't be so hostile toward her, alright?"

Even if Sydney hadn't made breakfast, Austin would have made it.

Besides, Dawn had no intention of having breakfast.

Without saying much, she simply nodded. "I understand. I'll get along with Aunt Sydney."

There was something strange about the way she spoke, but Austin couldn't put his finger on it. He studied her face with hesitation before finally asking, "Why didn't you come last night?"

Last night was his 28th birthday.

Dawn had been there, but no one had noticed at all.

She replied softly, "There was a seminar at school that ran late. I was too tired and I went home. Happy birthday, Uncle Austin."

Right now, all she wanted was to sort everything out and leave. She didn't want any more complications, so there was no need for an explanation.

Austin hummed in acknowledgement. After a moment of hesitation, he reached out and patted her head. "If something's bothering you, talk to me. Don't keep it to yourself, alright? Now, go have breakfast."

Dawn never imagined she'd experience such a bizarre moment—sitting with the man she loved while eating breakfast made by her "love rival."

She had considered making an excuse to leave, but on second thought, since she had already decided to let go of Austin, she should get used to scenes like this.

Besides, there wouldn't be many more of them anyway.

After breakfast, Austin went upstairs to change.

Dawn planned to head back to her room as well. She had to go to school later to discuss her internship at Northville with her professor.

"Dawn."

A voice called her from behind.

She turned around to see Sydney standing by the kitchen door, wearing rubber gloves. Her posture was casual and graceful, completely like the lady of the house.

Dawn felt a pang in her chest, and she asked with a straight face, "What is it?"

"Oh, nothing too important. I just want to talk to you."

Sydney said with a gentle smile, but one could see that she was faking it. "I heard you've always been a top student, even skipping grades a few times. Since you're about to graduate ... have you decided where to intern?"

It sounded like concern, but there was an underlying sense of probing in her words.

Dawn smiled faintly. "I don't think that's any of your concern, Aunt Sydney."

According to Austin's plan, she was supposed to intern at an Osborne Group company. When she first heard that, she had been ecstatic—thinking she would finally have the chance to stand beside him.

But, she no longer cared now.

Sydney's expression stiffened for a moment before she forced another smile. "I was just trying to show some concern. After all, Austin is a man—there are some things he might not be able to discuss with you."

Dawn wanted to argue that there was nothing she couldn't talk to Austin about and she had shared everything with him since childhood.

However, standing before her was the woman he loved.

So, she decided not to say anything.

She simply replied, "Yeah, I know."

A flicker of surprise crossed Sydney's face. She hadn't expected this response. After a moment's hesitation, she probed again, "You're a grown woman now. Isn't it inconvenient to still be living with your Austin? How about moving in with me instead? We could keep each other company."

Dawn had seen plenty of romance dramas filled with scheming and manipulation.

She used to think they were exaggerated, but now she realized they were real.

Sydney wasn't offering companionship. She just wanted to get Dawn away from Austin.

A lump formed in Dawn's throat. It felt like a thorn being lodged there which was impossible to swallow.

She couldn't help but take two steps forward and meet Sydney's gaze. "Should I be thanking you for your concern, Aunt Sydney?"

For a moment, Sydney felt oppressive pressure like the kind she usually only sensed from Austin. Instinctively, she took a step back. "N-no ... "

Her eyes flickered behind Dawn, and she softened her voice suddenly. "Dawn, you don't have to worry about me taking your Austin away. You'll always be important to him. I-ah!"

Before she could finish, Sydney stumbled over the threshold of the sliding door and fell backward.

Dawn instinctively reached out to help her. However, a strong force yanked her aside the next second, sending her crashing into the table.

Austin's cold gaze was filled with disappointment as he looked at her. "Dawn, you're becoming more vicious the older you get!"

That icy gaze was chilling, rendering Dawn speechless.

The sharp pain in her side from hitting the dining table was unbearable, yet all she could do was watch as the man carefully scooped Sydney into his arms and strode out the door.

Tears streamed down her face before she even realized it. She sniffled and remained motionless due to the pain.

A few minutes later, the sound of the door opening was heard.

It was Helena, the housekeeper.

She was humming as she walked toward the dining room. She stopped abruptly in shock when she saw Dawn. Her voice was filled with both surprise and concern. "Oh dear! Ms. Dawn, what—what happened to you? Why are you crying like this?"

Dawn could no longer hold it in. Her voice trembled as she pleaded, "Helena, help me ... it really hurts."

Helena immediately called for a taxi and took Dawn to the nearest hospital.

After a thorough examination, the doctor confirmed that there was no serious injury.

Be careful not to put too much pressure on your waist for a while. Apply the medication on time," the doctor advised after prescribing the treatment. He then glanced at Dawn's delicate, youthful face and reassured her, "There will be some severe bruising, but it will fade in time. Don't worry."

After thanking the doctor, Dawn left the hospital with Helena.

"Ms. Dawn, do you want me to call Mr. Osborne?"

"There's no need for that."

He's too busy taking care of Sydney to care whether I live or die.

Dawn scoffed at herself for being pathetic. Moving slightly, she realized the pain wasn't as bad as before. After handing the medicine to Helena, she said, "You should head back. I'm going to school."

Helena hesitated. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"The doctor said there's no bone injury, so I'll be fine, Helena."

It took some convincing, but Dawn eventually managed to send Helena home. As she got into the car, she couldn't help but feel a little melancholic.

She had lived with Austin since she was eight and had always been well-protected. Yet now, when she was truly hurt, the only one by her side was Helena.

However, there was no point in dwelling on it.

In the end, all relationships came to a separation.

Hers and Austin's just happened a little earlier than most.

After submitting some documents, Dawn informed her professor of her decision to intern in Northville.

The professor was taken aback. "Northville? That's so far. Didn't you say before that you couldn't bear to leave your uncle, so you were planning to work at his company? Besides, I'm sure he wouldn't be comfortable letting you go so far."

Dawn wasn't sure how to explain the situation between her and Austin. After a moment's thought, she simply said, "Austin and I aren't related by blood. I can't rely on him forever. And I'll be 21 soon—it's time I learned to be independent. He has no reason to object."

The professor nodded thoughtfully and sighed. "I know how much your uncle cares about you, even if you don't say anything. Everyone at school has seen it. Even now, he still picks you up and drops you off, worried that some guy might steal you away.

"But independence is a good thing. Consider it a learning experience. With your capabilities, you'll excel no matter what you do. I have high hopes for you."

Dawn nodded, chatted a bit more, and then left the school.

Her university life hadn't been particularly long, but just as her professor said, Austin had never stopped worrying about her.

Back in her freshman year, he had even bought an apartment near the campus just so he could cook for her.

However, that was the past.

He had someone he truly wanted to care for now, and he would spend the rest of his life with that woman. Dawn was nothing but an obstacle in their happy relationship.

Leaving his side was probably the best gift and repayment she could offer him.

Dawn had assumed Austin would stay with Sydney and wouldn't be home tonight.

As soon as she stepped inside, she saw him working on his laptop on the couch.

Hearing her enter, Austin turned to look at her. "You're back from class?"

Dawn paused before realizing that Helena must have told him she went to school.

"Yeah." She casually put away her things, hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Is Sydney okay?"

Austin frowned in displeasure. "Where are your manners? She's your aunt."

Dawn knew he was trying to reinforce their "relationship." Keeping her tone indifferent, she replied, "You're not married yet. A name is meant to be used—I don't see how that's disrespectful."

He clearly disagreed with her reasoning, but to her surprise, he didn't press the issue. Instead, he changed the subject.

"I was too anxious earlier, and I didn't control myself. Helena mentioned you hit the table. Is it serious?"

Dawn's fingers curled slightly at her sides before she relaxed them again. Lowering her gaze, she said, "I'm fine."

Austin didn't believe her. Helena had told him she cried from the pain.

This girl had always been tough—how badly did she have to be hurt to cry like that?

Frowning, he set his laptop aside and got up. "Let me take a look—"

The moment he reached out, Dawn instinctively stepped back. Austin's hand froze midair. He hadn't expected her to avoid him.

"Dawn?" He looked at her with a complicated gaze.

"I was too worried about Sydney earlier, so I didn't notice what happened to you. I'm sorry, alright?"

Of course. He was too busy worrying about Sydney.

Dawn felt a dull ache in her chest, but it passed quickly. Lowering her head, she kept her expression hidden as she said flatly, "I just bumped into something. It's not as bad as Sydney's fall. You should go take care of her."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah."

Austin studied her for a moment before finally relaxing.

It seemed like she was really fine. If she weren't, knowing her, she would have already thrown a fit.

He wanted to say more, but his phone on the sofa suddenly rang. Picking it up, his tone softened instantly. "Sydney, what's wrong?... You need to be more careful. Is it serious?"

As he spoke, he grabbed his coat from the sofa. "I'll be right there."

He rushed to the door but then suddenly turned around to remind Dawn, "Call me if you need anything. Don't run around."

Dawn watched as he got into his car and drove away.

The engine noise faded into the distance.

She sighed, and the pain in her waist flared up again.

At the same time, her phone vibrated inside her bag. Seeing Ethan's name on the screen, her nose stung.

She answered the phone with a trace of unintentional vulnerability. "Ethan, I got hurt."

It was the first time Ethan had ever heard Dawn speak in such a tone. He paused slightly, then came the sound of rustling.

His voice tightened. "What happened? Did you go to the hospital? Where are you? I'll have a friend pick you up ... "

His concern was unmistakable.

Unexpectedly, Dawn found his nervousness amusing.

"My waist hit the table, it's not serious."

She took a deep breath and her earlier emotions dissipated a little. Walking over to the couch, she sat down and added, "I already went to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor prescribed some medicine. No bones were injured."

The other end of the line suddenly went quiet, as if the man had finally breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm not there. Can you take care of my wife properly?"

The way the word "wife" rolled off his tongue made Dawn's face heat up. It sounded so natural and pleasant.

"What nonsense are you talking about?" she muttered.

"How is it nonsense?"

There was the soft sound of footsteps through the receiver, and then Ethan's voice returned to its usual lazy drawl. "Dawn, I'm really looking forward to the day of you becoming my wife."

Dawn was at a loss for words.

She and Ethan were too familiar with each other.

The sudden change in their relationship felt a little strange and a little ... thrilling.

She decided to change the subject and teased him, "You weren't about to hop on a plane and come find me just now, were you?"

Ethan fell silent for a moment before letting out a bitter chuckle. "That was my first instinct. It only just hit me that I'm across the ocean. I had a last-minute business trip yesterday."

Dawn had been joking, but it turned out to be true.

She wasn't quite sure how to feel. Something about it made her feel a pang in her chest. Before she could say anything, his voice came again. "I have a friend who runs a holistic therapy center. Go see her tomorrow. She'll take good care of you, and you'll recover faster."

"No—"

"Dawn, don't refuse me."

Ethan's voice was gentle but firm. "We're getting married soon. Taking care of you is my responsibility. Especially since I'm not there right now ... You can even get mad at me if you want. Understand?"

Since returning from Sydney, Dawn hadn't experienced this kind of care in a long time.

She sniffed and nodded.

Realizing he couldn't see her, she whispered, "Okay."

The holistic therapy center Ethan mentioned was in the city center. When Dawn arrived, she realized it wasn't just an expensive place—it operated on a members-only appointment system. Even if you had money, you might not get in.

The owner, Alice, was a stunning beauty and one of Ethan's college friends.

After Dawn's treatment, Alice personally escorted her to the door.

"Next time, just come straight to me, Ethan's girlfriend. No matter how busy I am, I'll make time for you," Alice said as her eyes twinkled with curiosity. "But in return, can you tell me the story of you and Ethan?"

She was dying to know.

Ethan had always been untouchable. Who would've thought he'd fall for a little girl like this?

After spending some time together, Dawn had warmed up to Alice. She liked this beautiful and straightforward woman.

Shrugging, she answered honestly, "There's no story. We're only faking our relationship."

Alice's eyes widened in disbelief.

She was about to press further when a surprised female voice cut in. "Dawn? It really is you."

Dawn and Alice turned around.

A man and a woman stood there with their fingers intertwined, exuding an unmistakable air of intimacy.

Austin looked around with a frown and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Before Dawn could respond, Alice let out a snicker. "What a funny question. She's here for treatment, of course. What else can she do? Sightseeing?"

Most people would be cautious about offending clients, but Alice had never been one to flatter anyone. She didn't make a living by catering to egos.

Her words instantly left Austin and Sydney speechless and their expressions shifted awkwardly.

Dawn wanted to laugh but found that she couldn't.

Austin had completely forgotten she was injured, yet here he was, bringing Sydney to a place like this.

His priorities couldn't have been clearer.

She was fine with it. It spared her a lot of unnecessary entanglements.

She tugged at Alice's sleeve and murmured, "That's my Uncle Austin ... and Aunt Sydney."

Alice raised a brow. Her sharp eyes instantly picked up on the unusual dynamic.

She smiled sweetly and said, "Oh, my apologies. I didn't realize you were her elders. I tend to be blunt—please don't take offense."

Dawn was used to it, but somehow, hearing the word "elders" come from Alice's mouth carried an unmistakable hint of mockery. Especially since Alice wasn't much younger than Austin and Sydney.

Austin's expression darkened. After a long pause, he asked, "Ms. Alice, you and Dawn seem close, huh?"

"Not really, but I'm close with her ... "

Dawn exchanged a subtle glance with Alice.

Catching on immediately, Alice smoothly changed the subject. "All my clients start as strangers and become good friends with me. It's the same for you guys when you come back next time."

Dawn sighed in relief secretly. Following Alice's lead, she added, "Yeah, Alice's skills are great. We had a nice chat."

It was only then that Austin seemed to remember Dawn's injury. She had said it wasn't serious, and he had promptly forgotten about it.

He frowned slightly and asked with concern, "How's your back now? Are you feeling better?"

Sydney, who was standing by the side, caught the worry in his eyes.

Her gaze darkened but she said nothing.

Dawn, on the other hand, had long since become immune to his belated concern. It neither moved her nor saddened her. She simply replied nonchalantly, "I'm much better."

Austin looked at her expression and assumed she was upset. He tightened his grip on Sydney's hand for a brief moment before letting go.

Dawn had a fiery temper. If she caused a scene here, it wouldn't look good.

Sydney lowered her gaze at her now-empty hand and couldn't help but clenched her fist in anger.

Austin didn't notice anything. He simply assumed the role of an elder and spoke in a firm tone. "Since you're better, go home and rest. Don't wander around too much. If it gets worse, don't come crying to me."

He put it as if she was the type to cry to him.

Dawn smiled and met his gaze. "Don't worry, Uncle Austin. That will never happen again."

The resolute look in her eyes sent a fleeting sting through Austin's heart.

He quickly averted his gaze. "Take a taxi home. I still need to stay with Sydney for her treatment."

Dawn glanced at him but didn't respond.

Instead, she took Alice's hand. "Alice, I'm leaving now. Let's meet up when you're free."

Alice caught her meaning immediately and her lips curled into a meaningful smile. She reached out, playfully pinching Dawn's cheek. "Of course. Bring him next time."

She was talking about Ethan, but Austin had misunderstood it.

Once Dawn was gone, his expression turned serious. Looking at Alice, he said, "Ms. Alice, Dawn is only my niece. Please don't play matchmaker where it's not needed."

Alice wanted to say something but kept quiet in the end.

Forget it.

It's good for a man to have confidence.

What's the point of exposing him?

She chuckled meaningfully and said nonchalantly, "Yeah, I must have been mistaken. Dawn isn't good enough for you. This young lady by your side is obviously a much better match for your temperament."

Alice had seen Sydney's reaction just now. She didn't miss a thing.

A confident man paired with a scheming woman. Perfect.

She was just curious about how Austin would react once he learned the truth. The thought of it made Alice look forward to the show.

With a dazzling smile, she turned and beckoned to a store employee nearby.

"I have something else to take care of right now, so I won't be able to entertain the two of you personally. My apologies."

Just as she finished speaking, the store employee arrived. Alice gave a few instructions with a straight face, then turned back to Austin and Sydney with her signature smile. She nodded politely before walking away, swaying her hips.

The moment she returned to her office, she recounted everything to Ethan.

She concluded, "Dawn's feelings for her uncle are really something else. Are you sure you've got this under control?"

It was already nighttime in Meriax. Ethan sat before a massive floor-to-ceiling window. The city lights reflected in his dark eyes, making them seem even deeper and more unreadable.

He retracted his long legs, which had been crossed atop his desk, and spoke in a low voice. "I'll wrap up my work here as soon as possible and go pick her up."

"Sounds like you're sure of your victory."

Alice licked her red lips. "I'll be waiting."

This is going to be interesting.

After hanging up, Ethan twirled his phone in his palm before sending a message to his pinned contact in WhatsApp. "Has your treatment ended?"

Dawn had just gotten into the car when she received the message.

She smiled involuntarily after seeing the notification.

"Yeah."

"Alice's massage was really relaxing. I didn't feel any pain at all."

"Thanks, Ethan."

She even attached a "best friend forever" meme at the end.

Ethan was momentarily speechless. After a brief pause, he replied, "If it works, go a few more times. She's got plenty of free time—think of it as helping her practice."

Dawn already knew they were close, so seeing his response only made her smile widen.

"She said that when you're back, we should go and hang out with her."

She said "we."

Ethan lowered his gaze and chuckled. His mesmerizing eyes shimmered excitedly.

They continued chatting for a while until Dawn's phone beeped with a low battery warning.

"You should get some rest. I'm going home to pack up a few things. Good night."

Once she married Ethan, she would be moving to Northville, so she had to decide what to take with her.

As for the rest, Austin and Sydney wouldn't want to see it anyway.

She'd have to deal with it first.

By the time she got home, it was already afternoon. Dawn plugged in her phone to charge and then began sorting through her things, losing track of time in the process.

Helena came upstairs to call her for dinner. The sky had already darkened by then.

She grabbed her phone and followed Helena downstairs.

"Mr. Osborne called earlier. He won't be home for dinner tonight," Helena informed. She then glanced at Dawn before sighing. "Ms. Dawn, why can't you just talk things out with Mr. Osborne properly? He didn't sound very happy. I think ... he's really upset that you didn't reply to his messages."

Dawn paused and checked her phone.

Sure enough, there were several missed calls and unread messages—all from Austin.

Without hesitation, she dismissed the notifications and said indifferently, "I just didn't hear them."

Helena, who had practically watched Dawn grow up, cared for her like her own child. She advised earnestly, "Ms. Dawn, you're still young. You'll meet so many people in the future. Don't let yourself get stuck on this and end up hurting yourself. It's not worth it, alright?"

Dawn knew Helena meant well. She wrapped an arm around Helena's shoulder and reassured her, "Helena, I'll be fine."

She had already decided to give up on Austin.

From now on, whatever happened to him had nothing to do with her.

After dinner, Dawn looked up the number of a charity library online. She planned to donate an entire wall of books.

Just as she finished making the arrangements, she received a call from Cecelia.

"Peanut turns one month old tomorrow. We're having a small get-together with friends. The big celebration will be at the hundred-day mark. You have to come, okay, Dawn?"

Cecelia had grown up with Austin and had known Dawn since she was little. They were quite close.

Since she had personally invited her, Dawn naturally had to go.

But, Austin will definitely be there too.

She hesitated for a while, then realized she was overthinking it.

So what if Austin is there? I don't have to avoid him just because he rejected me. It wasn't like I had done anything wrong.

So, the next morning, Dawn went to a nearby mall to buy a gift for Cecelia's child.

The venue was at a manor on the outskirts.

By the time Dawn arrived, many guests were already gathered in the main hall, chatting leisurely.

Most of them were acquaintances. Many were aware of the recent tension between her and Austin. The moment Dawn appeared, their expressions subtly shifted, and whispers spread among the crowd.

Sensing the change in atmosphere, Cecelia quickly walked over and took Dawn's hand.

"Dawn, don't mind these people. They just love to gossip. Come on, let me take you to see Peanut."

Dawn, however, wasn't bothered.

"It's fine. They're only stating the truth."

She and Austin had indeed fallen out because of another woman.

Cecelia observed her reaction carefully. Seeing that Dawn truly didn't seem to care, she sighed and admitted, "Honestly, I always thought he'd accept you sooner or later."

After all, she was a stunning young woman, one he had spoiled since childhood. How could Austin not be moved?

Cecelia couldn't help but wonder if Austin was truly devoted to another woman or if he simply never understood his ownfeelings.

Dawn smiled faintly. "Maybe it just wasn't meant to be. I won't force it anymore. Anyway, let's not talk about this. I got Peanut a gift. I hope he doesn't mind my taste."

"How could he?" Cecelia was relieved to see Dawn in good spirits and she playfully tapped her nose. "Peanut wishes you to find your true love soon and spite that blind fool of a man."

For some reason, at that moment, Dawn thought of Ethan. Her voice carried a happiness she hadn't noticed. "I already have found—"

Cecelia was about to press for details when another voice interrupted before she could speak. "What have you found?"

The familiar voice made Dawn's heart clench. She turned around and saw Austin's dark and stormy expression.

Had he heard that?