Chapter 4 We’re Getting Married Soon
83
s
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.” <fn3577> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? </fn3577>
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 usualzy drawl. “Dawn, I’m really looking forward to the day of you bing my wife.”
Dawn was at a loss for words.
She and Ethan were too familiar with each other.
The sudden change in their rtionship 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 ne ande 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 ast–minute business trip yesterday.”
Dawn had been joking, but it turned out to be true.
21:55 Sun, Sep 14 <b>d </b>
<b>e3 </b>
Chapter 4 We’re Getting Married Soon
s
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 ce–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, juste 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 rtionship.”
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.
21:55 <b>Sun</b>, <b>Sep </b>14 <b>d </b>
83
Chapter 4 We’re Getting Married Soon
s.
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 tter anyone. She didn’t make a living by catering to cgos.
Her words instantly left Austin and Sydney speechless and their expressions shifted awkwardly.
Dawn wanted tough but found that she couldn’t.
Austin hadpletely forgotten she was injured, yet here he was, bringing Sydney to a ce 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”e 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 nce with Alice.
Catching on immediately, Alice smoothly changed the subject. “All my clients start as strangers and be good friends with me. It’s the same for you guys when youe 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.”
O
Chapter 4 We’re Getting Married Soon
s
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 be immune to his bted concern. It neither moved her nor saddened her. She simply replied nonchntly, “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. <i>If </i><i>she </i>caused <i>a </i><i>scene </i><i>here</i><i>, </i><i>it </i><i>wouldn’t look </i><i>good</i>.
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’te 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 nced 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, yfully 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 y matchmaker where it’s not needed.”