The two of them laughed together. When Dawn went back to her room, she was still glowing with energy. Ethan was sitting on the couch, working. He lifted his head and looked at her. "What did you and my mom talk about that made you so happy?" "We were just chatting." Dawn came out after washing her hands, rubbing lotion on them. Her smiling eyes lingered on Ethan's handsome face. After a moment, she said, "I really envy you." "I know, right?" Ethan closed his laptop and reached for her hand. He tugged gently and pulled her into his arms, pressing a soft kiss on her cheek. "I envy myself too, for having such a beautiful, smart, and adorable wife." Dawn didn't move. She just kept staring at his face. Her bright eyes held many feelings—admiration, longing, and a hint of sadness. "That's not what I mean." Her voice softened. "Ethan, you don't realize how lucky you are." Ethan had the perfect background. A happy family. Loving, healthy parents. He grew up in a safe place, so his confidence came naturally. He was bold because he knew someone always had his back. Dawn wasn't like that. She had nothing. She survived by pretending to be stronger than she was. The light in her eyes dimmed. Ethan frowned and gently touched her face. "But now that you have me, doesn't that make you luckier than me?" His words pulled her out of her gloom. "Of course." She smiled faintly. Her eyes were misty. "You asked what I talked about with Mrs. Jackson? I'll tell you ... "She leaned close, her breath warm against his ear. "She reminded me not to believe your sweet lies. If I'm not ready, I shouldn't get pregnant. So what did you say yesterday? Not happening." Dawn had no plans to be a young mom. Her lowered voice carried a sensual note. Images from last night flashed in her mind. Ethan's gaze darkened. His Adam's apple bobbed as his hand brushed her waist. "Sorry. I got carried away last night. I'll be careful next time." Even though they'd already been intimate, Dawn blushed hard. Her calm act fell apart quickly. She tried to stand, mumbling, "A fault confessed is—ahhh!" Before she could finish, Ethan scooped her up in his arms. His husky voice whispered, "Guess I need you to test me again." ... Dawn realized something very real—once Ethan lost control, there was no stopping him. He was even worse than the night before. He coaxed, teased, and wore her out until she nearly showed up late for work. When she finally arrived, Linda glanced at her and teased, "Dawn, married life sure is sweet, but maybe slow down a little. Your dark circles are almost hitting the floor." Before Dawn could even feel embarrassed, a voice came from the door. "Ms. Porter, someone's here to see you." Linda stretched her neck toward the door, smirking. "Don't tell me it's Mr. Jackson. Did he catch me bad-mouthing him?" "Probably not." He hadn't said anything about coming over. Dawn couldn't guess who it was. She nodded and walked outside. To her surprise, it was Sydney. Sydney wasn't wearing makeup. She had on white sweatpants and a fur-trimmed jacket. Her swollen eyes made it obvious she'd been crying. At first, she looked ready to explode at Dawn, but she bit it back. She pressed her lips together. "Dawn, can you do me a favor?" "Me?" Dawn pointed at herself and raised a brow. "Sydney, what makes you think I'd help you?" What gave her that kind of confidence? Sydney's chest heaved, but she forced herself to stay calm. "I can't reach Austin. He's still sick. You don't want something bad to happen to him, do you?" After Austin met with Dawn last time, he went home and drank heavily. He never told Sydney what had happened. When she pressed him, he lost his temper and stormed out. Now, days later, he still wouldn't answer calls or texts.Sydney had a feeling it had to do with Dawn. She hated Dawn, resented her, but in the end, she had no choice but to come here and beg. Dawn's eyes stayed cold. "If he's sick, go to a hospital. If something happens, call the cops. Why come to me?"